Course Objectives: 100 Crime Scene Management
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Importance of preserving scene integrity and preventing evidence contamination.
Techniques for note taking
Recognizing crime scene indicators and contaminants
Provide an understanding of crime scene management and control - to include personnel
responsibilities and duties
Injury recognition, victims, first responder duties, and establishing possible suspects and
witnesses
Increase knowledge of evidence recognition, documentation and recovery and chain of
command.
Categories of photographic evidence, video record keeping
Crime scene documentation, sketching
Define search patterns, when and where to apply different patterns
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Goals of Unit of instruction
Build confidence in students who may enter the law enforcement field after graduation and prepare for
competitions at school level.
The overall objective of this training course is to stress that there is a proper way to approach and
document the crime scene. Proper documentation also allows the student to identify and use all
categories of evidence to aid in the crime scene reconstruction. It is designed to teach students how
they should properly approach a crime scene and help establish the proper foundation in the criminal
justice field.
Crime Scene Investigation 100
Teacher lecture and unit overview
Rationale
Crime scene investigation is critical to the criminal justice system. The role of the crime scene
investigator is critical in obtaining, photographing, and preserving evidence at a crime scene. An
understanding of crime scene investigation is crucial for the forensic scientist to further analyze the
crime and suspect.
Prior student learning
Safety and the scientific method, career s and history of forensic science
Estimated time for unit of instruction
10-12 hours of instruction, notes, and lecture. Unlimited time frame for learning and demonstrating
knowledge of Crime Scene Management
Essential Questions
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What procedures are implemented at a crime scene and why are they important?
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Why is it important to conduct a systematic search at crime scenes?
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Explain the different methods to conduct crime scene searches for evidence.
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Why is it important to maintain a chain of custody when collecting and preserving
evidence?
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What are important points to place on your sketch to ensure proper documentation?
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Explain how to secure a crime scene.
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What are the responsibilities of the first officer on scene?
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Explain the triangulation method and provide an example.
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Explain the rectangular coordinate method and provide an example.
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Explain baseline method and provide an example.
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Describe search patterns and give an example how they would be used.
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What is AFIS and how can it assist in an investigation?
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Explain CODIS, (combined DNA index system) and how does it assist in an investigation?
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Explain IBIS(Integrated Ballistics Identification System and how does it assist in an
investigation?
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Explain PDQ (international forensic automotive pain data query) and how it can
assist in an investigation?
How is Lombard’s principle used in crime scene management?
Examples of Crime Scene Management Vocabulary
Alternative light sources – High and low wavelength ultraviolet lights that illuminate fluids, blood
spatters, and fingerprints
Chain of evidence – A collection of various types of evidence that work together to tell what happened
and to place a suspect, beyond any doubt, at the scene of the crime
Crime lab – A scientific laboratory where all evidence collected at the crime scene is processed and
analyzed
Crime scene – The scene where a crime took place
Evidence collection kits – Kits which include containers, tools, and materials for collecting evidence at a
crime scene
Forensics – The science of identifying, classifying, and analyzing physical evidence related to criminal
investigations
Latent fingerprints – Fingerprints that are invisible and unseen without special chemicals or UV lights
Trace evidence – Evidence left at the crime scene, such as fingerprints, hair, fibers, shoe impressions,
and tire prints
Drug Chemistry – Determines the presence of controlled substances and the identification of marijuana
Trace Chemistry - Identification and comparison of materials from fires, explosions, paints, and glass.
Microscopy – Microscopic identification and comparison of evidence, such as hairs, fibers, woods, soils,
building materials, insulation and other materials.
Biology/DNA – Analysis of body fluids and dried stains such as blood, semen, and saliva.
Toxicology – Tests body fluids and tissues to determine the presence of drugs and poisons.
Latent Prints - Identification and comparison of fingerprints or other hidden impressions from sources
like feet, shoes, ears, lips or the tread on vehicle tires.
Ballistics (Firearms) – Study of bullets and ammunition through the comparison of fired bullets,
cartridges, guns, and gunpowder patterns on people and objects.
Toolmarks – Examines marks left by tools on objects at a crime scene or on a victim, such as a hammer
used to break a door or a screwdriver used to pick a lock.
Questioned Documents - Examination of documents to compare handwriting, ink, paper, writing
instruments, printers, and other characteristics that would help to identify its origin
Investigate- Derived from the Latin word vestigare meaning “to track or trace.” A criminal investigation
is the process of discovering, collecting, preparing, identifying, and presenting evidence to determine
what happened and who is responsible.
Misdemeanor- A misdemeanor is a crime or offense that is less serious than a felony and punishable by
fine or imprisonment of up to one year in an institution other than a penitentiary.
Felony- A serious crime, graver than misdemeanor; it is generally punishable by death or imprisonment
of more than one year in a penitentiary.
Elements of a Crime- Conditions that must exist and be proven to exist for act to be called a specific kind
of crime.
True Scene- (Uncontaminated crime scene)- crime scene in which no evidence has been introduced or
removed except by the person committing.
Cross-examination- Questioning by the opposite side in a trial that attempts to assess the validity of
testimony given under direct examination.
Arrest- Taking a person into custody in the manner authorized by law.
Criminal Profiling- Method of suspect identification that attempts to identify a person’s mental,
emotional, and psychological characteristics. Also called psychological profiling.
National Crime Information Center (NCIC-2000)- The FBI clearinghouse for criminal finger point records
and information on wanted criminals, stolen property and vehicle information.
Interrogation- Questioning person suspected of direct or indirect involvement in the crime being
investigated.
Field Interview- Spontaneous questioning at the scene.
Polygraph- Lie detector. Scientifically measures respiration and depth of breathing, changes in the skin’s
electrical resistance and blood pressure and pulse.
Non-criminal homicide- classification that includes excusable and justifiable homicide.
Macrophotography- Photographic enlargement of a subject to show details of evidence such as finger
prints or tool marks.
Cybercrime- Any crime that is committed or helped by the use of a computer.
DNA- Deoxyribonucleic acid. An organic substance found in the nucleus of living calls that provides the
genetic code that determines a person’s individual’s characteristics.
Forgery- Signing someone else’s name to a document or altering the name or amount on a check or
document with the intent to defraud.
Narcotic- a drug that is physically and psychologically addicting; examples include heroin,
methamphetamine, morphine, cocaine.
Mug Shots- Photographs of those who have been taken into custody and booked.
Ritual- Prescribed form of religious or mystical ceremony.
Script- a text file that contains a sequence of computer commands.
Simple Assault- Intentionally causing another person to fear immediate bodily harm or death or
intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily harm on another.
Scale- Used in sketching, determined by taking the longest measurement at the scene and dividing it by
the longest measurement of the paper.
Probable Cause- Evidence that warrants a person of reasonable caution to believe that a crime has been
committed.
Rigor Mortis- A stiffening of portions of the body after death, presumably due to enzyme breakdown.
Prostitution- Soliciting sexual intercourse for pay.
Rough Sketch- the first, pencil-drawn outline of a crime scene, which shows the location of objects and
evidence.
Statutory Rape- Sexual intercourse with a minor, with or without consent.
Street Gang- A group of individuals who form a social alliance and engage in unlawful or criminal
activity.
Suicide- Intentionally taking one’s own life.
Surveillance- the covert, discreet observation of people, places or objects.
Undercover- Using and assumed identity to obtain information and/or evidence.
Victim- The person injured by a crime.
Victimless Crime- Crime in which the victim is a willing participant in the illegal activity, for example a
person who bets.
Stimulant- Drug that peps people up; the most common is amphetamine.
Inference- a judgment based on reasoning.
Homicide- the killing of one person by another.
Genetic Fingerprinting- Using DNA analysis to identify a person
Admission- Statement containing information about the elements of a crime but falling short of a full
confession.
Battery- Actually hitting or striking someone.
Burglary- the unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft.
Circumstantial Evidence- A fact or event that incriminates a person in a crime, for example, being seen
running from a crime scene.
Civil Liability- a person’s risk of being sued. Anyone who acts under the authority or law who violates
another person’s constitutional rights can be sued.
Community Policing- a philosophy or orientation that emphasizes working with citizens to solve crimerelated problems and to prevent crime.
Corpus Delicti- the elements of a specific crime. Evidence that establishes that a specific crime has been
committed.
Engage students:
Show a video clip of a crime scene or part of training video. Have students discuss the procedures that
they feel are true to crimes scene investigation and those they feel are not true. Use discussion rubric
for assessment.
Key points for lecture:
I.
II.
III.
Process a crime scene
A.
Isolate and Secure the Scene/ Scene Size up for safety
B.
Check for victims and suspects
C.
Document the scene-what did you see upon arrival
D.
Search for evidence/identify and mark/photograph
E.
Collect and package evidence while maintaining the chain of custody
F.
Submit evidence for analysis
First officer on scene
A.
A-Assess the crime scene and assist the injured
B.
D-Detain the witness(es)
C.
A-Arrest the perpetrator
D.
P-Protect the crime scene
E.
T-Take notes
Secure the Crime Scene
A.
Look for signs of life
B.
Cordon off the scene (only allow authorized personnel in)
C.
IV.
V.
Bodies should be certified as “dead” by a medical examiner (ME) before being
moved
Survey the Crime Scene
A.
A walkthrough is performed by the crime scene investigator, the first officer,
and or lead detective.
B.
Record the initial observations of who, what, where, when, why and how
C.
Make a plan of action
Document the crime scene
A.
Record the crime scene and potential evidence with notes
1.
2.
3.
Notes-record the following data while at the crime scene(details are key!)
(1)
Date
(2)
Time
(3)
Description of location, weather, and environmental conditions
(4)
Description of the crime
(5)
Location of the evidence relative to other key points
(6)
Names of people involved
(7)
Any other relevant information
Photography
(1)
Nothing should be moved until photographed
(2)
Take photos of the scene and surroundings
(3)
Photograph entrances and exits
(4)
Use wide and close up photos
(5)
Use various angles of each piece of evidence
(6)
Use a ruler to show size
Sketches- draw a rough sketch at the scene(reconstruct a more professional one
later) make sure to include
(1)
Date, time, and location
(2)
Scale
(3)
Recovered items
4.
VI.
(4)
Important features
(5)
Accurate distance measurements of objects (from two fixed points)
(6)
A legend for the description of items
(7)
A compass designating north
(8)
Names of investigators, victims, and suspects
Videography
(1)
Narrate the video
(2)
Be objective
(3)
Record from different perspectives
Measuring Techniques
A.
B.
C.
D.
Triangulation
1.
For each piece of evidence being recorded, use two permanent objects
as reference points that are not likely to be moved
2.
The two reference points and the piece of evidence from a triangle,
hence the term triangulation
3.
Whatever object you are measuring to or from, use the same spot on
the object every time
Rectangular Coordinates-Baseline
1.
The simplest form of the rectangular coordinate system
2.
Using a straight line between two known points, items are measured
along the line and then measured perpendicular to the line (crosses or
meets at right angles)
3.
Inside or outside of a house, this line can be a straight wall
4.
For outdoor scenes, use a string or a long measuring tape as the
reference or baseline
Rectangular Coordinates- Grid
1.
Measure the distance of the items from two perpendicular base lines
2.
This technique is particularly appropriate in a room with perpendicular
walls or in the outdoors with perpendicular streets
Polar Coordinates
VII.
Measure both the distance and the direction (angle) an object is from a
known reference point
2.
For example, 40 feet from the edge of the house and 15 degrees east of
north
Search the Crime Scene
A.
B.
VIII.
1.
When searching a crime scene wear the following, if available, to minimize
contamination
1.
Disposable gloves
2.
Masks
3.
Coveralls with a hood
4.
Slippers/ shoe covers
Search Patterns
1.
Depends on the size and location of the crime scene and the number of
Investigators available
2.
Stick to one pattern and one supervisor
3.
It is better to collect everything and not need it than fail to collect
something and then need it later
4.
Spiral- May move inward or outward; best used when there are no
physical barriers and can move freely
5.
Grid- basically a double-line search; effective, but time consuming
6.
Line-(strip)- best in large, outdoor scenes
7.
Zone(Quadrant)- most effective in houses or buildings; teams are
assigned small zones for searching.
Collect and package Evidence
A.
Physical evidence must be packaged and collected before time and weather can
alter it
B.
Physical evidence- any object that can establish that a crime has been
committed or links a crime and the victim and the suspect
C.
The Golden Hour- the window of opportunity to collect time sensitive
information or evidence
D.
Each item must be place in a separate container, and sealed and labeled
E.
The most fragile evidence is collected and packaged first
F.
Different types of evidence require specific or special collection an packaging
techniques
G.
The body is property of the coroner or medical examiner; collection of evidence
on the body is done by that department
H.
Containers such as vials, envelopes, plastic bags, paper bags, canisters, and
cardboard boxes are good packaging devices
I.
Most items should be placed in a primary container and then in a secondary
container
J.
Trace evidence may be placed on a piece of paper which is then folded in a
“druggist fold” and placed in a secondary container
K.
Containers should be sealed with tamper proof tape, dated and initialed
L.
Each package should contain
M.
IX.
1.
Date, time and location
2.
Case number
3.
Agency and collector’s name
4.
Victim’s name
5.
Description of contents
Never package two items from two different sources or locations
Chain of Custody
A.
There must be a written record of all the people who have had possession of an
item of evidence, beginning at the time of the collection
X.
B.
Every person who has handled or examined the evidence must be accounted for
C.
Chain of custody should include
1.
Date and time of transfer
2.
Location of transfer
3.
To/from names
4.
Purpose of transfer
National Databases
A.
Crime scene investigators can submit evidence for analysis to several national
databases depending on the type of evidence
B.
Examples may include
XI.
1.
(AFIS) Automated Fingerprint Identification System
2.
(CODIS) Combined DNA System
3.
(IBIS) Integrate Ballistics Identification system
4.
(PDQ) International Forensic Automotive Paint Data Query
Compromised crime scenes
A.
Oj Simpson
B.
JonBenet Ramsey
C.
Enrique Camarena
Activities
Vocabulary- found in lecture and reading material
Notes
Criminal Investigation Book readings and questions
Room sketch- for homework, students will pick a room in their house and make a rough sketch of that
room.
Once brought back students will redraw the sketch and decide what to include in their sketch in relation
to this lesson of crime scene investigation.
Mock Crime Scene Investigation- students will work as teams to investigate crime scene. Each student
will have a specific responsibility assigned to them. Each student will submit a final sketch and a
hypothesis on what happened in the crime scene.
Assessments
Crime scene investigation quiz and key
Crime scene investigation review key
Crime scene sketch rubric
Discussion rubric
Individual work rubric
Research rubric
Materials needed for crime scene investigation
Computer based presentation- computers and rooms
Paper
Pen/pencil
Ruler
Graph paper
Training weapons, manikins
Clipboard
Compass
Tape measure
Camera
Latex gloves
Crime scene tape
Crime scene handouts-responsibilities handouts
Crime scene post lab questions
REFERENCES: Learning guides, lap tops, note, power points, assigned books and reading assignments