Forensic Science Unit 1.2: Crime Scene Investigation
My learning objectives:
(5) The student recognizes the procedures of evidence collection while maintaining the integrity of a crime scene. The student is expected to:
(A) analyze the role of scientists such as forensic pathologists and anthropologists as they relate to a homicide investigation;
(B) demonstrate the ability to work as a member of a team;
(C) conduct a systematic search of a simulated crime scene for physical evidence following crime scene protocol;
(D) apply knowledge of the elements of criminal law that guide search and seizure of persons, property, and evidence;
(E) describe the elements of a crime scene sketch such as measurements, compass directions, scale of proportion, legend, key, and title;
(F) develop a crime scene sketch using triangulation, rectangular coordinates, straight-line methods, and use of coordinates on transecting baseline;
(G) outline the chain of custody procedure for evidence discovered in a crime scene;
(H) demonstrate proper techniques for collecting and packaging physical evidence found at a crime scene;
(I) explain the functions of national databases available to forensic scientists; and
(J) collect and preserve physical evidence from a simulated crime scene.
(7) The student recognizes the methods to process and analyze trace evidence commonly found in a crime scene. The student is expected to:
(A) perform continuous and light emissions laboratory procedures to identify trace evidence;
(B) process trace evidence such as soil, grass, glass, blood, fibers, and hair collected in a simulated crime scene;
Objectives for the Unit Where can I find this in my journal?
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Conceptual
Describe the primary role of each of the following members of an investigative team: a.Law-enforcement officer b. Crime-scene investigator c. Detective d. Medical examiner or coroner e. Specialists
Differentiate between the duties of a crime-scene investigator and a detective.
Describe and discuss the top two priorities of a first responder at a crime scene.
Distinguish between a primary and a secondary crime scene and provide examples of each.
Summarize the main duties for each person involved in the seven steps of crime- scene investigation.
a. Secure the scene.
b. Separate the witnesses.

c. Scan the scene.
d. See the scene.
e. Sketch the scene.
f. Search for evidence.
g. Secure, collect, and document evidence.
Describe and give specific examples of how failing to secure the crime scene can lead to contamination of the evidence collected.
Explain the rationale for separating witnesses at a crime scene.
List several types of questions that an investigator might ask a witness to a crime.
Distinguish between scanning a crime scene and seeing the crime scene.
Demonstrate how evidence location is recorded using the process of triangulation.
Elaborate on the idea of"seeing the scene." Include in your answer: a. The types of photos that need to be taken of the crime scene b. The importance of a ruler being placed in the photo c. The reason for taking close-up and distance photos d. The importance of taking photos showing triangulation of evidence
Explain the role of a datum point in crime scenes. Include in your answer: a. Define a datum point.
b. Provide examples of items that could be used as datum points. c.
How are datum points used when mapping a crime scene?
Summarize how a crime-scene is designated. Include in your answer: a. How the location and size of the collection area is determined b. The role of the datum point c. How the four comers of the collection site are defined and positioned using a compass d. How the subdatum points are determined
Explain how a rough sketch of the crime scene is drawn. Include in your answer: a. How to use at least two immovable landmarks when measuring any objects b. How direction should be indicated on the sketch c. The role of using a scale on the sketch to indicate relative distance.
d. What other objects should be included in the rough sketch e. What information should be written on the sketch
Compare and contrast the various search patterns and the number of people involved, and indicate when each type of search pattern would be most effective. (Spiral, Grid, Linear, Quadrant)
Identify and describe methods used to document a crime scene.
Summarize Locard's Principle of Exchange and explain its significance in forensics.
Distinguish between physical and biological evidence and describe several examples of each type.
Compare and contrast class evidence and individual evidence and provide an example of each.
Distinguish between direct and circumstantial evidence and provide an example of each.
Evaluate which form of evidence is more likely to lead to a conviction: direct or circumstantial.
Analyze a crime scene: locate, photograph, and document all evidence.
Compare and contrast the methods of collecting and packaging: a. Liquids and arson remains

b. Moist biological evidence such as blood, saliva, and semen c. Dry evidence d. Toxic substances
List and describe the information that must appear on an evidence log.
Describe how the exact location of the evidence is documented within the evidence collection site.
Explain the importance of the chain of custody of evidence.
Analyze how the evidence examiners on television programs such as CSI process evidence as compared to the procedures outlined in this chapter.
Describe how a detective will try to reconstruct a crime scene using the documented evidence and any eyewitness accounts of the crime.
Elaborate on how detectives evaluate whether a crime has been staged.
Laboratory
Activity 2-1 Locard’s Principle of Exchange
Activity 2-2 Crime Scene Investigation
Activity: Hayne’s T-Shirt Lab
Reflection