Module 2 Crime Scenes Flashcards
Primary Crime Scene
Where the crime actually occurred
Secondary Crime Scene
Related to the crime, but not the exact location; created by acts that follow the original crime
Macroscopic Crime Scene
Context or larger setting of a crime scene; an overall view of the larger scene
ie a murder occurring in a bathroom, the house as a whole would be macroscopic
Microscopic Crime Scene
Pinpoint setting of a crime, such as an individual room
Elimination Samples
Samples that are collected from people who enter the scene, such as paramedics or firemen
-Critical for sorting out which evidence is (ir)relevant
Walk-through
First surgery of a scene; used to determine how much of the area needs to be secured
Types of Documentation
-Note taking
-Sketching
-Photography
-Videography
-Crime scene measurement/mapping
Angles used in Sketches
Triangulation, Baseline and Polar Coordinates
Types of Geometric Search Patterns
Line, Grid, Zone, Wheel, Spiral, Link
What is the typical use of each geometric pattern search?
Link—Smaller scenes where linkage is easy to follow
Line&Grid—Large outdoor scenes
Zone—Scenes with defined zones
Wheel—Specialized;smaller scenes
Spiral—Scenes without physical barriers
Chain of Custody
A process that tracks the movement of evidence through its collection, safeguarding, and analysis lifecycle by documenting each person who handled the evidence, the date/time it was collected or transferred, and the purpose for the transfer
Control Samples
Not thought to be related to the event, but necessary for proper interpretation
Linkage of persons, scenes, or objects is based on….
Locard’s exchange principle
Duties of the First Responder include…
-Approach and enter scene
-Check for immediate threats
-Provide emergency care
-Control people at the scene
-Establish preliminary boundaries
-Document their actions
-Turn over control to lead investigator
Baseline sketching…
Uses a line between two fixed points, measuring evidence at right angles to the lines
Forensic Mapping
Practice of using laser scanners and surveying equipment to compile a crime scene map
Steps of CSI
- First Response
- Initial Assessment & Searching
- Collection & Processing
- Final Assessment
What should a first responder include when establishing boundaries?
-Primary scene
-Secondary scene(s)
-Points of entry & exit
-Places where victim or evidence may have been moved
-Any other reasonable location that the culprit engaged with
What is the purpose of a command post?
-Holding area for tools and equipment
-Rest area
-Place for sharing information, assigning tasks, and dispatching specialists
Explain the preliminary assessment
Build context:
-Speak with first responders
-Evaluate boundaries and safety needs
-Choose scene paths
Explain questions that arise during the formal walkthrough.
-What crime, if any, has been committed?
-What are the potential points of entry/exit? Are they open or (un)locked?
-Is anything damaged or out of place? Could there have been a struggle?
-What are signs of activity? ie meals, lights, tv, etc
-What are date and time indicators? ie mail, rotten food, etc
Explain what questions should be asked before scene processing.
-What areas should be prioritized?
-What tools/tests will be used?
-Do I need a specialist?
-Should different scene boundaries be chosen?
-What search method will be used?
-How should the task be divided?
Types of documentation
-Logs
-Notes
-Photography
-Sketches
-Video
What do crime scene log forms document?
-Entry/exit of every person on the crime scene
-All evidence recovered from the scene
-Photographs taken at the scene
