Unit 3: Crime Scene Processing

1. Unit 3: Crime Scene Processing 3.3 Documentation

2. SEARCH METHODS • Line or strip method—best in large, outdoor scenes • Grid method—basically a double-line search; effective, but time-consuming • Zone method—most effective in houses or buildings; teams are assigned small zones for searching • Wheel or ray method—best on small, circular crime scenes • Spiral method—may move inward or outward; best used where there are no physical barriers Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

3. DOCUMENTATION • Photography— • Sketches— • Videography—allows narration (non-subjective) to be included Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

4. Crime Scene Notes • date and time, • description of the location, • weather and environmental conditions, • description of the crime, • location of the evidence relative to other key points, • the names of all people involved, • modifications that have occurred • other relevant information

5. Field Notes • Spiral notebooks, case # and Date at top of page • Use Keywords • Write constantly-don’t commit anything to memory • Detailed notes • Time of arrival • Who dispatched to scene • Location description • Your observations • Who you spoke with • What you learned • Exterior Scene Exam

6. Photography • Photos are backbone of what forensics do • Photographs of evidence must be FAIR and ACCURATE representations of the subject in question • Photographs must be RELEVANT and UNBIASED

7. Photography • photos of scene and surroundings, • mid-range to close-up photos with various angles of each piece of evidence, • photos as viewed by any witnesses.

8. Photo Sequence • 1. Identify the scene-slate or I.D. card at start of roll • 2. Photograph from General to Specific • 3. Include Scales and Locator Symbols (symbols, location, and relationship) • 4. Complete Photo Log

9. CRIME SCENE SKETCH Date: August 14, 2005 Criminalist: Ann Wilson Time: 11:35 am Location: 4358 Rockledge Dr, St. Louis, Mo. N Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

10. Scene Diagramming • Diagrams support photographic documentation • Diagrams are illustration of the crime scene that accurately depict the scene • Sketched and measurements are not meant to be exact • Need to be true and accurate representations • Should help someone not at the scene understand what happened

11. Scene diagramming serves to: • Refresh memory/recall details • Support or refute statements • Help others understand • Prepare witnesses • Assist in event reconstruction • Provide basis for 3D models

12. Scene diagramming continued • Documents the true condition of the scene and evidence • It is the crime scene diagram that shows how the evidence is related

13. Crime Scene Drawings • inclusion of date, time, • scale, • cardinal directions, • reference points, • distance measurements, • names of investigators, • victims, • suspects, • and a legend (key)

14. Scene diagramming approach • Evaluate the scene • Determine diagramming requirements • Equipments needs

15. Scene Diagramming evaluation • Nature of the crime • Indoor vs. outdoor • Size-furthest item of evidence • Availability of landmarks/reference points

16. Measurement methods • Baseline: locate items based on their distance and compass direction in relation to reference point (best method what we will do) • Coordinate/rectangular: taken at right angles from 2 perpendicular surfaces • Triangulation: measured from two fixed objects or known points • Polar coordinate: Locate objects based on their distance from a reference point and angle of deviation from a 0 degree baseline • GPS

17. Measuring approach • Sketch layout of area • Moveable items first (evidence objects) • Detailed measurements second (doors and windows, permanent objects) • Overall measurements last (protection of evidence is first concern)