Action in Examination of Scene

Question 1

what is aimed at the examination of a scene

Answer 1

The examination of the scene is aimed at discovering and preserving:-

(a) evidence to establish that a crime has been committed.
(b) facts to prove the identity of the offender
(c) facts to use in the subsequent interrogation
(d) physical evidence and exhibits for ultimate
(e) physical evidence for submission to experts for examination or scientific analysis.

Question 2

what action should be taken in the examination of the scene

Answer 2

1. approach the scene with caution
2. avoid contaminating the scene
3. stand in a convenient position and observe the scene slowly and methodically
4. endeavour to reconstruct the crime
5. draw a sketch plan of the scene showing the relative position of exhibits
6. see that nothing is moved and that the scene is preserved in its original state
7. resist the impulse to form hasty conclusions
8. resist the urge to single out obvious clues and concentrate on them
9. take full notes
10. Consider household clues and the relevance of doors and windows open or closed, lights on or off, blinds or curtains drawn etc.
11. note and record every feature of the scene, see that no clue is overlooked, damaged or destroyed;
12. Always photograph items in situ before touching or removing same. Photographs preserve evidence
13. outline the position of important exhibits with chalk after photographs have been taken and before they are moved. Once moved it is impossible to replace an article in its original position;

Question 3

what should you consider at the crime scene

Answer 3

Consider

1. the motive; this may give a clue to the offender
2. how offender travelled to and from the scene
3. was the offender alone or would he have needed an assistant?
4. whether articles used, taken, moved or left at the scene indicate the presence, or sex, of more than one offender, e.g., cigarette butts, drinking glasses, cups, lipstick traces etc.
5. ‘Locards’ principle of exchange every contact leaves its traces
6. whether medical attention might be required by the offender
7. if there is a dead or unconscious victim, accurately establish the cause of death or injury, and the identity of the victim
8. fingerprint expert, photographer, surveyor, etc.
9. False Report.

Question 4

what should you search for when at the crime scene

Answer 4

Search particularly for:-

1. evidence and clues of all types
2. weapons or instruments foreign to the scene
3. weapons or instruments normally at the scene
4. articles left at the scene by the offender
5. evidence of articles removed by the offender
6. footprints, fingerprints, palmprints and glove prints
7. traces of blood, marks in blood, bloodstains on clothing
8. possibility of dirt, dust, grease paint, etc., being transferred to offender or his clothing
9. clothing, fibres, buttons etc., left by the offender
10. marks of shoe polish on walls or furniture, glass or wood splinters
11. car tracks and tyre marks.

Question 5

Where they may possibly be of value, take samples at the scene for subsequent comparison with similar substances likely to incriminate the offender.

Outline the kinds of samples

Answer 5

There are three kinds of samples:

• CONTROL
  
  • samples, which are unstained material;
• REFERENCE
  
  • samples which are comparison material; and
• SUSPECT
  
  • samples which are the materials or articles in question which may provide incriminating evidence.