Crime scene and physical evidence Flashcards
APC
Approach, Position, Control
On approach, the officer should…
Look for suspicious activity at least half the time and distance from the incident location; utilize light and sound discipline; control breathing
When does the preservation of evidence begin?
Upon arrival to the scene
Flippo v West Virginia
Officers can enter a home without a warrant only to look for victims, suspects, or render aid
Mincey v Arizona
Crime scene does not equal exigent circumstances
Duties of the first responder
Officer safety; preservation of evidence; rendering medical aid; documentation should only be done once scene is safe
What is a crime scene?
Physical location where crime occurred; a place where potential evidence has been brought and taken; the starting point of investigation
Primary crime scene
Site of original activity; typically more evidence is yielded
Secondary crime scene
Any subsequent scenes
What are the most overlooked types of evidence?
Footwear impressions; tire impressions
What is Locard’s Exchange Principle?
No one can enter or leave a crime scene without bringing in or leaving evidence behind
What is the Golden Rule of evidence?
Do not touch anything!
How should you photograph a scene?
ASAP; take photos at eye level; general, midrange, and close up shots
Zone/sector search
Each team member takes a zone; usually for larger areas
Strip/line search
Personnel search up and down lanes until completely sesrched
Grid search
Two parallel searches offset by 90degrees
Inward spiral search
Starts at perimeter and works towards the center
Parallel search
Used when there are several members of the crime scene team; walk straight line from one end to another
What 2 qualifications must a sketch meet to be admissible in court?
Accurate representation of the scene; testimony must be given by a firsthand witness
Reasons to sketch a scene
To record location of evidence; to refresh personnel memory; create a mental picture for a prosecutor; corroborate witness testimony; supplement photographs
Birds Eye sketch
Simplest and most common; easiest for jurors to comprehend
Elevation sketch
Used when vertical plane is of interest; ex. Blood spatter on wall
Exploded/cross-projection sketch
Allows objects to be shown on wall and floor in same drawing
Triangulation plotting method
Most common; two fixed reference points to locate position of objects
Rectangular coordinates
Use two reference points at right angles; often used to locate objects in room
Baseline
Measurements taken along a single reference line; usually a string or chalk line
What are transient injuries?
Impermanent; temporary
