Crime Scene Examination

Question 1

Objectives of a Crime Scene Examination

Answer 1

ESTABLISH if a crime has been committed

ESTABLISH the crime’s key elements and provide the facts for the basis of an inquiry

IDENTIFY the suspect and place them in contact with the victim or scene

IDENTIFY people associated with the crime

CORROBORATE or contest witness and victims accounts

CORROBORATE or exclude other evidence relating to the crime or incident

EXCLUDE possible defences

EXONERATE the innocent

VERIFY confessions and admissions

Question 2

Responsibilities O/C Scene (Crime Scene Examination)

BRUCCCEP

BRUC3EP2

Answer 2

BRIEFING staff on their duties

RECONNAISSANCE - Conduct a reconnaissance to gain overall picture of scene and test possible reconstructions

UPLIFTING, inspecting and ensuring delivery of labelled exhibits to the exhibit recorder

CONTROLLING, freezing and preserving the scene and ensuring it is safe

COMMUNICATION - Providing communication link between the scene and O/C Investigation

COMMON - Establishing a common approach path between police cordon and scene’s focal point

COORDINATING and overseeing the crime scene examination

ENSURING scene is photographed, fingerprinted and examined by specialists before searched

PLANNING a strategy for forensic examination

PROVING relevant exhibits in court

Question 3

What is a reconnaissance?
(hint: 1st)

What is the purpose of a Reconnaissance?
(hint: PAP)

What are the steps for conducting a reconnaissance?

Answer 3

• It is a preliminary or survey made to get an overall picture of the scene without disturbing the evidence.
  *************
• The purpose is to conduct an assessment providing information allowing you to make or formulate:
• a prelim reconstruction
• An appreciation
• A plan of action
  *************
  GATHER all available evidence - staff present/Prelim interviews from complainant and witnesses

CREATE a common approach pathway - look at undisturbed. Look for offenders route in/out and seat of activity. Extensions to scene and obvious evidence.

SKETCH the scene and briefly note anything of significance.

NOTE and be prepared to cope with anything that may damage or affect evidence

RECONSIDER the scenes boundaries - consider priorities of the scene exam

CONSIDER the placement of Hot, Warm and Cold Zones.

Question 4

What should a scene Strategy cover?

SHARP PAIL

Answer 4

1. Placement of Hot/Warm/Cold Areas
2. Protection methods for ensuring no contamination
3. How exhibits to be handled/packaged/labelled/secured
4. Starting place (e.g offenders entry point)
5. A logical and systematic search method
6. Likelihood of evidence deteriorating
7. Any specialists required
8. Individual tasks and area of responsibility for each member
9. Recording system to be used/exhibit inventories/schedule/jobsheets

Question 5

What steps should you follow to contamination risks? (Exhibit Handling)

Answer 5

1. Preserve and control the scene
2. Use stepping plates and adopt a decontamination zone
3. use protective clothing, masks/gloves/remove gloves between each exhibit
4. Use new Clean packaging materials
5. Keep accurate scene activity and exhibit seizure records
6. Keep records of personnel attending and examining scenes
7. Avoid examining associated serious crime scenes and the suspect. Use different staff to deal with suspects and victims.
8. Ensure exhibit integrity and continuity
9. Obtain elimination fingerprints/footwear/DNA Swabs when necessary from those who could have inadvertently contaminated the scene.

Question 6

What is the process for formulating a strategy?

Answer 6

CFC

• Conduct an APPRECIATION of available information
• Formulate a plan of HOW THE EXAMINATION is going to be conducted.
• CONTINUALLY review the strategy throughout