Crime Scene Examination Flashcards
Scenes are likely to include…
the place where the offence occurred or where the body, property or
associated evidence was found
• the body itself in cases of homicide
• all people, whether living or dead, who are associated with the offence, as
these may be considered crime scenes
- any vehicles used by the suspects
- suspects themselves
- the victim’s and suspect’s home and workplace.
Objectives of a Crime Scene Examination?
• establish if an offence has been committed
• establish the offence’s key elements and provide facts for the basis of an
inquiry
- identify the suspect and establish contact with the victim or scene
- identify people associated with the offence
- exonerate the innocent
- corroborate or contest witnesses’ and victims’ accounts
- verify confessions and admissions
- exclude possible defences
- corroborate or exclude other evidence relating to the offence or incident.
Responsibilities of the Crime Scene Manager / OC Scene
- Controlling, freezing and preserving the scene and ensuring it is safe.
- Briefing staff on their duties.
- Coordinating and overseeing the crime scene examination.
• Providing the communication link between the scene and the O/C
Investigation.
• Ensuring the scene is photographed, fingerprinted and examined by
specialists before it is searched.
• Establishing a common approach path between the police cordon and
scene’s focal point.
• Conducting a reconnaissance to gain an overall picture of the scene and
testing possible reconstructions.
• Planning a strategy for forensic examination.
• Uplifting, inspecting and ensuring delivery of labelled exhibits to the
exhibit recorder.
• Proving relevant exhibits in court.
Scene Examination Process
- Conduct a reconnaissance.
- Formulate a Crime Scene Examination Strategy.
- Take actions before attending the scene.
- Conduct the formal examination.
- Take actions after the examination.
Purpose of a Reconnaissance
Allows you to make or formulate:
- a preliminary reconstruction
- an appreciation
- a plan of action.
Some Factors to Consider when developing a strategy
- staff availability and any limitations in time and daylight hours
- weather conditions and protecting the scene
- seriousness of the offence
- type and size of the area
- what communication, equipment, transport and specialists will be required
- logistics, such as meals and accommodation
- priorities (e.g. where to search first or deterioration of exhibits)
• power to search (e.g. is a search warrant under the Search and
Surveillance Act 2012 required?)
- the placement of the hot, warm and cold zones
- contamination risks
- staff safety.
Strategy Aims
- set objectives
- identify resources to implement the strategy
• appoint the forensic examination team, including a scene manager / coordinator
to manage the forensic strategy on a day-to-day basis and be
responsible for its delivery
- develop a scene examination plan
- monitor forensic actions
• ensure exhibit reviews are conducted in support of interview strategies
and lines of enquiry
• prioritise sequential examinations, including fast-tracking examinations
and standard submissions with internal and external forensic service
providers.
What is the hot Zone?
That part of the scene requiring examination and evidence
collection.
What is the Warm Zone?
A transition zone to enable scene examiners to put on and
take off protective clothing, access equipment and process
exhibits.
What is the Cold Zone?
A place within the outer cordon for meetings, meals, scene
guards etc.
Advantages of Stepping Plates
• they protect and cover evidence with minimum disruption
• paper or plastic has a large contact area and walking on it causes it to
move and damage potential evidence such as shoe impressions, trace
evidence and blood patterns
- evidence is difficult to see because it is covered
- evidence can be stuck to paper and plastic when its lifted, and lost.
