L1: Crime scene processing

Question 1

state the objectives of crime scene observation [6]

Answer 1

1. establish elements of crime
2. establish motive of crime
3. maximise collection and preservation of evidence
4. establish sequence of events
5. link perpetrator to crime
6. establish identity of perpetrator

Question 2

roles of physical evidence [5]

Answer 2

provide investigative leads such as:
1. establish elements of crime
2. establish location of crime
3. link suspect to crime scene
4. reconstruct crime scene
5. find modus operandi of suspect

Question 3

2 broad types of physical evidence

Answer 3

1. those w class characteristics: material can be associated with a group of items that share same properties
2. individual characteristics: can be linked to a SINGLE source

Question 4

define trace evidence

Answer 4

any physical evidence that is very small in size eg. soil, hair, skin cells, glass, fiber

Question 5

define transient evidence

Answer 5

temporary evidence that can be easily changed or lost if not documented

Question 6

define conditional evidence

Answer 6

produced by a specific action or event at the scene

Question 7

define pattern evidence

Answer 7

physical evidence that form a particular pattern

Question 8

define transfer evidence

Answer 8

contact between 2 surfaces and involves transfer of material across the contact boundary

Question 9

what is Locard Exchange Principle?

Answer 9

“every contact leaves a trace”

Question 10

define ‘crime scene processing’

Answer 10

a systematic process of gathering evidence

Question 11

define chain of custody

Answer 11

documentation to trace the movement of evidence from crime scene to court

Question 11

define chain of custody

Answer 11

documentation to trace the movement of evidence from crime scene to court

Question 12

6 steps to crime scene processing

Answer 12

1. protection of the scene
2. recognition of physical evidence
3. marking of PE
4. documentation
5. collection of PE
6. detail search

Question 13

what info should be noted in the crime scene diary? [10]

Answer 13

1. activation [date and time]
2. location [address]
3. arrival date and time
4. taking over scene from who? eg. first responders
5. brief facts
6. description/observations of scene
7. role of team members [photographer, sketcher, fingerprint searcher, exhibit officers etc]
8. action taken [date & time]
9. scene releases [date, time, to whom]
10. departure date and time

Question 14

role of crime scene photography [5]

Answer 14

1. serve as permanent and visual record of the scene
2. used for follow-up investigations
3. used to refresh memories of witnesses and investigators
4. to be used as evidence in court
5. assist in fact finding in court proceedings

Question 15

what should you consider when taking crime scene photo?

Answer 15

• details included in photo shld tell a story.
• sequence of photos
• determine best viewing angle

Question 16

types of photos to take

Answer 16

1. general scene: show general view. include street or block details
2. mid-range photos: shows r/s of indiv evidence to other evidence. more details visible. can be linked back to overall general shot to show location within scene
3. close up: for key evidence. fill the frame with object of interest to maximise details. use scale if size is impt

Question 17

types of methods when drawing sketches

Answer 17

1. triangulation method
2. baseline method

Question 18

types of sketches

Answer 18

1. birds eye view
2. elevation view
3. exploded view
4. 3D view

Question 19

steps to draw sketches

Answer 19

1. start with exterior boundaries
2. followed by relevant fixtures
3. standard architectural symbols
4. evidence indicated by number

indicate compass direction
title, legend, not drawn to scale

Question 20

pros and cons for using triangulation method to fix location of evidence

Answer 20

pros:
- very accurate method
- better for long distances
- uses 2 fixed points

con: inaccurate if triangle is too sharp or shallow

Question 21

pros and cons of using baseline method to fix location of evidence

Answer 21

pros:
- simplest method
good for short distance

con: inaccurate if points are too far from baseline or not taken at right angles to baseline