RI LEO Official Manual: Crime Scene Investigation

Question 1

Arrival at a crime scene, the investigating officer should;

Answer 1

make initial survey of the area and establish if a crime has been committed and what that crime is. Ascertain the best method to search the scene, and note of anything missing or added, along with if the evidence has been moved or touched.

Question 2

The three methods of documenting a crime scene are:

Answer 2

Field notes, Photography/video, sketching.

Question 3

Field notes are?

Answer 3

documented observations that must support the systematic examination of the crime scene. The field note may become part of permanent record of the case in manners of follow up, report writing, and prosecution of the case.

Question 4

At a crime scene, how many sets of photographs are generally taken and what is their procedure reason?

Answer 4

There are generally 2 sets. A preliminary set showing crime scene without markers or scales. Then a second set with the markers and scales etc.

Question 5

The video/photographs must include what type of documentation?

Answer 5

The entire area of the crime scene. Entry/exit. Victims injuries, Original location of stolen items. Close-ups of individual evidence. Exterior of the crime scene/general neighborhood of the scene. Color photographs of evidence (bloodstains or body).

Question 6

What should a field sketch at a crime scene include?

Answer 6

EVERY item at a crime scene (tables/chairs/windows). All measurements. Time/date of sketch. Case#/ Classification. Name/signature of person preparing the sketch. Name of assisting. Compass direction. Landmarks for outdoor crimes and orienting data for interior crimes (addresses, position of building)

Question 7

According to the RI LEO Official Manuel, how many officers should handle the collection of evidence at a crime scene?

Answer 7

At least 2 officers.

Question 8

According to the RI LEO Official Manuel; What is the procedure with collecting evidence?

Answer 8

1)Must be examined and record ID features (color, shape, serial#). The location where it was found. 2)Each item to be marked with case #, time/date, and initials of officer handling the item. Items that can’t be marked must be put into containers.

Question 9

Evidence shown at a trial to be linked with the crime, must show the chain of custody as each person must be prepared to testify; when/how the evidence came to them, what they did with it (when,why, how) and whom they delivered it to, while the prosecution is required to prove that …..?

Answer 9

“in all reasonable probability” there has been no tampering of the evidence.

Question 10

Guidelines for preservation of chain of custody are;

Answer 10

Restrict amount of people touching it. Notify its location to the responsible case investigator prior to it documented (pics, measurements ect) and moved. ID the evidence with dates/initials. Package to avoid breakage, loss, evaporation. Store in locked area with limited access. Transmit evidence personally (receipt attached to property records). Whom it was transferred to (initials/date/time on the container.)

Question 11

According to the RI LEO Official Manuel; Transporting physical evidence to a laboratory, prosecutors office, or courtroom is the responsibility of?

Answer 11

The Investigator who found the evidence.