Unit 3 Lesson 1: Evidential Considerations

Question 1

What are the three stages involved with the management of crime scenes?

Answer 1

• The discovery of a crime scene
• The protection and preservation of the crime scene
• The sequential examination of the crime scene

Question 2

Most fingerprints are made from what?

Answer 2

An individual’s sweat deposits.

Question 3

If you find it necessary to protect an item of evidence (at a crime scene) in some way or have to move an article, what should you do?

Answer 3

Note this carefully and tell the Scene Examiner. If a Crime scene manager is deployed, inform them as well.

Question 4

Name the various types of potential evidence available at crime scenes and how can they be preserved?

Answer 4

• Fingerprints: Avoid erasing or smudging fingerprints. Protect, shelter or move evidence if necessary.
• DNA: Keep items away from contamination sources. Use gloves and avoid coughing or talking over an unprotected item
• Shoe Impressions: Try to preserve the impression, avoid cleaning.
• Hairs and Fibres: seize clothing from victims, witnesses or suspects if able to preserve the potential fibre evidence.
• Marks: do not put anything in mark or replace anything recovered from a mark.
• Paint and Glass: similar to hair and fibres, crucial to recover clothing and footwear.

Question 5

Explain how contamination can impact upon a crime scene!

Answer 5

If visiting a crime scene or victim, avoid dealing with any suspect for that offence.
Take consideration when visiting numerous crime scenes.
Victims and suspects should be transported in different vehicles.
Keep the scene examiner/crime scene manager aware of any possible contaminations.

Question 6

State the phases of your initial actions at crime scenes.

Answer 6

APC

A - Assess: Preserve life first, assess situation as quickly and as carefully as possible.

P - Protect: protect the scene against people and the elements. Prevent loss of evidence.

C - Communicate: Report, engage, advise, investigate.

Question 7

State the entries you should make in your notebook at a crime scene.

Answer 7

• Time called to scene, and arrival time
• Persons present upon arrival
• Weather conditions
• Exact position of key evidence (eg. Bodies, weapons)
• Exact position of objects in and around the scene
• Signs of a struggle
• Location of keys
• Were doors and windows open or closed, locked or broken
• Foot impressions
• Marks left by a vehicle
• Rough sketch of crime scene
• Odours (eg. Cigarette smoke, perfume, aftershave)
• Lights on or off
• Details of other people involved at this stage, such as doctors or paramedics should be noted. This will enable any fingerprints, footprints or DNA they have left to be eliminated
• Time of arrival or departure of personnel at a scene

Question 8

State the entries you should make in a Scene Entry Log at a crime scene.

Answer 8

DR MAN;

D - Details of the officer keeping the log
R - Reason for entering crime scene
M - Movements/actions at crime scene
A - Arrival and departure (including the Loggists)
N - Names of personnel attending at scene

Question 9

Provide examples of health and safety considerations at crime scenes.

Answer 9

• Electrical, Structural and Fire risks within buildings particularly Cannabis cultivations being identified
• Incidents involving Chemical, Gas or Bio Hazards
• Body fluids, drugs and offensive weapons when searching persons or property
• Dealing with violent individuals
• Controlling large crowds, such as planned/unplanned protests, sporting events etc.
• Attending incidents related to natural hazards such as open water
• Operational activities during periods of severe weather