Crime Scene Management Paper

Securing the Crime Scene

It is important to secure the crime scene to preserve the integrity of the scene and to prevent the contamination or destruction of evidence. Examples of why it is important to secure the crime scene include:

• To prevent unauthorized access to the scene, which could lead to the contamination or destruction of evidence.
• To protect the public from any potential hazards that may be present at the scene.
• To allow the investigators to conduct a thorough and complete investigation of the scene.

Possible Ways that Evidence Might be Contaminated

Evidence can be contaminated in a number of ways, including:

• Physical contact: Evidence can be contaminated if it is touched or handled by unauthorized individuals.
• Transfer: Evidence can be transferred from one person or object to another. For example, a suspect’s fingerprints could be transferred to a murder weapon if the suspect touches the weapon.
• Cross-contamination: Evidence can be cross-contaminated if it is not properly packaged and stored. For example, if a piece of bloody clothing is not properly packaged, the blood could transfer to other items of evidence.
• Environmental factors: Evidence can also be contaminated by environmental factors, such as rain, wind, and dust.

Methods for Documenting Evidence at a Crime Scene

There are a number of different methods that can be used to document evidence at a crime scene, including:

• Photography: Photography is one of the most common methods for documenting evidence at a crime scene. Photographs can be used to show the overall scene, as well as close-up photographs of individual items of evidence.
• Videography: Videography can also be used to document evidence at a crime scene. Videos can provide a more detailed record of the scene than photographs.
• Sketching: Sketching is another method for documenting evidence at a crime scene. Sketching can be used to show the overall layout of the scene and the location of individual items of evidence.
• Written notes: Written notes should also be taken to document the scene and the evidence that is collected.

Collection Methods

There are a number of different collection methods that can be used at a crime scene, depending on the type of evidence that is being collected. Some common collection methods include:

• Manual collection: Manual collection is the most common method for collecting evidence. This involves using gloves and other safety gear to collect the evidence by hand.
• Use of tools: Tools may be used to collect certain types of evidence, such as fingerprints or DNA swabs.
• Use of specialized equipment: Specialized equipment may be used to collect certain types of evidence, such as firearms or explosives.

Chain of Custody

Chain of custody is the process of tracking the movement of evidence from the time it is collected until it is presented in court. It is important to establish a chain of custody to ensure that the evidence has not been tampered with and that it is authentic.

To establish a chain of custody, each person who handles the evidence must sign and date a chain of custody form. The chain of custody form should also include the date, time, and location where the evidence was collected.

Repercussions of Failure to Protect Evidence or Establish Chain of Custody

If evidence is not properly protected or if the chain of custody is not established, the evidence may be deemed inadmissible in court. This means that the evidence cannot be used to convict the defendant.

In addition, the failure to protect evidence or establish chain of custody can damage the credibility of the investigation and the prosecution.

How an Investigator or Forensic Expert Differentiates Between What is or is not Evidence

An investigator or forensic expert will differentiate between what is or is not evidence by considering the following factors:

• Relevance: Is the evidence relevant to the crime that is being investigated?
• Materiality: Is the evidence material to the case? In other words, is it likely to have a significant impact on the outcome of the case?
• Authenticity: Is the evidence authentic? In other words, is it genuine and has it not been tampered with?

If an investigator or forensic expert believes that an item of evidence is relevant, material, and authentic, then they will collect and preserve the evidence.

Conclusion

Securing the crime scene and properly collecting and preserving evidence are essential parts of the crime scene investigation process. By following the proper procedures, investigators and forensic experts can help to ensure that the evidence is admissible in court and that justice is served.