Crime Scene Investigation

Any physical location in which a crime has occurred or is suspected of having occurred

• Forensics
• Accomplice
• Crime Scene
• Alibi

Person thought to be capable of committing a crime

• Forensics
• Evidence
• Suspect
• CSI

Any material items that are present at the crime scene

• evidence
• accomplice
• detectives
• police officers

Evidence can provide

• proof that a crime has been committed
• establish key elements of a crime
• exonerate the innocent
• all of the above

Refers to small evidence like hairs of fibers

• physical evidence
• trace evidence
• suspect
• witness

The first officer arriving at a crime scene, after providing or obtaining medical assistance for the injured and effecting an arrest of suspects (if possible), should immediately:

• photograph the scene.

• search for evidence.

• make a rough sketch of the scene.

• secure the scene.

A rough sketch does NOT need a

• location of walls, doors and windows in the building on scene.

• sketch of the suspect(s).

• compass heading designating north.

• date, location, and time of the incident.

Charred debris from an arson scene should be:

• thrown away with the other fire debris.

• packaged in air tight container.

• aired out before packing in plastic wrap.

• placed together with similar items in a paper bag.

The collection of standard reference samples at the crime scene is important because they:

• are obtained only from suspects in cases of violent assault.

• prove the continuity of possession.

• serve as a source of extra test material if required in the crime lab.

• permit comparisons to be made with the evidence.

The crime scene notes must accurately record:

• the tasks assigned each investigator.

• personnel arrivals and departures from the scene.

• descriptions of evidence present at the crime scene.

• all the above