CRIME SCENE PROCESSING

Summary

The presentation outlines the procedures for processing a crime scene, from the arrival of the first responder to the release of the scene. It details the roles of the Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) team, including evidence collection, documentation, and preservation. The process emphasizes systematic searches, photographing, sketching, and maintaining the chain of custody for physical evidence. Key elements include protecting the scene, using proper search methods, and ensuring evidence integrity before final scene release. This methodical approach ensures crucial evidence is preserved and examined thoroughly.

Takeaways

• 🚔 Crime scene processing involves systematic steps to protect, document, and collect evidence to help identify what happened and who was involved.
• 🛑 The first responder is responsible for securing the crime scene, checking the victim's condition, and gathering initial information.
• 🔍 The scene of the crime operation (SOCO) team, a forensic evidence response team, is the only group allowed to enter the crime scene to prevent evidence contamination.
• 📸 The crime scene photographer documents the scene with photos in different views: general, mid-range, and close-up, before and during the evidence collection process.
• 📏 The crime scene sketcher creates a rough sketch using measurements from fixed points to accurately document the location of physical evidence.
• 🧪 The evidence collector gathers physical evidence, ensuring items are properly tagged, labeled, and stored in sealed containers to maintain their integrity.
• 🗂️ Chain of custody is strictly observed to ensure that all evidence collected is properly accounted for and preserved throughout the investigation.
• 🖐️ The fingerprint examiner follows a specific procedure for collecting fingerprint impressions, ensuring accurate identification.
• 🚶 The SOCO team conducts a final search of the crime scene to confirm that all evidence has been thoroughly collected before releasing it.
• 🏠 Once the investigation is complete, the SOCO team officially releases the crime scene back to the owner of the vicinity.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of crime scene processing?

The primary purpose of crime scene processing is to conduct a systematic examination to uncover physical evidence that helps identify what happened and who was involved.

Who is responsible for controlling the crime scene upon arrival?

The first responder is responsible for controlling the crime scene upon arrival, checking the victim's condition, surveying the scene, and gathering initial information.

What is the role of the Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) team?

The SOCO team is a forensic evidence response team engaged in the collection of evidence. They are the only ones allowed to enter the crime scene to prevent destruction, alteration, or contamination of evidence.

What specific roles make up the SOCO team?

The SOCO team consists of a team leader, photographer, sketcher or recorder, evidence collector, evidence custodian, medical officer, and fingerprint examiner.

How does the team leader contribute to the investigation?

The team leader coordinates with the first responder, records the time and date of arrival, notes weather conditions, and directs the overall investigation by conducting a walkthrough and briefing the team.

What methods are used by the SOCO team to search for evidence?

The SOCO team uses the strip search method, where they move slowly and at the same pace along parallel paths. They also search outside the cordoned area for additional evidence.

How is physical evidence photographed at the crime scene?

The crime scene photographer takes photographs of the evidence from various perspectives: general view, mid-range view, and close-up view. Markings are placed beside evidence, and scales are used to measure the size of physical evidence.

What is the triangulation method used by the sketcher?

The triangulation method involves measuring distances from the physical evidence to fixed, non-movable objects to accurately represent their locations on the crime scene sketch.

What precautions are taken when collecting physical evidence, such as firearms or blood samples?

Before collecting firearms, it must be ensured that they are unloaded. Blood samples are swabbed using a cotton bud and placed in sealed containers. Different types of evidence, such as bullets, are placed in separate sealed containers to avoid contamination.

What is the importance of maintaining the chain of custody during crime scene processing?

Maintaining the chain of custody ensures that the evidence is preserved and can be properly traced through each step of the investigation. This includes recording who handled the evidence and when, which is crucial for legal integrity.