Introduction

A. Forensic science begins at the crime scene.

B. Four steps of Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
1. Recognition—scene survey, documentation,
collection
2. Identification—comparison testing
3. Individualization—evaluation, interpretation
4. Reconstruction—reporting and presentation
Introduction
–Crime scene investigation is the meeting
point of science, logic and law.
–“Processing a crime scene” is a long, tedious
process that involves
–purposeful documentation of the conditions at
the scene
–the collection of any physical evidence that could
possibly illuminate what happened and point to
who did it
Investigations of Crime Scenes
– What is a Crime Scene?
–A crime scene is a location where a crime took
place.
– Crime scenes may or may not be where the crime was
committed.
– What is Evidence?
–Evidence, broadly construed, is anything
presented in support of an assertion.
–In chemistry, a physical property is anything that
can be measured or observed without changing
the chemical composition of the substance.
Evidence & Crime Scene Investigation

• The goal of crime scene investigation is

to recognize, document, and collect
evidence at the scene of a crime.

• Solving the crime will depend on piecing

together the evidence to form a picture
of what happened at the crime scene.
 Dr. Edmond Locard:
Every criminal can be
connected to a crime
by small particles
carried from the scene.

• Whenever 2 objects come in contact with one another, a cross-

transfer of physical evidence can occur.
• The intensity, duration, and nature of the materials in contact
determine the extent of the transfer.
Investigations of Crime Scenes
– Conducting the Initial Survey of a Crime Scene.
Questions responders Ask themselves
1. Is the scene safe to enter?
2. Does the scene contain a person who may
need medical assistance?
3. Do any hazards exist to emergency
responders?
4. Is a search warrant needed?
Investigations of Crime Scenes
– Conducting the Initial Survey of a Crime Scene.
– Precautions at the Scene.
1. Approach the scene safely. -First Priority
2. Be aware of discarded items that may be
evidence. -Weapons, hazardous materials,
3. Always secure and protect entry to the scene.
-atmospheric and or Dangerous persons
4. Are you going to need assistance?
-Notify Supervisory Personnel
Investigations of Crime Scenes
–Conducting a Crime Scene Search.
1. Prepare a narrative description.
2. Make notes for your written report later.
3. What are you observing?
4. Contacts-people interviewed/arrested.
5. Evidence found and recovered-Tagged(time and
location), packaged, photographed, all items listed
on a property page.
The Crime Scene Investigation Team:

• First Police Officer on the scene

• Backup Police and possibly a district attorney
• Medics
• Investigator/Detective
• Medical Examiner
• Photographer and/or
Field Evidence Technician
• Lab Experts
Seven S’s of Crime Scene Investigation:

1.Secure the scene

2.Separate the witnesses
3.Scan the scene
4.See the scene
5.Sketch the scene
6.Search for evidence
7.Secure and collect evidence
 1. Securing the Scene:
The first responding police officer must make sure the
scene is secure by first making sure all individuals in
the area are safe and second by preserving evidence.
1. Obtain medical assistance if needed
2. Arrest suspects
3. Isolate the area
4. Request additional needs for investigations
 2. Separating the Witnesses:
Witnesses must not be allowed to talk to one
another. This prevents them from working together
to create a story (collusion).
 Eyewitness Accounts
• Eyewitness Accounts by Victims or Witnesses
• Eyewitness accounts vary considerably from
person to person
• Eyewitness accounts can be unreliable and have
led to the imprisonment of many wrongfully
convicted suspects
– 87% of all wrongful convictions were a result of flawed
eyewitness testimony
– Patrick Brown. - 29 years for rape (he did not do it).
Freed 9/05/2023
 What is testimonial evidence?
Testimonial evidence includes oral or written statements
given to police as well as testimony in court by people who
witnessed an event.
Eyewitness accounts can be a useful tool in helping
investigators with analyzing a crime scene, but are not viewed
to be highly reliable. In addition, eyewitness identifications
(right or wrong) can have a big influence on the outcome of
an investigation or trial.
People are likely to view the same scene in different ways
depending on their positions, line of sight, familiarity with the
area, and other factors that can interfere with a person’s
ability to remember details.
What Effects our Observations?

Our Brains do not pay attention to all information around us.

Perception- interpreting information received from our senses
Perception is skewed by our emotions, state of mind, and prior
experiences or knowledge
Short-term memory – lasts only a short period of time. A few minutes
to 24 hrs
Long-term memory – what is transferred to our memory bank for long
periods. Days, weeks, months and years
 Memory Challenge
Directions:
You will have 30 seconds to view the next screen.
Try to memorize all 20 items you see!

You are NOT allowed to write anything down

You CANNOT talk to anyone else.
 Items to remember ...

Neuroscience for Kids - http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/puzmatch1.html

What do you remember?

You have 2 minutes to list as many of the items as you can!

How did you do?

All 20 – Awesome
15-19 – Great
10-14 – Pretty swell
5-9 – Could be better
4 or Less – Wake up
 The Innocence Project.org
• Created in 1992, the goal was to reexamine post-
conviction cases.
• When evaluating eyewitness testimony, the investigator
must discriminate between fact and opinion. What did
the witness actually see?
• The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
• The Green Mile (1999)
• When They See Us (2019)
• For Life (2020), Rectify (2013), Proven Innocent (2019)
 Did you know?
According to The Innocence Project (2008)
"Eyewitness misidentification is the single greatest
cause of wrongful convictions nationwide, playing a
role in more than 75% of convictions overturned
through DNA testing." Still, the criminal justice
system profoundly relies on eyewitness identification
and testimony for investigating and prosecuting crimes
(Wells & Olson, 2003).

What factors affect a person’s memory

and their ability to identify a suspect?

Source: http://www.helium.com/items/1276135-accurate-eyewitness-accounts
 Witness Factors
– Age may play a role in the accuracy of an eyewitness’
statement or identification of a suspect. Studies have shown
that when a lineup contains the actual culprit, both young
children and elderly perform well, but when the lineup does
not contain the culprit there is a higher rate of mistaken
identifications.
– The race of the witness may also play a role. The Cross
Race Effect (CRE) is a phenomenon in which people are
better at recognizing faces of their own race rather than
those of other races.

Source: http://www.helium.com/items/1276135-accurate-eyewitness-accounts
 Witness Factors
– The use of drugs can alter a person’s ability to recall
the events of a crime even after they are no longer
under the influence.
– A person’s memory of an event can be influenced
by other witnesses, investigators, and/or the media.
Investigators use open-ended questioning and follow
procedures for conducting line-ups to limit their
influence on a witness’ memory of an event or
identification of a suspect.

Source: http://www.helium.com/items/1276135-accurate-eyewitness-accounts
 Crime Scene & Suspect Factors
– A crime that is extremely traumatic for an eyewitness may
affect his/her recall of the event. For example, a witness
confronted with a weapon tends to focus on the weapon
rather than the perpetrator’s face.
– Someone who can focus on a perpetrator's face for a
minute or longer will tend to have a more accurate memory
than someone who saw the person for only a few seconds.
– Studies have shown that faces that are either highly
attractive, highly unattractive, or distinctive are more likely
to be accurately recognized.

Source: http://www.helium.com/items/1276135-accurate-eyewitness-accounts
 Crime Scene & Suspect Factors
– Simple disguises, such as hats or sunglasses, can interfere
with accurate eyewitness identification. However, body
piercings and tattoos increases the likelihood of an accurate
identification.

– The time of day in which the crime occurred as well as a

person’s view of the scene may affect what a he/she is able
to see. In addition, a person who is familiar with the area in
which the crime took place, may have a better recall of the
positions of the victims or suspects.
Source: http://www.helium.com/items/1276135-accurate-eyewitness-accounts
Crime Scene Challenge

– Now that your eyes and brain are warmed up, let’s test
your observation skills a bit more.
– You will have 2 minutes to study the photograph of a
crime scene on the next slide.
– Try to pay attention to details as you will be asked 10
questions about the crime scene!
– You are not allowed to write anything down until after the
time is up.
– Ready?
Answer each question below.
1. What color coffee mug was in the picture? Blue Red Yellow

2. When was the deadline? Yesterday Today Tomorrow

3. What time was on the clock on the wall? 10:40 11:05 1:55

4. How many sticky notes were on the whiteboard? Four Six Eight

5. Which of the following was NOT in the picture? Stapler Trash Can Printer

6. What was the name on the plaque on the desk? Bill Brian Carl

7. What color was the victim's shirt? Black Blue Red

8. How many plants were in the picture? None One Two

9. What was the color of the marker in the desk drawer? Red Blue Green

10. Where was the book in the picture? On a box In the trash can Under the body

Source: http://forensics.rice.edu/html/picture_begin.html
 3. Scan the Scene:
i. Forensic examiners scan the
scene to see where photos
should be taken. The primary
and secondary crime scenes
must be determined.
1.The primary crime scene is
where a crime actually occurred.
2.A secondary crime scene is in
some way related to the crime
but is not where the actual
crime took place.
 4. See the Scene:
i. A crime scene examiner looks at the scene. The
Photography Unit takes photos of the overall area and
close up photos with and without a measuring ruler.
 5. Sketching the Scene:
1.North should be labeled and a scale of distance
should be included
2.All important objects (weapon and body) should be
measured from two immovable landmarks
3.Any other objects in the vicinity of the crime should
be included in the sketch (ex. Doors, windows,
furniture, trees, vehicles, etc.)
4.Also include: Date, time, location, case number,
and names (Sketched by and Verified by)
Sketching the Scene:
6. Search for Evidence:
Spiral: Grid:

Linear: Quadrant or Zone:

 Evidence

• Direct evidence- first hand observations

(eyewitness account, videos, confessions)
 Evidence

• Circumstantial evidence- indirect evidence

that can be used to imply a fact but does not
directly prove it.
• For example: finding a suspect’s gun at a crime
scene is circumstantial evidence that the suspect
was there.

• The more circumstantial evidence there is, the

greater weight it carries. (Probability and
Statistics)
 Types of circumstantial evidence:
1. Physical evidence: synthetic fibers, weapons, bullets,
shell casings, paint chips, documents, imprints and prints
(shoes, tires, etc.), tool marks, soil, drugs, etc.
2. Biological evidence: body or body parts, body fluids, hair,
leaves or other plant parts, natural fibers, feathers, wood
3. Trace evidence: Small but measurable amounts of
physical or biological material found at a crime scene.
Examples: strand of hair, fingerprint, DNA, drop of blood,
pollen, gunshot residue
Evidence can also be divided into:

Class evidence: narrows evidence to a group of

persons or things can be used to exclude some
suspects
i. Example: Blood Type- can be A, B, AB, O. Finding
one type at a crime scene narrows down the
suspects to a smaller group.
 Evidence can also be divided into:

Individual evidence:
narrows evidence down to a single person or thing.
i.Example: Fingerprints, handwriting, DNA, and sometimes
physical matches.
Class evidence may become more individualized.
For example blue jeans. We may be able to narrow them
down by brand, material, size, colour, etc. If worn, they
might have rips or stains to help individualize them.
Determine the 3 types of
evidence for this example:
Which examples do you think could be individual
evidence?
 Importance of Evidence
i. Can prove a crime has
been committed and
set the scene for the
investigation.

ii. Can back up witness testimony or prove it false.

iii. Can link a suspect with a victim or with a crime
scene.
ii. Can determine the identity of people associated
with a crime.
ii. Allows investigators to reconstruct a crime.
 Use of physical evidence
a. Prove that a crime has been committed
b. Corroborate testimony
c. Link a suspect with a victim or with a crime scene
d. Establish the identity of persons associated with a
crime
e. Allow reconstruction of events of a crime
7. Securing and Collecting the Evidence
i. All evidence must be properly packaged, sealed and labeled using specific
techniques and procedures.
ii. Packaging Evidence
1. Metal or plastic forceps may have to be used
to pick up small items.
1. Plastic pill bottles with lids are preferred
containers for hairs, glass, fibers, and other
kinds of trace evidence.
1. Liquids and arson remains are stored in
airtight, unbreakable containers.
 Precautions at the scene
Types of Equipment Include:
-Tyvek white paper body suit.
-A Paper mask which covers nose and mouth.
-Eye Protection.
-Latex or Nitrile gloves.
-Sleeve protectors.
-Shoe covers.
-Hair net.
Evidence Collection and Removal

Types of Evidence Include:

-Fingerprints
-Footwear impressions
-Hair
-Fibers
-Biological fluids
-materials for DNA analysis
-Anything used to commit the
crime
Collection of Evidence

1. Done AFTER crime scene documentation and intensive search for

evidence
2. Evidence collector = one person given this job
--Why?
To ensure evidence collected, packaged, marked,
sealed, and preserved in CONSISTENT manner
3. Order of collection
a. no set order
b.depends on nature of the evidence
--example: transient, fragile, or easily lost evidence collected first
4. IMPORTANT: if any new evidence discovered, must first DOCUMENT
it before collecting
 Collection of Evidence
5.General collection guidelines
a.Most items are packaged in primary container, and then
placed inside a secondary container
b.Outer container
i.completely sealed at the time of collection with tamper-
resistant tape
ii.marked with: items contained; ID of the collector; time,
date, and location of the collection
c.Each item is packaged SEPARATELY to prevent cross-
http://www.fbi.gov/publications/leb/2006/april2006/page25.j

contamination
pg
 Collection of Evidence
Ways to package different categories of evidence
a. Biological material
--packaged in a dry paper bag (NOT plastic)
b.Trace evidence (hairs, fibres, etc.)
--packaged in small envelops or tins
--Druggist’s folds used as primary container = pieces of
paper folded around items to hold trace evidence in place
before placed in outer container

http://www.shenet.org/High/hsacaddept/science/jstdeni
s/Forensic%20Science/PowerPoint%20Presentation.swf
 Druggist’s Fold for Evidence:
Most biological evidence is stored in breathable containers
so the evidence can dry out, reducing the chances of mold
contamination. After the evidence has air dried, it is
packaged into a paper bindle (or druggist’s fold) then
placed in a paper or plastic container.
 Collection of Evidence
Ways to package different categories of evidence
c.Fingerprints --lifted fingerprints are attached to an
index card
d.Arson debris -- packaged in old paint cans or
mason jars (sealed glass jar)
e.Castings --packaged in a box with cushioning

http://www.shenet.org/High/hsacaddept/science/jstdeni
s/Forensic%20Science/PowerPoint%20Presentation.swf
Preservation of Evidence

– From the Crime

Scene….

– To the courtroom.
Computer Crimes Evidence
– Seizure of Devices Containing Electronic Evidence:
– Cellular Telephones
– Computers
– Media Players such as Ipods or (Purchased MP3 Player from store
are approved.)
– Corrections staff seizing electronic evidence should
handle evidence as little as possible and under no
circumstances should staff turn these devices on or
attempt to extract information form them.
 Control Samples:
Control samples should also be taken from the victim for
purposes of exclusion (blood, hair, etc.)

Standard/Reference Sample- Physical evidence whose

origin is known, such as blood or hair from a suspect,
that can be compared to crime-scene evidence.
 Evidence Log & Chain of Custody

• Each person who comes

in contact with a piece of
evidence must use proper
procedure and protocol in
order to maintain
responsible handling of
evidence from crime
scene to courtroom in
order for the evidence to
be admissible in court.
Packaging
All packages should contain the following information:
1. Description of the item – use generic terms,
not slang
2. Where it was found
3. Person’s name and number (if applicable)
4. Date and time found
5. Name of staff seizing the item

PAPERWORK ATTACHED TO PACKAGING IS NOT ENOUGH!!

 Legal Considerations:

a.Any removal of evidence from a crime scene

must be in accordance with the Fourth
Amendment.
 Legal Considerations:

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses,

papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and
seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue,
but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation,
and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the
persons or things to be seized.”
A warrantless search can be conducted:

• under emergency circumstances (danger to life or

limb)
• if there is immediate danger of the loss or
destruction of evidence
• if there is probable cause — the search of a
person and their immediate property in
conjunction with a lawful arrest
• with the consent of the involved parties
Chain of Custody for Evidence
– The Chain of Custody requires three Types of Testimony:

1. Testimony that a piece of evidence is what it

purports to be
2. Testimony of continuous possession by each
individual
3. Testimony by each person who had possession
that the particular piece of evidence remained in
substantially the same condition from possession
of one person to another
Overview
– Finishing processing:
– Final survey is a review of all aspects of the search
– Discuss he search with all personnel
– Photograph the scene showing the final condition
– Ensure all evidence is secured
– Ensure all equipment is retrieved
– Ensure hiding places or difficult access areas have not
been overlooked
Overview
– Release:
– Release the crime scene after the final survey
– Crime scene release documentation should include the
time and date of release, to whom released, and by
whom released
– Ensure that the evidence is collected according to legal
requirements, documented, policy and marked for
identification
– Consider the need for specialists such as a blood-pattern
analyst or a medical examiner to observe the scene before
it is released
Overview
– Release:
– Once the scene has been released reentry may require a
warrant
– The scene should be released only when all personnel are
satisfied that the scene was searched correctly and
completely
– Only the person in charge should release the scene
 Analyze the Evidence:
a.A forensic lab processes all evidence the crime
scene investigation team collected.
b.Forensic lab technicians are specialized and
process one type of evidence, unlike CSI TV
shows where they may process many.
 Crime Scene Reconstruction:
Crime scene reconstruction allows the detectives to form a
hypothesis of the sequence of events from before the crime
was committed through its commission.