Crime Scene Processing and Evidence Collection

This section details the Steps for Securing and Analyzing Forensic Evidence through the Seven S's methodology of crime scene investigation.

Definition: The Seven S's of crime scene investigation are: Securing, Separating witnesses, Scanning, Seeing, Sketching, Searching, and Securing/collecting evidence.

Highlight: Paper bindles are specifically used for drying out evidence during collection.

The mapping process for outdoor crime scenes involves:

• Establishing datum points as fixed references
• Using compass directions to map corners
• Marking evidence with perpendicular references
• Implementing subdatum points for detailed measurements

Vocabulary: Chain of Custody refers to the documentation of evidence handling and transfer between authorized personnel.

Example: When mapping a crime scene, corners are typically marked using compass directions (NW, NE, SE, SW) for precise documentation.

Crime Scene Analysis and Staged Scenes

This section covers Techniques for Reconstructing Staged Crime Scenes and analyzing complex crime scenarios.

Definition: Crime scene reconstruction involves forming hypotheses about the sequence of events leading up to the crime.

Common types of staged crimes include:

• Arson to cover other crimes
• Murder disguised as suicide
• Staged burglaries for insurance fraud

Highlight: All deaths should initially be treated as homicides until proven otherwise.

Key aspects of investigation include:

• Evaluating wound consistency with weapons
• Establishing victim profiles
• Analyzing prior behavior patterns
• Correlating witness statements with physical evidence

Example: In a suspected staged suicide, investigators must verify if wounds could have been self-inflicted and match the weapon found at the scene.