TYPES OF CRIME SCENES AND EVIDENCE
INTRODUCTION
At a crime scene, an investigator surveys the aftermath: an emptied cash register, a spot of blood, a broken window, an overturned chair, a half-smoked cigarette, a victim. The investigator’s job then is to bring all the evidence together to reconstruct the crime and tell the story of what occurred—while also preserving the integrity of that evidence.
In this course, you develop the skills necessary for criminal investigation by learning how to secure and process crime scenes, conduct surveillance, interview witnesses and interrogate suspects, and ultimately build a strong case.
This week, you start with the instigating event: A crime has occurred. What are the first steps you take when you enter the scene and collect the evidence?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students will:
Analyze a crime scene
Analyze the processing of evidence
Identify types of crime scenes
Identify types of physical evidence
Analyze challenges to the preservation and processing of physical evidence
CRIME SCENE RATIONALE
Criminal justice professionals abide by strict protocols for processing a crime scene, especially if it involves a homicide or suspicious death. Inappropriately handling evidence, inadvertently contaminating the scene, or failing to collect evidence can all negatively impact the investigation and/or prosecution. Professionals must be able to provide reasoning for their steps in securing the scene and collecting evidence, citing the legal and procedural guidelines they followed. For this Discussion, you practice that reasoning.
First, you justify your actions as a responder to two different crime scenes. Then, you analyze the impact of those choices on the chain of evidence.
To prepare:
Access the link for Crime Scenes 1 and 2 from the Learning Resources.
Work through the crime scenes to make your choices regarding the evidence.
Save or print the evidence log to use as a guide for this Discussion.
Post a response to two of the following:
Explain the rationale for your choice to enter either home.
Explain the rationale for how you chose to move through a particular room.
Explain the rationale for your choice in sealing the evidence bags.
Explain the rationale for your choice in securing the gun.
Explain the rationale for your choice in handling the computer.
Then, explain how both choices affect the chain of evidence.
LEARNING RESOURCES
Required Readings
Brandl, S. (2018). Criminal investigation (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
Chapter 1, “The Investigation of a Crime Download The Investigation of a Crime” (pp. xxvi–21)
Criminal Investigation, 4th Edition by Brandl, S. Copyright 2018 by Sage Publications, Inc. Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications, Inc. via the Copyright Clearance Center.
Brandl, S. (2018). Criminal investigation (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
Chapter 3, “The Role and Documentation of Evidence in Criminal Investigations Download The Role and Documentation of Evidence in Criminal Investigations” (pp. 36–57)
Criminal Investigation, 4th Edition by Brandl, S. Copyright 2018 by Sage Publications, Inc. Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications, Inc. via the Copyright Clearance Center.
Brandl, S. (2018). Criminal investigation (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
Chapter 4, “The Law and Criminal Investigations Download The Law and Criminal Investigations” (pp. 58–87)
Criminal Investigation, 4th Edition by Brandl, S. Copyright 2018 by Sage Publications, Inc. Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications, Inc. via the Copyright Clearance Center.
Brandl, S. (2018). Criminal investigation (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
Chapter 5, “Physical Evidence and the Crime Scene Download Physical Evidence and the Crime Scene” (pp. 88–134 only)
Criminal Investigation, 4th Edition by Brandl, S. Copyright 2018 by Sage Publications, Inc. Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications, Inc. via the Copyright Clearance Center.