Investigating a Crime scene

September 5, 2012

1. Initial assessment

• Identify any hazards• Then make the area safe• Determine if a crime has taken place• Identify any victims• Identify any witnesses and suspects (and keep

them apart)

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2. Securing the crime scene

• Preserve the scene as it was found• Restrict access to avoid contamination• Protect the scene – from weather, public,

media (TV)• Common approach path ( single entrance)

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contamination

• The presence of small amounts of substance in another

• If one piece of evidence comes into contact with another, small amounts can be transferred

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3. Recording the scene

• Sketches• Notes• Photographs• video

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4. Searching the scene

• Systematically• Protective equipment ( also avoids

contamination)• Mark location of evidence

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Collecting fingerprints

• Why are these important?• 3 types:– Plastic – in a soft or wet substance eg putty– Visible – from eg paint, chocolate, ink– Hidden (latent) – from oil and sweat on skin

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Basic fingerprint patterns

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Taking fingerprints

• 1. Using ink, collect a set of prints using each of your fingers

• 2. Identify the patterns you see• 3. Collect some of the latent prints – using

carbon powder• 4. Can you match the suspect to the scene of

the crime?

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