(CSI) Crime Scene Investigations Module Overview

Crime Scene Investigations Module Overview

While many crimes are comparable, each crime scene is unique. Similarly, different types of evidence provide clues that can be generalized as well as clues that are very specific. In this module, you will learn the basic components of a crime scene investigation and how they are implemented. You will also learn various evidence collecting techniques, as well as how to properly document those items of evidence. Finally, you will learn about the legal issues surrounding the crime scene and what the legal obligation for each member of the investigation team involves.

Essential Questions

  1. How should a crime scene be secured, assessed, and examined?
  2. How is crime scene evidence collected and documented?
  3. What are the responsibilities of the responding officer, crime scene technician and the investigator?
  4. What are the various search patterns used at a crime scene when searching for evidence?

Key Terms

  1. Spiral Search - A crime scene search technique in which the crime scene investigator begins at either the perimeter of the room and walks in a spiral pattern toward the center (inward spiral) or begins from the center of the room and walks in a spiral pattern toward the perimeter of the room (outward spiral).
  2. Parallel Search - Crime scene investigators form a line and walk parallel to each other at the same speed from one end of the crime scene to the other.
  3. Grid Search - A parallel search is performed, followed by another parallel search 90 degrees laterally so that a grid pattern is formed over the area.
  4. Zone Search - The crime scene is divided into quadrants, or "zones". Each crime scene investigator is then assigned a zone to search.
  5. Chain of Custody - The chronological documentation or paper trail, showing the seizure, custody, control, transfer, analysis, and disposition of evidence, physical or electronic.
  6. Standard Reference Sample - A sample of known origin that can be used to compare to evidence found at the scene. For example, a piece of glass taken from a broken window would be a standard reference sample. Whereas, a piece of unknown glass found in a suspect's shoe would be a comparison sample.
  7. The Fourth Amendment - An amendment to the US Constitution which says a person can't be searched, warrants can\'t be issued and property can't be seized without probable cause.
  8. Responding Officer - The first police officer to arrive on the scene. They must secure the scene and administer or call for emergency aid as indicated to any victims who are not deceased.
  9. Crime Scene Investigator - An expert in crime scene investigation who receives extensive training in crime scene investigation, which encompasses the recognition, collection and preservation of all forensic evidence.
  10. Crime Scene Report - Documentation made of the crime scene and crime including notes, sketches, photographs and video. These reports should state only objective facts and observations with no biases, assumptions or opinions.
  11. Crime - An action or omission that constitutes an offense that may be prosecuted by the state and is punishable by law.
  12. Felony - A serious crime, characterized under federal law and many state statutes as any offense punishable by death or imprisonment in excess of one year.
  13. Misdemeanor - A crime, less serious than a felony, punishable by no more than one year in jail. Petty theft (of articles worth less than a certain amount), first-time drunk driving, and leaving the scene of an accident are all common misdemeanors.
  14. Infraction / Violation - A minor violation of law commonly punishable by a fine -- for example, a traffic or parking ticket.
  15. Evidence - matter produced before a court of law in an attempt to prove or disprove a point in issue, such as the statements of witnesses, documents, material objects, etc.
  16. Class Evidence - Material that can be associated only with a group of items that share properties or characteristics.
  17. Individual Evidence - Material that can be related to a single source or person, individualization always involves a comparison.
  18. Physical Evidence - Consists of tangible articles such as hairs, fibers, latent fingerprints and biological material.
  19. Direct Evidence - Statements or the spoken word from the victim(s) or witness(es). It is also known as testimonial evidence.
  20.  Indirect Evidence - Evidence provides only a basis for inference about disputed fact. It is also known as circumstantial evidence.
  21. Forensic Archaeology - A forensic science, is the application of archaeological principles, techniques and methodologies in a legal context (predominately medico-legal).

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