3 Crime scene investigations

A.K. Kapoor and Indelah Khan

 

Crime scene investigation

 

Tables of content:

  • Learning Outcome:
  • Introduction
  • Crime
  • Objectives of crime scene investigation
  • Steps in crime scene investigation
  • Summary

 

After reading you will be able to:

  • Meaning of crime
  • Types of criminal behaviour Objectives of Crime scene investigation
  • Crime scene investigation

 

Introduction:

 

Crime or criminal act can be stated as an act of misdemeanor, violating or breaching the laws, which makes the offender or wrongdoer liable to the punishment by the governing law. Criminal behaviour covers a wide range of anti-social activities ranging from acts of violence i.e. killing of people, robbery, theft, sexual offence, property related offences, forgery, cheating and drugging peddling etc.Criminal acts of such nature falls outside the range of social acceptance and anyone culpable of such offence and found guilty has to face the punishments.

 

The term ‘Investigation’ is a systematic enquiry, an examination related to some incidents and situations for the purpose of tracing required information. Thus investigation involves whole examination and scrutiny of facts, traces of information for complete investigation. An investigator is any person who is involved in the whole enquiry or process of investigation.

 

What is crime scene investigation?

 

Crime scene investigation is often the term relating to the process of discovering, collecting of information, identifying of evidence associated with the investigation of a criminal act or event. It is the systematic process of documenting, collecting, processing and interpreting physical evidence associated with the alleged crime scene, in an effort to conclude the truth following the analysis of event in question. The study of crime scene therefore is to identify, investigate and apprehending the guilty and present him before the law.

 

Responding to a crime-scene is a very crucial step in the process of scientific investigation of a case. Crime-Scene investigators and crime-scene specialists are responsible for identifying, securing, collecting, and preserving evidence which is handed over to the crime laboratory for further confirmation.

 

Objectives of crime scene investigation:

 

The primary objective of a crime scene investigation is, to find out the necessary evidence in order to nail the criminal or guilty and put an end to the crime. When a crime has occurred, the role of a law personnel or investigator come into force. The police employee or law personnel initiates by determining whether a crime has been actually committed. If it has been determined that there is no crime involved or if the crime is one pertaining the civil courts, law enforcement personnel have no responsibility. Therefore, a crime scene investigator’s task is to search for events, physical evidence employed before the act of crime scene, during the act of crime scene and after the execution of the crime.

 

GOALS OF CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

  • Determining whether a crime was committed or not
  • Obtaining pieces of information and evidence through legal mode.
  • Knowing modus operandi of the execution of crime.
  • Identifying and eliminating the suspects as a result of testimonial evidence.
  • Arresting of the prime suspect.
  • Presenting it before the governing law.

 

Who is responsible for crime scene investigation?

 

There are many stages in crime scene investigation. All support one another and each step forms an essential underlying link in order to capture scene of crime without disregarding each step. The first tier of investigative process begins with the first responder. This is typically the police officer who is dispatched to the initial scene.

 

Through the course of his/her response to and the examination and evaluation of the event, if the officer believes that a crime was committed, then that officer finds it necessary to expand his investigation through scientific and lawful mode. Sometimes crime and associated crime scenes are of the minor nature and can be handled by the first responder. Other times, they will necessitate the involvement of the special personnel, in case of some gruesome crime.

 

FUNCTIONS OF A CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR

  • Secure the scene of crime.
  • Sketch, photograph, video recording.
  • Obtain information in the form of physical evidence.
  • Draw information from the witnesses and suspects.
  • Search and Track the suspects, using the essential threads.
  • Testify in the court.

 

Classification of the crime scene:

 

A crime scene can be classified into primary and secondary depending upon the location of the crime act. The site of original crime scene act is termed as the primary crime scene and whereas any subsequent location associated with the crime scene as secondary crime scene i.e., surrounding area around the primary crime scene. For example, if a murder has been reported in the bedroom, then all the other adjoining rooms would be the secondary crime locations.

 

Other types of crime commited includes physical assault, theft and homicidal acts, etc., the situation of the scene of crime i.e., organized or disorganized, the place or the location of the scene of crime i.e., indoors, outdoors, vehicles, etc. where a crime had been executed and the kind of criminal behavior involved with the crime i.e., active or passive.

 

Identification and Utilization of Material Source and Evidence in Investigation of Crime:

 

The main goal of any crime scene investigation is to identify, collect, interpret and reconstruct all the essential physical evidence at the crime scene. A forensic laboratory examines the pieces of threads, which aids the prime investigator with the cues, in an attempt about to solve the cases.

 

The following are the various types of cues obtained from the examination of material evidence in the investigation of crime.

 

Corpus Delicti:

 

This is the determination of the essential object, body, charred remains of the crime scene or the evidence itself that describes that a crime has been commited and the patterns of the evidence leading to it.

 

Modus Operandi:

 

In criminology, the term is applied to signify distinct mode or pattern of executing a criminal act used by the assailant or the criminal. Criminals mostly have their own signature way or behavior pattern of executing any crime. A serial killer for instance have their own peculiar mode of killing their target. Burglars often gain entry inside the houses, using the same manner and techniques.

 

Linkage of persons, scenes, objects:

 

According to the Locard Exchange principle, whenever two objects comes into contact, a mutual exchange of matter will take place between them i.e. anyone or any object or thing entering a crime scene both leave something behind at the scene of crime and aswell as take something from there aswell. Linking of perpetrator to the victims is crucial and very common type of linkage accomplished by the use of physical evidence in criminal investigations.

 

Identification of the suspects:

 

Forensic examination is a process of steps: recognition, identification, individualization and reconstruction. Identification of a suspect is done in three steps that result in the determination of the source of item of physical evidence, which is then facilitated by comparison testing. The best example of a unique individualization is fingerprint evidence. Latest advances in automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS) and DNA databases (CODIS) allow single fingerprint or small bloodstain found at a crime scene to identify or individualize a suspect.

 

Identification and examination of unknown substances:

 

The identification and examination of unknown substances and trace evidence is a commonly employed incase of physical identification. Identification of drugs, poisonous substances and even bacteria such as anthrax serves as useful cues.

 

Reconstruction of a crime scene:

 

This is the final step in forensic examination process. The crime scene investigator is more interested as to how a crime occurred than individualizing the evidence at the scene of crime. The ‘how’ of the crime is more important than the ‘who’.

 

Providing Investigative cues:

 

Material evidence can provides first hand information to an investigator.Material evidence can frequently provide indirect information or investigative leads. This is the most important and significant use of material evidence in the investigation of any crime. Not every crime scene has individualizing physical evidence in a criminal investigation such as fingerprints, but every crime scene contains physical evidence that assists the investigator; for example a footwear impression that shows a manufacturer, size, type of shoe worn by a suspect.

 

Science and crime scene study:

 

Investigation of a crime scene is not simply a mechanical process, which is handled by the investigators ,to process and document a crime scene using step by step techniques. It is a dynamic reconstructive process that requires an active participation and making use of deductive reasoning by the scene investigator who must be aware of the linkage principle of the evidence, use scene analysis and systematic tools and techniques and be able to come out with the reconstruction of the scene. Investigation of crime scene is based upon the scientific approach, which is methodical and systematic. It is based upon the Locard exchange principle, logic and draws up the conclusion from the facts and physical evidence examinations to develop investigative leads that will ultimately solve a crime scene.

 

Steps to the scientific examination of a crime scene

 

Crime scene procedures:

 

Scene management:

 

Crime scenes can be solved by a teamwork and team effort of investigators of crime scene personnel and by the combined use of techniques and procedures recognizing the power of crime scenes, physical evidence, records and witnesses. The four distinctive but inter-related components of crime scene management are:

  • Information management
  • Manpower management
  • Technology management
  • Logistics management

 

First responding officers:

 

The first responders at a crime are usually police officers, fire department personnel or emergency medical personnel. They are the ones who take the first over view and detailed note of the scene of the crime. Their actions at the crime scene provide the basis for the successful crime scene investigation. They must perform their duties and remember that they link victims to suspects to crime scene.

The duties of a first responder are to:

  • Determine whether the victim or the assailant still present at the crime scene.
  • Search for and arrest the suspect if still on the scene.
  • Secure the scene and ensure no interference with any foreign object at the location.
  • Protect it with using the barrier tape and other means to secure the scene.
  • Note and communicate to the crime scene investigators all movements and alterations made to the crime scene.

 

Securing the crime scene:

 

The survey of the scene of crime is the preliminary inspection done by the crime scene investigator, having secured a proper plan in place. The crime scene investigator together with the first responder will usually perform this scene survey and collecting all probable evidence. The survey is the first examination or the orientation by the crime scene investigator.

 

Crime scene survey:

 

With the arrival of the crime scene investigator at the crime scene and the suitable plan in place, a thorough and coordinated investigation takes place. The crime scene investigator together with the first responder will usually perform this scene survey and collecting all probable evidence. The survey is the first examination or the orientation by the crime scene investigator.

 

The following steps and guidelines should be incorporated:

  • Make use of digital cameras, video makers and 3-D scanner for detailed documentation.
  • Make use of sketches and diagrammatic illustrations, where required.
  • Note any transient (temporary) or conditional (the result of an action) evidence that requires an immediate protection or processing.
  • Proper procedures and requirements should be followed for collection, preserving, packaging the evidence especially, if it is of biological nature.
  • Be aware of alterations or contaminations of these areas by the first responder personnel.
  • Record the initial observations of who, what, where, when and how. Assess the scene for personnel, precautions, equipments that will be needed and notify superior officers or other agencies as required.

 

Crime scene documentation:

 

Once the preliminary scene survey, of the crime scene has been evaluated, the condition should be properly documented. Documentation is the most essential lead-in the processing of the crime scene. The purpose of the documentation is to permanently record the condition of the crime scene and its physical evidence. In documentation of the crime scene, there are basically four steps for complete documenting are note taking, videography, photography and sketching and originality and innovation are very essential ingredient for this purpose.

 

Taking notes at the crime scene:

 

Taking down the notes makes for the important part of a written record of all of the crime scene activities. The notes are taken well before elapse of much time span, to prevent possible memory loss if noting down was delayed. A thorough note taking at the crime scene is crucial. The four: who, what, when, how should be specified.

  • Notification about the necessary date, time, technique of information and information received should be notified.
  • Arrival information. Means of transportation, date and time, personnel present at the scene and any notifications should be made.
  • Scene description. Weather, location, type and condition, major structures. Identification of transient and conditional evidence (especially points of entry), containers holding evidence of recent activities (ash tray, trash cans, etc.) clothing, furniture and weapons present.
  • Victim description. In most jurisdictions a body should not be moved or disturbed until the medical examiner has given approval, after which notes can be made of position, lividity, Wounds, clothing, jewellery, and identification (presence or absence).
  • Crime scene team. Assignments to team members regarding all the information from the beginning till the end should be properly handled.

 

Videotaping the Crime Scene:

 

Videotaping a crime scene has become a routine documentation procedure. Its acceptanceis widespread, due to the three-dimensional portrayal of the scene and increased availability of affordable equipment with user-friendly features like zoom lens and compact size. Jury acceptability and expectation have also added to the recognized use of video graphy in crime scene investigations. Videography of the crime scene should follow the scene survey. The videotaping of crime scenes is an orientation format. The operator should remain objective in recording the crime scene. Videotaping of crime scenes is a valuable tool that allows clear perception that is often not possible with other documentation tasks.

 

Photographing the Crime Scene:

 

The purpose of still photography documentation of crime scene is to provide a true and accurate pictorial record of the crime scene and physical evidence present. Still photography records the initial condition of the scene. It provides investigators and others with a record that can be analyzed or examined subsequent to the scene of investigation and serves as a permanent record for legal concerns. Photography of crime scene is normally done immediately following the Videography of the scene or after the preliminary scene survey.

 

There are three types of photographs taken to document the crime scene: over-views,mid-views and close-ups.

 

Overview shots are the widest possible views of the entire scene. If the scene is indoors, this includes:

  • Views of all rooms (not just the room where the crime seems to have occurred), with photos taken from each corner and, if a boom is present, overhead of the outside of the building where the crime happened, including photos of all entrances and exits
  • Views of the building showing its relation to surrounding structures
  • Photos of any spectators at the scene

Mid-range photos come next. These shots show key pieces of evidence in context, so the photo includes not only the evidence but also its location in a room and its Distance from other pieces of evidence.

 

Close-ups show any serial numbers or identifying characteristics. For these pictures, the crime scene investigator uses a tripod and professional lighting techniques to achieve the best possible detail and clarity –these photos in particular will provide the forensics lab with views to assist in analyzing the evidence. He also takes a second set of close-up shots that includes a ruler for scale. Every photo the crime scene investigator takes makes it into the photo log. This log documents the details of every photo, including the photograph number, a description of the object or scene in the photograph, the location of the object or scene, the time and date the photograph was taken and any other descriptive details that might be relevant.

 

Sketching the crime scene:

 

The final task in documentation of crime scene is sketching. The prime investigator and personnel should keep free hand drawing of the crime scene. Sketching of the crime scene is not difficult, but it requires some organization and planning by the investigator in order to assure accurate sketch results. Two basic types of sketches are made during the crime scene investigations: rough sketches or final or finished sketches. Twotypes of perspectives are used in crime scene sketches: overhead or birds eye view and the elevation or side view sketch. Proper lay out of the scene should be made with measurements.

 

Crime scene searches:

 

Crime scene search is an attempt to make note of essential items of evidence and is done to orient things before the documentation begins. After scene documentation completed, a more efficient and effective search method technique must be selected. If any new items of evidence are found, then they must be subjected to the same documentation tasks completed earlier. In order to determine the best method, an area of entire space should be taken into consideration. An experienced crime scene investigator will be able to recognize and adapt the search method that best suits the situation or scene. It is important to use an established method.

 

Most commonly employed search methods are geometric patterns. The six patterns are link, line or strip, grid, zone, wheel or ray, and spiral. Each of them is better advantaged for outside or indoor premises. Before any intensive crime scene search is done, care must be taken to instruct the members of the search party. Instruct members to delineate or label the found items without tampering them or moving them. With proper training, diligence, and care, no evidence will be mistreated during the search of a crime scene.

 

The search of a crime scene should never diminish or interfere with the other functions of the scene investigation, including the proper documentation, collection, and preservation of the physical evidence.

 

Following chain of custody procedures with regard to the evidence is paramount and can be addressed by restricting the number of searchers for and collectors of the evidence.

 

Collection and preservation of physical evidence:

 

After the completion of crime scene documentation and intensive search of the scene for physical evidence, collection and preservation of the evidence must begin. One individual should be designated as the evidence collector to ensure that the evidence is collected, packaged, marked, sealed and preserved in a consistent manner. Care should be maintain that no item of evidence should be left, lost, interfered. As such, there is not a particular chain that should be followed in order for the collection of the evidence, but consideration must be made to the nature or texture of the evidence. If items are moved and new evidence is discovered, documentation must proceed immediately. Most items of evidence are solid and can be easily collected, stored and preserved in the above manner. Liquid or volatile items should be placed in air tight, unbreakable containers. Wet, moist or living biological evidence can be temporarily packaged in non- airtight containers. It should then be allowed to air dry in a controlled environment and be repackaged with the original containers in new non-air tight containers. Each item should be packaged separately to prevent cross-contamination. The containers should be sealed and marked at the time of collection to prevent intermingling of evidence during transport to other locations. The crime scene investigator should always be aware of the types of evidence collected and determine the appropriateness and need for controls to be collected. Controls are especially important for fire investigations, trace evidence, blood and body stains and questioned documents.

 

Crime scene reconstruction: It is the process of determining or eliminating the events that occurred at the crime scene by analysis of crime scene evidence, the locations and positions of the physical evidence, and the forensic laboratory examination of the physical evidence. It involves the scientific crime scene Investigation, interpretation of patterned evidence at the scene, laboratory testing of the physical evidence, systematic study of related case information and the logical formulation of a theory.

 

Nature of Reconstruction:

 

Crime scene investigation is based upon scientific experimentation and experience of the investigator. It steps and stages follow basic scientific principles, theory formulation, and logical methodology. It incorporates all investigative information with physical evidence analysis and interpretation of reasonable explanation of the criminal activity and related events. Controlled experiments of possible scenarios of physical activities must be done to corroborate the hypothesis.

 

Conjecture:

 

Before a detailed analysis of the evidence is accomplished, a possible explanation or conjecture of the actions involved in the crime scene may be formulated.

 

Hypothesis formulation:

 

Additional accumulation of data is based on the examination of physical evidence and continuing investigation. Scene examination and inspection of evidence must be done. Interpretation of bloodstain and impression patterns, gunshot residue patterns, fingerprint evidence and analysis of trace evidence will lead to the formulation of a reconstruction hypothesis.

 

Testing:

 

After a hypothesis has been developed, additional testing or experimentation must be done to confirm or disprove the overall interpretation or specific aspects of the hypothesis. This stage includes comparison of samples collected at the scene with known standards, microscopic examinations, chemical analysis and other testing. Controlled experiments of possible scenarios of physical activities must be done to corroborate the hypothesis.

 

Theory Formulation:

 

A reconstruction can only be as good as the information provided. Information may come from crime scene, physical evidence, records, statements, witness accounts and known data. The information gathering processes described above and its use in crime scene reconstruction and as a result, allow its successful use by investigators.

 

If a crime scene is properly investigated with systematic methodology, then it will provide the means for completing criminal investigations and resolving the case.

 

Summary:

 

To reconstruct a scene of crime is necessary in tracing and narrowing down the chain of events, that leads to the criminal act. The crucial evidence play a pertinent role in linking the suspect to the victim and providing support or contradictions of the various elements of the incident. The following steps are incorporated in the investigation of crime scene:

  • Arriving at the scene by the first responding offices.
  • Documentation of the scene.
  • Processing of the scene.
  • Completion and recording of the crime scene investigation.
  • Crime scene equipment

References:

  1. Aric W. Dutelle, 2011.An introduction to Crime Scene investigation.
  2. G.Schiro,Collection and Preservation of Evidence.Forensic Scientist Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory

Web Link:

  • Glossary of Computer Forensics Terms –Pcr digital forensics.www.crimepsych.com/crimescene-basics-first-responder-forensics
  • Crime Scene Basics(www.all-about-forensic-science.com)
  • Julia Layton, 2006. acschool.orgsHow Crime Scene Investigation Works
  • Marilyn T. Miller,2010.cbds.org.Crime Scene Investigation

Suggested Readings:

  • www.nist.gov/forensics
  • J. Horswell, 2004. The Practice Of Crime Scene Investigation