Essay about Homicide Investigation Collecting Evidence

Why is it important to secure the crime scene? What do you think would be the most difficult part of doing this?

By now the crime scene has been labeled a homicide and detectives have been dispatched to the scene. When the detectives arrive the lead officer will then provide a detailed crime scene briefing to the detective in charge of the scene. This briefing will be the only opportunity for the detective to receive the initial aspects of the crime scene prior to subsequent investigation. Since the crime scene and any/all evidence collected are the key factors in making a case, the crime scene must be documented as soon as possible including, appearance and condition of the scene upon arrival, lights on/off, shades up/down, doors, windows open/closed, any unusual smells, ice, liquids, weather conditions, temperature, and any personal items that may have been left behind. Once the lead detective has been briefed and evaluates the scene him/herself, he/she will then need to determine if consent to search and/or obtaining a search warrant is needed. The scene assessment allows the lead detective

Upon arriving to the crime scenes, the first responder would secure the scene to make sure the scene was safe. Safety is the first priority when going to a possible crime scene (Young, 2011). While officers search the area for a suspect another officer will obtain the preliminary information from the witnesses. Once the scene is secure the forensic team and investigators are notified (Young, 2011).

In the previous session, I had done a major scene management workshop, in this workshop I had observed a crime scene, taken notes and sketches and also done a forensic strategy. The strategy focused on what evidence I would collect, why I would collect it and in what order, and finally if any experts would be needed. This will help in today’s session in terms of planning a forensic strategy and aiding in terms of what to do with any potential evidence found and if any experts maybe needed.

Processing a crime scene is in fact a slow and hardworking process that requires exquisite care, since you can reveal important clues to the motive, method and suspect

The purpose of this project is to provide the reader of this paper with a descriptive analysis of an episode of Crime Scene Investigations (C.S.I.). The intent is to show what is provided by the television series of what happens in a crime and what is supposed to happen during a crime scene investigation. The reader should be able to understand during this analysis to what in fact is non-realistic in this television episode and what is reality as determined by what has been researched. This will show what really happens in a crime scene investigations lab.

Properly handling evidence is critical to crime solving, improper deviations to the handling can make it impossible to prosecute using the evidence collected. This paper will outline will track the evidence from a chosen crime scene through all the proper handling processes. This paper will describe the chosen crime scene scenario, describe the collected evidence and proper collection, recording of the evidence, chain of evidence, processing, interpretation methods, preservation of the evidence, proper presentation methods for different types of evidence, and the consequences of mishandling the evidence collected.

Propose one (1) strategy that criminal investigators should take in order to conduct and contrast the key differences in reporting the two major crimes that you selected. The follow up investigation should be conducted in methodized manner, just as was the preliminary investigation, so as to not disturb the crime scene. The investigator should be verified by the primary police officer before the investigation. The investigator may also want to speak with the victim, witnesses, to verify upon information obtained by the primary officer, before processing the crime scene or contacting the crime scene unit.

Furthermore, the components leading up to the crime scene and recovering evidence are vital in prompting a successful case. In the following case: The Deadly Picnic, the methods previously discussed in this paper will be used to dissect and analyze a crime scene. The paper will further discuss possible suspects and eventually the individual responsible for the murder of Mr. Brooks.

The entire investigation hinges on the first person that arrives on the scene ability to properly identify, isolate and secure the scene. Establishing a restricted perimeter is key so civilians do not damage any evidence. The chain of custody must be established immediately once objects are photographed and sketched the scene is completely. The chain of custody is the written chronological history of who had the evidence when. Tampering of evidence can make or break one’s case. Patience and care are very important at the crime scene. The investigator should take the proper time and care in processing the scene. The work is tedious and time consuming but extremely important in any case. You only have one chance to get it right because once it goes to trial it more than likely over at that point and in the hands of the

In any case, during the initial canvass of the crime scene, documentation is made to identify where evidence is and the type of evidence found. After it is recorded in an evidence log the collection of evidence can begin. You will want to start with collecting “the most fragile or most easily lost evidence” (Shiro, n.d.). Throughout the collection process you will want to keep evidence in order by documenting in the log where it is and taking photographs of each item. If additional items are found underneath the other evidence, this should be documented in the log and “photographs should also continue to be taken if the investigator is revealing layers of evidence which were not previously documented because they were hidden from sight” (Shiro,

In some cases, a simple crime may imply that there are more than one location to search where events took place. The primary scene is the first scene where the majority of the evidence is located, even if it is not the most significant and other locations is considered as the secondary scenes. A collection of evidence from both the primary and secondary crime scene is paramount. When collecting evidence from a crime scene, the investigator(s) main goals in mind according to Staines, Zoe is the 5Cs of investigation, which includes: collecting; checking; considering; connecting; and

Organize evidence processing. The investigator must organize evidence collection and preservation efforts — regularly evaluating the scene, adapting to changes, and briefing the investigation team.

It is very important to know how to write a report. This chapter covers just that. This chapter demonstrates the essentialness of report writing and documentation of a crime scene. Note taking is considered one of the most important tasks when investigating a crime scene, and one should always be accurate and complete as well as precise in their report. Notes are considered your memory and if not done properly, it reflects poorly on you as a writer and the agency in which you work. Use of a tape recorder is another factor that was discussed in this chapter. Recording the scene can be as important as note taking is. They both serve the same purpose. If needed, it can be used as evidence in court.

In this paper, I am going to describe each specialized personnel that will be needed at the scene of a crime or mass disaster. I will inform you of what duties each of these specialized individuals will possess. You will be able to know and understand each of these responsibilities.