Criminalistics Week 11 Ind Homework Essay Example
1. Examine the various search patterns investigators can use to systematically search crime scenes for evidence.
Line/strip search-method used by one or two investigators who walk in straight lines across the crime scene. This method is best used in scenes where the boundaries are well established.
Grid search-method employed by two people who perform overlapping line searches forming a grid. This method is very thorough.
Spiral search-employs one person where the investigator moves either in an inward spiral from the center to the boundary. This method is helpful because the searcher is moving from an area light with evidence to an area where more evidence is most likely to be found. Because the searcher may not be able to complete a perfect spiral evidence could be missed.
Wheel/ray search-employs several people moving from the boundary straight toward the center of the scene or from the center straight to the boundary. This is not preferred because areas between the rays are not searched.
Quadrant/zone search-involves dividing the scene into zones or quadrants and team members are assigned to each section. This method is best suited for scenes that cover a large area. 2. What is the difference between a primary and a secondary scene? A primary scene is one at which the original incident occurred. The secondary scene is a location that became part of the crime scene by activities after the initial incident, such as using a car to transport a body. 3. List three methods for crime scene recording. Notes, photography, and sketches.
Notes-the notes should start by identifying the person who contacted the investigator, the time of the contact, and all preliminary information enclosed, including the case number.
Photography-crime scene photographs can show the layout of the scene, the position of evidence to be collected, and the relation of objects at the scene to one another. Photography is also important for documenting biological evidence in its
Line/strip search-method used by one or two investigators who walk in straight lines across the crime scene. This method is best used in scenes where the boundaries are well established.
Grid search-method employed by two people who perform overlapping line searches forming a grid. This method is very thorough.
Spiral search-employs one person where the investigator moves either in an inward spiral from the center to the boundary. This method is helpful because the searcher is moving from an area light with evidence to an area where more evidence is most likely to be found. Because the searcher may not be able to complete a perfect spiral evidence could be missed.
Wheel/ray search-employs several people moving from the boundary straight toward the center of the scene or from the center straight to the boundary. This is not preferred because areas between the rays are not searched.
Quadrant/zone search-involves dividing the scene into zones or quadrants and team members are assigned to each section. This method is best suited for scenes that cover a large area. 2. What is the difference between a primary and a secondary scene? A primary scene is one at which the original incident occurred. The secondary scene is a location that became part of the crime scene by activities after the initial incident, such as using a car to transport a body. 3. List three methods for crime scene recording. Notes, photography, and sketches.
Notes-the notes should start by identifying the person who contacted the investigator, the time of the contact, and all preliminary information enclosed, including the case number.
Photography-crime scene photographs can show the layout of the scene, the position of evidence to be collected, and the relation of objects at the scene to one another. Photography is also important for documenting biological evidence in its