Scene investigation and Operation

Crime scene is the area or vicinity of occurrence of the crime and where physical evidence is found. It
includes all areas in which the criminal, the victim, and any eyewitnesses moved during the time of the
crime and thereafter.

The crime scene is what is subjected to a search and thorough documentation.

Crime scene analysis is a slow, methodical, systematic, and orderly process of collecting physical
evidence based on proper recognition and collection procedures. Samples collected are submitted to
laboratories for examination by forensic examiners to establish or uncover significant information or
clues that may provide leads to the solution of a crime. Crime scene investigation also includes the
identification and interview of witnesses and the arrest of suspect or suspects at the crime scene.

Crime laboratories do not solve crimes. But the concerted efforts of professional and police officers who
conduct a competent investigation will enhance chances for the successful outcome of a criminal
investigation. The success of an investigation depends greatly upon the ability of an investigator to
recognize and preserve physical evidence. Failure to do so, no sophistical machine in the laboratory or
technical expertise can salvage the situation.

A. Crime Investigators and their Basic Tools

Crime investigators respond to the crime scene and are responsible to properly preserve the crime
scene in order to get maximum scientific information that will help in the successful prosecution of the
perpetrators of the crime. To help them perform this responsibility, they must be forearmed with basic
tools and equipment such as: first aid kit, police line, marker, camera with film, evidence collection kit,
fingerprint kit, measuring devices, flash lights, hand gloves, paraffin wax, masks, eye goggles, paper,
pencil, notebook, magnifiers, evidence containers, tags, evidence tapes, test kits.

Upon receipt of briefing from the First Responder, a command post is designated. The command post is
an area which is ideally located adjacent to the crime scene where the CSI evidence custodian stays and
receives the pieces of evidence turned over to him for safekeeping by the other evidence collectors, etc.

B. Crime Scene Investigation Process

Crime scene investigation is the first step in the direction of apprehending criminals and trying to solve a
crime. This involves a methodical process of documenting, searching, collecting and handling of
evidence to ensure that those who are responsible for the crime are apprehended and justice is done
for crime victims. In order to do this, crime scene investigators are required to follow guidelines as they
look for clues that will successfully prosecute and close a case.

1. First Investigators on the Scene

The first people to get to a crime scene. -usually police officers-bear a lot of responsibility because they
arrive while the scene is still in its original and
'pristine' state. The first responders are responsible for securing the crime scene to prevent
unauthorized persons from entering and contaminating the crime scene. They also take responsibility
for living victims, obtaining declaration from dying victims, and for separation of witnesses so that they
can tell their stories without influencing each other.

2. Crime Scene Classification

When more than one locality is involved in a crime, it is important to first classify the crime scene.
Classifying a crime scene can be an important step toward determining the circumstances of the crime.
Primary crime scenes are those where the first part of a crime took place. If the same criminal incident is
continued at another location, there is also a secondary crime scene. An example of this is when a victim
is murdered in one place (the primary scene), and the body is dumped somewhere else (the secondary
scene). Both types of crime scenes are given the same priority because they can both yield the telltale
clues needed to solve the case.

3. Documentation

The documentation process begins with the first responders, who make detailed notes about what they
observed when they arrived and what witnesses told them. Crime scene investigators also document a
scene through drawings, videotape and photographs. All of these types of documentation are equally
important, as they each create a record of the crime scene that will be used throughout the life of the
case.

4. Gathering Evidence

One investigator may be chosen to gather evidence or act as evidence custodian in order to ensure that
nothing is overlooked or contaminated during this phase of the process. Some examples of the evidence
that may be collected at a crime scene are hairs, fibers, blood and glass -- as well as items that are out of
place that may have been left behind by criminals. When collecting evidence, the investigator must
package and mark it so that it is protected when sent to forensic scientists for analysis. Evidence that is
not properly collected, handled and preserved will be of little value or of no value to a case and renders
inutile all the efforts of investigators.

5. Reconstructing a Crime Scene

During the crime scene reconstruction process, crime scene investigators will interpret evidence and
form hypotheses about how the crime took place.

The evidence is then tested by forensic scientists to determine the accuracy of the investigators'
interpretations. The theories that are formed during this stage of the investigation are not meant to be
rigid and are subject to change as more information is known about the crime.

C. Processing the Crime scene

Proper time and care is taken when processing the crime scene, even though the work is tedious and
time consuming. It is best to be thorough. Remember, once you enter the crime scene, you will never be
able to re-enter it in its original condition again.
1. Preparation for the Operations

a) Obtain a search warrant, if necessary. A warrant will allow you to enter a crime scene.

b) Discuss the search with involved personnel before arrival at the scene, if possible.

c) Establish a command headquarters for communication and decision making in major or complicated
crime scene searches.

d) Ensure that personnel are aware of the types of evidence usually encountered and the proper
handling of the evidence.

e) Make preliminary personnel assignments before arrival at the scene, if possible.

d) Ensure that personnel are aware of the types of evidence usually encountered and the proper
handling of the evidence.

e) Make preliminary personnel assignments before arrival at the scene, if possible.

f) Ensure that assignments are in keeping with the attitude, aptitude, training, and experience of
personnel. Personnel may be assigned two or more responsibilities.

g) Designate Persons In Charge for:

• scene security

• administrative log

• evidence recording - evidence custodian and log

• preliminary survey

• photography and log

• sketch preparer

- sketch and log

• narrative description

• problem resolution final decision making

h) Establish communication between medical examiners, laboratory personnel, and prosecuting

attorneys so that questions during the crime scene search can be resolved.

I.) Coordinate agreements with all agencies in multijurisdictional crime scene

searches.

j Accumulate evidence collection and packaging materials and equipment.

k) Prepare the paperwork to document the search.

1) Provide protective clothing, communication, lighting, shelter, transportation, equipment, food, water,
medical assistance, and security for personnel.

m) In prolonged searches, use shifts of two or more teams.

n) Transfer paperwork and responsibility in a preplanned manner from one team to the next.