Crime Scene Examination

Question 1

Crime Scene Examination Objectives

Answer 1

Offence

• Establish if an offence has been committed
• Establish the offences key elements and provide facts for the basis of an inquiry
• Identify people associated with the offence
• Establish identity of suspect and establish contact with victim or scene

Corroborate

• Corroborate or exclude other evidence relating to the offence
• Corroborate or contest witness and victim accounts
• Exclude possible defences
• Exonerate the innocent
• Verify confessions and admissions

Question 2

O/C Scene Responsibilities

Answer 2

Scene

• Control freeze preserve and ensure safety
• Establish common approach path
• Conduct a reconnaissance to gain an overall picture of the scene
• Be the communication link between the scene and OC investigation
• Coordinating and overseeing the crime scene examination

Exhibits

• Planning a strategy for forensic examination
• Ensure it is photographed, fingerprinted and examined by ESR before search
• Uplifting, inspecting and ensuring delivery of labelled exhibits to the OC exhibits
• Proving relevant exhibits in court

Question 3

Reconnaissance

Definition

Answer 3

The prelim inspection or survey of the scene made to get an overall picture of the scene without disturbing evidence

Question 4

Reconnaissance

Steps

Answer 4

GCSB FZ

Gather - all information available from the staff present and from prelim interviews with the complainant and witnesses

Create - a common approach pathway and look over whole area without touching or disturbing it. Look for offender routes in and out of scene, points of entry and exit, extensions to scene and obvious evidence

Sketch - the scene and note anything of significance

Boundaries - reconsider the scenes boundaries. Consider priorities of scene examination

Factors - Be prepared to cope with anything that may damage or affect evidence - changes in weather, tide or river flow.

Zones - consider placement of hot, warm and cold

Question 5

What a scene strategy should cover:

Answer 5

• Area - type and size
• Weather
• Search powers - warrant?
• Seriousness of offence
• Priorities of search
• Contamination risks
• Hot/warm/cold zones
• Logistics - meals/accom
• Equipment - comms, transport, specialists required
• Staff availability and safety

Question 6

Exhibit Handling

OC Exhibits should only accept an exhibit if:

Answer 6

• Packaged, labelled and sealed correctly in accordance with SOP
• Preserved correctly
• Labelled with exhibit number and name of operation
• Unique exhibit number assigned from the allocated range
• Recorded correctly on scene exhibits schedule

Question 7

Exhibit Numbering System

Numbers and benefits

Answer 7

Admin - 10000
Victim - 15000
Witnesses - 20000
Area Canvass - 25000
Scenes - 30000
Suspects - 70000

Benefits of numbering system

• consistent
• delegate number to staff who will use it
• able to cope with multiple scenes
• be compatible with technology
• encompass all exhibits

Question 8

Overall responsibilities of O/C Exhibits

Answer 8

Receive Exhibit
Ensure it is labelled by finder and accompanied by exhibit schedule
Ensure exhibit is uniquely numbered

Record exhibit in exhibit register
Record all exhibit movement
Ensure continuity of evidence is maintained

Securing the exhibits
Consult 2IC on relevance and if further enquires are needed
Deliver exhibits for examination or analysis
Prepare exhibit for production in court
Produce exhibits in court

Question 9

Forensic Strategy Meetings

Forensic Strategy meetings are held to determine which exhibit or other forensic examinations are required and the priority of those examinations.

Topics covered during a Forensic Strategy meeting may include:

Answer 9

• What examinations ESR and others could conduct on exhibits.
• The priority each examination should receive.
• Whether any further work is needed to assist a reconstruction.
• A plan for any work to be completed that is required to assist the reconstruction.
• An agreed reconstruction of the events relevant to the crime under investigation.

Of note

Developing a strategy for examination of exhibits allows the OC Exhibits to prioritise tasks in line with the direction of the investigation.

The strategy must be approved by the OC Investigation and continually reviewed throughout the investigation to keep abreast of any developments.

Question 10

Exhibit Management

Preparing exhibits for delivery

Answer 10

• Separately wrapped
• Sealed
• In appropriate condition
• Labelled and numbered
• List attached to 143
• 143 is consistent with labels

Question 11

Exhibit Management

POL143 Details

Answer 11

• Circumstances
• Purpose of examination
• Location where exhibit originates from
• If exhibits are damp or require special attention
• Authorisation by appropriate supervisor