Class vs Individual Evidence, Forensic Photography, Crime Scene Processing

Evidence with characteristics that belong to a single source

Narrows down possible suspects, stronger with smaller/rarer groups

1. Crime scene is not secured forever. Documents location and position of evidence for investigation and court

2. Some evidence can not be physically collected, and can only be photographed.

3. Some evidence can not be preserved, or may be damaged when collected.

to show scale

to match pictures and records

Evidence with characteristics that belong to a group

Demonstrates presence at the crime scene,

Analyzing individual evidence is still subjective to the skill of the CSI to make a match, and the evidence available

Shows evidence in relation to the whole scene

Shows evidence and nearby objects in detail

Shows detailed evidence with size reference and evidence number

Shows detailed evidence without obstruction or hidden objects

to not cover evidence

Using blue/green light or filter to enhance contrast and reveal detail

Placing a strong light source close to the surface beside an object

Film photographs are better than digital due to manipulation risks

Case number, date and time, location, arrow indicating north, sketch artist, evidence numbers, key that correlates to evidence number

Evidence number, time, location, date, camera/camera setting, brief description

Direct proof of a fact witnessed or heard

Indirect evidence

t does not prove a fact but gives rise to a logical inference that the fact exists

usually first at a scene, Secures the scene to prevent loss or damage of evidence

Documents crime scene, collects evidence, sends to lab

present only if there’s body, identifies body and informs next of kin, observe scene + body, autopsy

Interview witnesses, investigate crime, find suspect using evidence

Placing plastic plates to preserve evidence while moving

Building temporary structures, acting quickly

Prevents contamination of the crime scene

Gloves, boots, suit, mask, hood

Secure the scene, walk perimeter looking for points of entry, photograph, sketch, collect evidence to send to lab

One person spirals in while the other spirals out in large open spaces

Two officers search starting at opposite ends in smaller indoor areas

Two officers conduct search in right-left and up-down directions, outdoor or indoor

Scene divided into zones, officers assigned to each zone, very small

Writing initials and date across the seal to detect tampering

Links crime scene to courtroom, evidence inadmissible if broken

any type of evidence occurring in sizes so small that it can be transferred or exchanged between two surfaces without being noticed (hair, fiber, soil)

used to collect fragile objects into rigid containers to prevent breakage (trace evidence)

perpetrator of a crime will bring something into the crime scene and leave with something from it

wet or that may contain body fluids (blood, semen, etc.) must be air-dried completely.

documents

ethnicity, record of poisons, drugs

insects on body, state of decomposition, weather conditiion