Test Bank for Criminal Investigation: The Art and the Science, 9th Edition

Criminal Investigation: The Art and the Science, 9e (Lyman) Chapter 2 The Crime Scene: Identification and Collection of Evidence 2.1 Multiple Choice Questions 1) In the evidence-collection process, contamination of evidence occurs most commonly when evidence is not properly secured, is wrongfully mixed with other types of evidence, or is altered significantly from its original condition at the crime scene. What are the legal consequences if evidence is not handled properly? A) When this occurs, the evidence is usually rendered inadmissible or “incompetent” by the court. B) The evidence is usually admissible, but the officer may be impeached by defense counsel in the handling of the evidence. C) The evidence may be admissible if officer can show that in “good faith” the errors were based on poor training or poor information at the time of collection. D) The evidence is not admissible, but officers and prosecution may still use the information to convict the suspect. Answer: A Page Ref: 31 Objective: Describe the preliminary investigation, types of evidence, and legal considerations for obtaining evidence. Level: Intermediate 2) The ________ states that whenever the perpetrator of a crime comes into contact with the scene, he or she will both bring something into the scene and leave with something from the scene. In other words, this principle asserts that every contact leaves minimally, a trace of evidence. A) best evidence rule B) prima facie evidence rule C) exigent circumstance principle D) Locard’s principle Answer: D Page Ref: 31 Objective: Describe the preliminary investigation, types of evidence, and legal considerations for obtaining evidence. Level: Basic 3) Evidence such as fingerprints, footprints, bloodstains, and fibers are examples of ________. A) proof beyond a reasonable doubt evidence B) associative evidence C) latent evidence D) demonstrative evidence Answer: B Page Ref: 32 Objective: Describe the preliminary investigation, types of evidence, and legal considerations for obtaining evidence. Level: Basic 4) Prima facie evidence is evidence established by law that at face value proves a fact in dispute. Which of the following is an example of prima facie evidence? A) Wisconsin state law states that anyone with a blood alcohol content over .08 is operating illegally on Wisconsin highways. B) John is found with the murder weapon in the trunk of his car during a routine traffic stop. C) Four witnesses all describe the same suspect, Michael Peterson, as the person who left the bar with the victim earlier in the evening. D) The estranged husband confessed that he shot his wife during an argument. Answer: A Page Ref: 32 Objective: Describe the preliminary investigation, types of evidence, and legal considerations for obtaining evidence. Level: Intermediate 5) What can improper initial actions by a first officer result in? I. Aggravation of injuries to victims. II. Endangerment of other officers. III. Loss of life. A) I, III B) II only C) I, II, III D) I only Answer: C Page Ref: 34 Objective: List the first officer’s responsibilities. Level: Intermediate 6) In general, officers are permitted to conduct a protective search or sweep of the premises when they have reasonable grounds to believe that a person within the premises is in immediate need of assistance or ________. A) an unusual odor surrounding the crime scene is present B) a perpetrator is present C) the premises is privately owned D) a search of the premises may result in a felony arrest Answer: B Page Ref: 35 Objective: List the first officer’s responsibilities. Level: Basic 7) Which initial actions are extremely important considerations for officers arriving at a crime scene and involve the first officer noting license numbers and being alert for suspicious persons who are observed in the general area? A) Assist victims and protect witnesses and bystanders B) Identification of witnesses and vehicles C) Follow-up communications D) Brief investigators and superiors Answer: B Page Ref: 36 Objective: List the first officer’s responsibilities. Level: Basic 8) For which purpose will an officer most likely broadcast a flash description? A) To enable other officers to quickly apprehend a suspect still in the vicinity B) To alert medical emergency personnel of an injured person C) To warn passersby to avoid a recent crime scene D) To record the names and addresses of potential witnesses to a crime Answer: A Page Ref: 36 Objective: List the first officer’s responsibilities. Level: Basic 9) Why should entries into crime scenes be conducted only when necessary? A) To avoid causing inconvenience to bystanders B) To minimize the work of responding officers who note and record any alterations that may have occurred C) To provide defense attorneys with a basis for discrediting the investigators D) To avoid the destruction or contamination of important evidence Answer: D Page Ref: 37 Objective: Explain the significance of securing the scene. Level: Basic 10) Which element of securing a crime scene involves removing persons other than law enforcement officers or other officials actively engaging in crime scene duties from the premises? A) Define the crime scene area. B) The interior of the crime scene area should be cleared. C) Request backup to help restrict access to the defined crime scene and to control onlookers. D) Restrict access to the scene. Answer: B Page Ref: 38 Objective: Explain the significance of securing the scene. Level: Basic 11) Which is the best method of seizing a handgun as evidence? A) Using two fingers to hold the grip B) Inserting a ball-point pen into the barrel C) Picking it up with a cloth handkerchief D) Sticking a pencil through the trigger guard Answer: A Page Ref: 39 Objective: Explain the significance of securing the scene. Level: Basic 12) How should biohazardous materials be handled by evidence collectors? A) They should be double bagged in secure plastic bags, taped or secured by adhesives, and labeled as a biohazardous material. B) They should be double bagged in secure paper bags, taped or secured by adhesives, and labeled as a biohazardous material. C) They should be double bagged in secure plastic bags, secured by staples, and labeled as a biohazardous material. D) They should be single bagged in secure paper bags, taped or secured by adhesives, and labeled as a biohazardous material. Answer: A Page Ref: 42 Objective: Explain the significance of securing the scene. Level: Basic 13) Crime scene walkthroughs should be performed in cooperation with which of the following individuals? A) The first responder and the suspect(s). B) The first responder and the victim(s). C) The first responder and individuals responsible for processing the crime scene. D) The victim and individuals responsible for processing the crime scene. Answer: C Page Ref: 43 Objective: Explain how to assess the crime scene and conduct the “walkthrough.” Level: Intermediate 14) What is the area where all apparent actions associated with the crime took place? A) Walk B) Trail C) Path D) Stage Answer: B Page Ref: 44 Objective: Explain how to assess the crime scene and conduct the “walkthrough.” Level: Basic 15) What is the purpose of the crime scene “walk-through?” A) It provides an overview of the entire scene. B) It identifies any threats to scene integrity. C) It ensures protection of physical evidence. D) All of the above are valid reasons to conduct a “walk-through.” Answer: D Page Ref: 44 Objective: Explain how to assess the crime scene and conduct the “walkthrough.” Level: Basic 16) What lighting technique is good to use indoors on hard floors? A) Oblique B) Flood C) Ground D) Flash Answer: A Page Ref: 44 Objective: Explain how to assess the crime scene and conduct the “walkthrough.” Level: Basic 17) Two police officers are investigating a child abuse and neglect case and during the walkthrough, it was evident that significant evidence is located in the child’s bedroom. What search method should the officers use to most effectively search the child’s room? A) The spiral search method B) The grid search method C) The strip or line search method D) The quadrant or zone search method Answer: D Page Ref: 44 Objective: Describe crime scene search patterns and proper documentation and collection of evidence. Level: Intermediate 18) Which of the following sources of evidence is most fragile and should be collected first? A) Testimonies B) Hair C) Blood D) Fingerprints Answer: D Page Ref: 46 Objective: Describe crime scene search patterns and proper documentation and collection of evidence. Level: Basic 19) A police officer is at a crime scene and locates a footprint in a flowerbed near an open window. The window is examined closely and pry marks are discovered on the lower window sash and the window sill indicating forced entry. The police officer pointed out the evidence to the investigator who photographed the evidence and collected the footwear impression using a liquid footwear casting system. Who is required to testify in court to get the evidence admitted during the trial? A) The investigator who collected the evidence B) The police officer who discovered the evidence C) Both the police officer who discovered the evidence and the investigator who collected the evidence are usually required to testify. D) Everyone at the crime scene is required to testify. Answer: C Page Ref: 46 Objective: Describe crime scene search patterns and proper documentation and collection of evidence. Level: Intermediate 20) During the collection of evidence, when should evidence be marked? A) All evidence must be marked immediately upon seizure. B) Evidence should be marked when the evidence is stored in long-term storage facilities. C) Evidence should NOT be marked. All notations should be made in the investigator’s notebook and on evidence packaging. D) Evidence should only be marked when the evidence is used in court. Answer: A Page Ref: 47 Objective: Describe crime scene search patterns and proper documentation and collection of evidence. Level: Basic 21) Which of the following is true regarding the interviewing of witnesses at a crime scene? A) When circumstances permit, the neighborhood surrounding the crime scene should be canvassed to identify additional witnesses and other persons who may have information bearing upon the crime scene. B) Often, the arrival of police leads to persons who have witnessed the crime or have information to stick around so they can become involved in the investigation. C) Preliminary interviews of witnesses should take place only after the collection of evidence at the crime scene. D) Officers should only be concerned with obtaining the names of witnesses immediately. Answer: A Page Ref: 53-54 Objective: Describe how to interview witnesses, contact the medical examiner, and conduct a neighborhood canvass. Level: Difficult 22) What type of witnesses can the neighborhood canvass identify that have specific knowledge of the crime or parts of the crime? A) Material B) General C) Supplemental D) Specific Answer: A Page Ref: 54 Objective: Describe how to interview witnesses, contact the medical examiner, and conduct a neighborhood canvass. Level: Intermediate 23) Which of the following steps/principles should always be observed when conducting a neighborhood canvass? A) The canvass should be performed quickly. B) It is important to get names of everyone talked to, but not necessary to get proof of their names. C) If an officer is afraid to interview someone or lacks the necessary skills, they can forgo the interviewing process or have the witness set up an interview with another officer or investigator at a later date. D) All interviews must be conducted separately. Answer: D Page Ref: 54-55 Objective: Describe how to interview witnesses, contact the medical examiner, and conduct a neighborhood canvass. Level: Basic 24) When conducting a neighborhood canvass, what question is a common error of officers to ask which may permit a witness to unwittingly exclude a person of interest? A) “Who should I speak to that may have knowledge of the crime or victim?” B) “Is there anyone that may not live here that I should speak to?” C) “Who lives here?” D) “Is there anyone else who may drop by this location?” Answer: C Page Ref: 55 Objective: Describe how to interview witnesses, contact the medical examiner, and conduct a neighborhood canvass. Level: Intermediate 25) The follow-up investigation should build on what has been learned in during what process of the investigation? A) Evidence collection B) Evidence processing C) Compilation of intelligence files D) Preliminary investigation Answer: D Page Ref: 56 Objective: Describe how to perform the follow-up investigation. Level: Intermediate 26) Tasks required of the follow-up investigator include ________. A) Conducting a neighborhood canvass for potential witnesses B) Checking police intelligence files to develop potential suspects C) Collecting evidence D) Processing evidence Answer: B Page Ref: 56 Objective: Describe how to perform the follow-up investigation. Level: Intermediate 27) What must investigators possess that enables them to sift through detailed and fragmented pieces of information? A) Observation skills B) Communication skills C) Organizational skills D) Assessment skills Answer: C Page Ref: 56 Objective: Describe how to perform the follow-up investigation. Level: Basic 2.2 True/False Questions 1) Trace evidence is evidence used to demonstrate or clarify an issue rather than prove something. Answer: FALSE Page Ref: 31 Objective: Describe the preliminary investigation, types of evidence, and legal considerations for obtaining evidence. Level: Basic 2) The term corpus delicti simply refers to evidence which establishes that a crime has been committed. Answer: TRUE Page Ref: 32 Objective: Describe the preliminary investigation, types of evidence, and legal considerations for obtaining evidence. Level: Basic 3) The information furnished to the responding units by the dispatcher or by other officers will normally not provide sufficient “reasonable suspicion” to justify the detention of persons or vehicles. Answer: TRUE Page Ref: 34 Objective: List the first officer’s responsibilities. Level: Basic 4) Officers arriving at a crime scene must attend to any injured party unless a life-threatening situation or other exigent circumstance exists. Answer: TRUE Page Ref: 35 Objective: List the first officer’s responsibilities. Level: Basic 5) Even if the perpetrator is at the scene and probable cause for arrest exists, the responding officers should avoid contaminating the crime scene by waiting until the perpetrator leaves the crime scene in order to make an arrest. Answer: FALSE Page Ref: 35 Objective: List the first officer’s responsibilities. Level: Basic 6) A BOLO is closely associated with the practice of issuing a flash description. Answer: TRUE Page Ref: 36 Objective: List the first officer’s responsibilities. Level: Basic 7) The CYMBL rule applies to guidelines that officers should follow in securing a crime scene. Answer: FALSE Page Ref: 38 Objective: Explain the significance of securing the scene. Level: Intermediate 8) The first officer to arrive at a death scene has the duty of determining the official cause of death. Answer: FALSE Page Ref: 38 Objective: Explain the significance of securing the scene. Level: Basic 9) An officer finding a body at a crime scene must make a precursory determination of the cause of death or injury. Answer: TRUE Page Ref: 39 Objective: Explain the significance of securing the scene. Level: Basic 10) Electronic surveillance is similar to DNA and fingerprints because it isn’t readily visible to the human eye under normal conditions. Answer: TRUE Page Ref: 41 Objective: Explain the significance of securing the scene. Level: Basic 11) Beginning the search of a crime scene, the first step is documenting the scene through sketches and photographs. Answer: FALSE Page Ref: 43 Objective: Explain how to assess the crime scene and conduct the “walkthrough.” Level: Intermediate 12) Assessing the crime scene includes evaluating the measures and steps that have been taken to include safety procedures. Answer: TRUE Page Ref: 43 Objective: Explain how to assess the crime scene and conduct the “walkthrough.” Level: Basic 13) Investigators should begin examining the scene of a crime without any knowledge of the crime so they are not biased. Answer: FALSE Page Ref: 43 Objective: Explain how to assess the crime scene and conduct the “walkthrough.” Level: Intermediate 14) Photographs of evidence should take place in a crime lab so they best lighting and equipment can be used. Answer: FALSE Page Ref: 44 Objective: Describe crime scene search patterns and proper documentation and collection of evidence. Level: Basic 15) As often showed on television crime show, guns should be picked up by inserting a pen in the barrel so as to not contaminate the fingerprints on the handle. Answer: FALSE Page Ref: 49 Objective: Describe crime scene search patterns and proper documentation and collection of evidence. Level: Basic 16) Bloodstains found at a crime scene may belong to the suspect. Answer: TRUE Page Ref: 49 Objective: Describe crime scene search patterns and proper documentation and collection of evidence. Level: Basic 17) Often, the arrival of police leads persons who have witnessed the crime to remain on the scene so they can become involved in the investigation. Answer: FALSE Page Ref: 53 Objective: Describe how to interview witnesses, contact the medical examiner, and conduct a neighborhood canvass. Level: Basic 18) Neighborhood canvassing may be done during the early phases of an investigation. Answer: TRUE Page Ref: 54 Objective: Describe how to interview witnesses, contact the medical examiner, and conduct a neighborhood canvass. Level: Basic 19) The investigator’s duties end at the crime scene. Answer: TRUE Page Ref: 56 Objective: Describe how to perform the follow-up investigation. Level: Basic 20) Organizing police actions is a job that the primary investigator must perform. Answer: FALSE Page Ref: 56 Objective: Describe how to perform the follow-up investigation. Level: Intermediate 2.3 Fill in the Blank Questions 1) In most situations, the precursory investigative phase is known as the ________ investigation. Answer: preliminary Page Ref: 30 Objective: Describe the preliminary investigation, types of evidence, and legal considerations for obtaining evidence. Level: Basic 2) The ________ exchange principle also known as transfer of evidence theory, states that when two items touch, there will be an exchange. Answer: Locard Page Ref: 31 Objective: Describe the preliminary investigation, types of evidence, and legal considerations for obtaining evidence. Level: Basic 3) The ________ response to a call by the responding officer is a critical phase of any criminal investigation. Answer: initial Page Ref: 34 Objective: List the first officer’s responsibilities. Level: Basic 4) Responding officers should be prepared to ________ investigators and other authorized personnel when they arrive on the scene. Answer: brief Page Ref: 36 Objective: List the first officer’s responsibilities. Level: Basic 5) In the case of a person found ________, the body should generally not be moved at all. Answer: hanging Page Ref: 39 Objective: Explain the significance of securing the scene. Level: Intermediate 6) Most chemical agents are seized by law enforcement officers in connection with ________ drug manufacturing operations. Answer: clandestine Page Ref: 43 Objective: Explain the significance of securing the scene. Level: Intermediate 7) When conducting the walkthrough, a slow and ________ approach is recommended. Answer: methodical Page Ref: 43 Objective: Explain how to assess the crime scene and conduct the “walkthrough.” Level: Basic 8) The examination of the scene typically begins with a crime scene ________ of the area along the “trail” of the crime. Answer: walkthrough Page Ref: 44 Objective: Explain how to assess the crime scene and conduct the “walkthrough.” Level: Intermediate 9) ________ can be stored in vehicle trunks, strongboxes, property rooms, locked file cabinets, evidence lockers or vaults. Answer: Evidence Page Ref: 47 Objective: Describe crime scene search patterns and proper documentation and collection of evidence. Level: Basic 10) ________ results when an object swung in an arc flings blood onto nearby surfaces. Answer: Castoff Page Ref: 50 Objective: Describe crime scene search patterns and proper documentation and collection of evidence. Level: Intermediate 11) Tools, tires, feet, and teeth can all make ________. Answer: impressions Page Ref: 51 Objective: Describe crime scene search patterns and proper documentation and collection of evidence. Level: Intermediate 12) The determination regarding the death of the victim and circumstances surrounding the death are typically made by the ________ examiner. Answer: medical Page Ref: 54 Objective: Describe how to interview witnesses, contact the medical examiner, and conduct a neighborhood canvass. Level: Basic 13) A(n) ________ canvass can have significant impact on the outcome of an investigation and should be taken seriously and not performed haphazardly. Answer: neighborhood Page Ref: 55 Objective: Describe how to interview witnesses, contact the medical examiner, and conduct a neighborhood canvass. Level: Basic 14) Officers should not construe the follow-up investigation as a ________ reflection on their investigative abilities. Answer: negative Page Ref: 56 Objective: Describe how to perform the follow-up investigation. Level: Basic 15) The ________ investigation demonstrates that officers are conscientious enough to follow up on leads even after the preliminary investigations have concluded. Answer: follow-up Page Ref: 56 Objective: Describe how to perform the follow-up investigation. Level: Basic 2.4 Matching Questions Match up the terminology in the left column to the definitions in the right column. A) An emergency radio broadcast generally made by the first officer to reach a crime scene, to other officers in the area, in which descriptions of the suspect and his or her vehicle are communicated. B)Public official who makes official determinations of the cause and time of death in wrongful death cases. C)The theory that whenever two objects meet, some evidence, however microscopic, may remain to demonstrate that the encounter did occur. D) A continuing phase of the investigation in which information that is learned in the preliminary investigation is added to or built on. E) Information and data of investigative value that is stored in or transmitted by an electronic device. F) Stains that result from objects coming into contact with existing bloodstains and leaving wipes, swipes, or pattern transfers behind such as a bloody shoeprint or a smear from a body being dragged. G) Evidence that links a suspect with a crime. H) Evidence that is not readily visible to the naked eye. I) Stains that result from blood projecting through the air and are usually seen as spatter, but may also include gushes, splashes, and arterial spurts. J) A door-to-door search of the area of a crime to identify witnesses. K) Drops, flows, and pools, and typically result from gravity acting on an injured body. L) A good technique to use indoors on hard floors where typically a good flashlight with a strong concentrated beam is the only tool needed. M) Grounds for an arrest that usually depend on the facts and circumstances surrounding the specific case. N) The investigative act of investigators walking through a scene of crime for the purpose to give investigators perspective in relation to the crime. 1) transfer of evidence theory Page Ref: 31 Objective: Describe the preliminary investigation, types of evidence, and legal considerations for obtaining evidence. Level: Intermediate 2) associative evidence Page Ref: 32 Objective: Describe the preliminary investigation, types of evidence, and legal considerations for obtaining evidence. Level: Intermediate 3) reasonable grounds Page Ref: 35 Objective: List the first officer’s responsibilities. Level: Intermediate 4) flash description Page Ref: 36 Objective: List the first officer’s responsibilities. Level: Intermediate 5) electronic evidence Page Ref: 40 Objective: Explain the significance of securing the scene. Level: Intermediate 6) latent evidence Page Ref: 41 Objective: Explain the significance of securing the scene. Level: Intermediate 7) crime scene walkthrough Page Ref: 44 Objective: Explain how to assess the crime scene and conduct the “walkthrough.” Level: Intermediate 8) side lighting technique Page Ref: 44 Objective: Explain how to assess the crime scene and conduct the “walkthrough.” Level: Intermediate 9) passive stains Page Ref: 50 Objective: Describe crime scene search patterns and proper documentation and collection of evidence. Level: Intermediate 10) transfer stains Page Ref: 50 Objective: Describe crime scene search patterns and proper documentation and collection of evidence. Level: Intermediate 11) impact stains Page Ref: 50 Objective: Describe crime scene search patterns and proper documentation and collection of evidence. Level: Intermediate 12) medical examiner Page Ref: 54 Objective: Describe how to interview witnesses, contact the medical examiner, and conduct a neighborhood canvass. Level: Intermediate 13) neighborhood canvass Page Ref: 54 Objective: Describe how to interview witnesses, contact the medical examiner, and conduct a neighborhood canvass. Level: Intermediate 14) follow up investigation Page Ref: 56 Objective: Describe how to perform the follow-up investigation. Level: Intermediate Answers: 1) C 2) G 3) M 4) A 5) E 6) H 7) N 8) L 9) K 10) F 11) I 12) B 13) J 14) D 2.5 Essay Questions 1) Several different types of evidence were discussed in the textbook. Briefly describe the evidence types and provide an example of each type. Be sure to include a rationale as to why the example fits into that type of evidence. Answer: circumstantial evidence merely tends to incriminate a person without offering conclusive proof. Testimonial evidence consists of a verbal statement offered by a witness while under oath or affirmation. It may also be evidence offered by way of a sworn pretrial deposition. Although many people define testimony in the same way as evidence, they are clearly distinct. Testimony is evidence offered in an oral manner and is used most commonly to explain some form of physical evidence. Trace evidence consists of extremely small items of evidence, such as hair or clothing fibers. With the aid of modern forensic analysis, trace evidence plays a greater role today than ever before in solving capital cases. Demonstrative evidence is evidence used to demonstrate or clarify an issue rather than to prove something. Physical evidence could be considered as a classification of its own. Physical evidence is self-explanatory in nature and generally speaks for itself in a court of law. Direct or prima facie evidence is evidence established by law that at face value proves a fact in dispute. Examples will vary. Page Ref: 32 Objective: Describe the preliminary investigation, types of evidence, and legal considerations for obtaining evidence. Level: Basic 2) The first responding officer plays a key role in the criminal investigation of a case. What should the officer do immediately upon receiving the call to respond to a crime? Answer: The first responding officer’s role does not begin at the arrival at the scene, but en route to the scene. Several clues, pieces of evidence, or possibly the sighting or arrest of the suspect can be obtained en route. Page Ref: 34-35 Objective: List the first officer’s responsibilities. Level: Basic 3) Before processing the crime scene, it is important to have a plan of how to proceed in order to have success. Outline the eleven steps involved in assessing the crime scene. Answer: 1. Evaluate measures and steps that have been taken to include safety procedures, perimeter security and access control, the adequacy of investigative resources, whether witnesses and suspects have been identified, and the degree to which preliminary documentation of the crime scene has been made. 2. Conduct a crime scene walkthrough in cooperation with the first responder and individuals responsible for processing the crime scene to identify any threats to crime scene integrity and begin an initial identification of evidence. 3. Determine the need for a search warrant before collection of evidence. 4. Assess the overall crime scene before evidence collection to develop a plan for working within the crime scene without unnecessarily destroying or contaminating evidence. 5. Identify evidence collection and document team members, including specialists such as odontologists, bomb technicians, arson investigators, entomologists, and fingerprint technicians. 6. Identify protective equipment and clothing that are required to safely process the crime scene. 7. Identify a separate area, if necessary, for equipment and personnel staging and for gathering and sanitizing tools, equipment, and personal protective gear between evidence collections. 8. Assign one officer whose primary responsibility is recording and collecting items of evidence. This will increase efficiency, establish the chain of custody, help prevent loss, and reduce the number of officers who must appear in court. 9. Determine the evidence search method to be used and the point(s) at which the search will begin and establish a working route around the scene to minimize disruption and contamination. 10. Develop, in cooperation with crime scene technician(s) or other trained personnel, a collection plan for identified items of evidence detailing the process and the order of collection. Page Ref: 43 Objective: Explain the significance of securing the scene. Level: Basic 4) Identify and discuss the 11 steps that must be included in a crime scene assessment. Answer: 1. Evaluate measures and steps that have been taken to include safety procedures, perimeter security and access control, the adequacy of investigative resources, whether witnesses and suspects have been identified, and the degree to which preliminary documentation of the crime scene has been made. 2. Conduct a crime scene walkthrough in cooperation with the first responder and individuals responsible for processing the crime scene to identify any threats to crime scene integrity and begin an initial identification of evidence. 3. Determine the need for a search warrant before collection of evidence. 4. Assess the overall crime scene before evidence collection to develop a plan for working within the crime scene without unnecessarily destroying or contaminating evidence. 5. Identify evidence collection and document team members, including specialists such as odontologists, bomb technicians, arson investigators, entomologists, and fingerprint technicians. 6. Identify protective equipment and clothing that are required to safely process the crime scene. 7. Identify a separate area, if necessary, for equipment and personnel staging and for gathering and sanitizing tools, equipment, and personal protective gear between evidence collections. 8. Assign one officer whose primary responsibility is recording and collecting items of evidence. This will increase efficiency, establish the chain of custody, help prevent loss, and reduce the number of officers who must appear in court. 9. Determine the evidence search method to be used and the point(s) at which the search will begin and establish a working route around the scene to minimize disruption and contamination. 10. Develop, in cooperation with crime scene technician(s) or other trained personnel, a collection plan for identified items of evidence detailing the process and the order of collection. Focus initially on easily accessible areas in open view and work outward. Select a systematic search pattern. 11. Select the best progression of processing and collection so as not to compromise subsequent processing and evidence collection efforts. Page Ref: 43 Objective: Explain how to assess the crime scene and conduct the “walkthrough.” Level: Basic 5) Discuss the methods used in indoor, outdoor, nighttime, and vehicle crime scene searches. Answer: INDOOR CRIME SCENE SEARCHES: It is generally recommended that at least two officers search an indoor crime scene. This may best be accomplished by dividing the room in half and having each investigator search half of the room (also known as the quadrant- or zone-search method). At the conclusion of the search, the investigators switch halves. In this fashion, each half of the room is searched twice. OUTDOOR CRIME SCENE SEARCHES: In most cases, the outdoor crime scene covers a broader area than those that are indoor. If this is the case, more investigators are required. Accordingly, with the increased size of the scene, a more systematic searching method must be used. One way is to rope off the scene into a grid. Each square, averaging about 6 square feet, represents a specific search area that is a manageable size for each investigator. NIGHTTIME CRIME SCENE SEARCHES: If possible, investigators should wait until daylight to search a crime scene. Obviously, circumstances may require investigators to proceed with the search at night. These may include inclement weather or other emergency circumstances. In the event that such a search is to be conducted, lighting generators should be used to provide sufficient illumination for the search. VEHICLE SEARCHES: The search of a vehicle requires the same degree of attention as indoor and outdoor searches. Obviously, the nature of the crime dictates the area of the vehicle to be searched. For example, whereas a drug smuggling or murder case requires closer examination of the interior of the vehicle, a hit-and-run investigation necessitates examination of the exterior of the vehicle. Similar to an interior search, a vehicle should also be searched for fingerprints. This should be done after other trace evidence has been sought. Page Ref: 44-45 Objective: Describe crime scene search patterns and proper documentation and collection of evidence. Level: Basic 6) Identify and briefly describe the nine steps/principles that should always be observed when conducting a neighborhood canvass. Answer: 1. The canvass is not a race. Being thorough with each canvass interview is better than being too quick and incomplete. 2. Speak to everyone associated with each location. The canvass is about people, not locations. 3. Ask for and get proof of the names of everyone. Names must be taken of everyone who lives at, bunks at, rents out, visits, delivers to, solicits, works, picks up/drops off at, and has access to the location. 4. Interview everyone separately. Everyone at each location should be interviewed separately, outside of the earshot of others. 5. Document every canvass interview and attempt. This is true, especially for locations where no contact is made. Specifically, if an officer knocks on a door and there is no answer, the attempt should be documented. 6. Interview persons who say they weren’t present at crime scene. People who claim they weren’t present during the time of the incident under investigation should still be interviewed. 7. Don’t be afraid to interview. It is crucial to eliminate apprehensiveness about interviewing people. 8. Take advantage of permission to search. If an officer asks for and receives consent to search a house, the house should be searched. 9. If no legal grounds exist to search, do not search. Officers must remember that they must have a legal basis for whatever they do. This includes searching. Page Ref: 54-55 Objective: Describe how to interview witnesses, contact the medical examiner, and conduct a neighborhood canvass. Level: Intermediate 7) Describe the follow-up investigation and some of the tasks required of the follow-up investigator. Answer: Answers should include the definition of the follow-up investigation: A continuing phase of the investigation in which information that is learned in the preliminary investigation is added to or built on. Answers should also include any of the following: Analyzing reports of officers conducting the preliminary phases of the investigation; Reviewing official departmental records and mode of operation (MO) files; Gathering information on friends and associates of suspects; Examining the victim’s background; Checking police intelligence files to develop potential suspects; Organizing police actions, such as neighborhood canvassing, raids, and search warrants. Page Ref: 56 Objective: Describe how to perform the follow-up investigation. Level: Basic 2.6 Critical Thinking Questions 1) Five steps are outlined in the chapter regarding securing the crime scene. Refer to the opening case story of O.J. Simpson, and apply these five steps to this case. How would you, acting as a first responder, secure the crime scene? Some information necessary needed for the five steps may need to be created, or additional research on the case should be gathered. Answer: 1. Define the crime scene area, which includes any portion of the premises that may reasonably be anticipated to contain useful evidence. 2. Request backup to help restrict access to crime scene and control onlookers. 3. Clear the interior of crime scene area of all persons other than law enforcement officers that are actively engaged in crime scene duties. 4. Record actions previously taken at the scene. 5. Restrict access to the scene to only those authorized as directly involved in the investigation. Page Ref: 36-39 Objective: Explain the significance of securing the scene. Level: Difficult 2) Read the “Criminal Investigation in Practice” box regarding The O.J. Simpson Case-What “Not to Do at a Crime Scene” on pages 53 and 54 of the textbook. The article points out the many mistakes made, but it doesn’t really explain how this case was different, what the repercussions were from this case, and how this case changed criminal investigation. Discuss some of these points. Answer: The O.J case was one of the most publicized cases today. Some called it the “perfect storm”. You had a famous football player, a blend of racial tension, a “dream team” defense team, an infamous chase scene, and a double homicide. It was a long trial that was televised which led to the mistakes made law enforcement and prosecution being seen on a daily basis. It peaked interest in criminal investigation and promoted the furtherance of the “CSI Effect”. Some say it showed how flawed our system is, and others feel the system worked the way it should. It brought ethical questions to the forefront. It addressed media responsibility. It showed flaws in evidence collection, and this allowed for the creation of better policies and procedures regarding evidence collection. Racial tensions were brought to the forefront. So much information is available on this topic, that answers will vary, but should have several of the above-mentioned key points. Page Ref: 57 Objective: Describe how to perform the follow-up investigation. Level: Difficult