CMRJ 101 RP

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School

American Military University *

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101

Subject

Information Systems

Date

Jan 9, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by BarristerEchidnaMaster996

METHOD OF DOCUMENTATION AND CRIME SCENE SEARCHES Written By: Desha Gregory American Military University Evidence and Procedures

Gregory1 Discuss the different methods of documenting and searching a crime scene. What are the pros and cons of relying on 3D imaging systems? Crime scene investigation, at its core; is the method of protecting, processing, and the reconstruction of the crime scene. The crime scene, to me, is the most precious aspect of the entire investigative process. Crime scenes can present a wide variety of physical, biological, chemical, and situational hazards with a level of personal risk of injury, illness, or exposure. The objects which a crime scene can contain are endless. The scene itself can extend far beyond just a singular location. The evidence contained from these scenes are essential to clarity and closure for the families involved, and the best method of apprehending a suspect and securing a conviction in the court of law. These scenes paint the most beautifully terrifying moments of someone’s life. Which is why investigators must be meticulous, overtly patient, have an abstract way of thinking to piece together this horrifying puzzle, and able to maintain a methodical approach. In the paragraphs to come, I will be discussing with you the methods used by investigators for properly conducting a crime scene search and compounding documentation for these evidentiary materials. Investigators and first responders have an obligation to maintain this methodical approach in piecing together a crime scene. Before an investigator has the ability to begin conducting the investigation, there are steps to this approach that must be handled. The responders and investigators priority on scene begins with their own self-protection as well as treating those who are in need ( Warrington, 2015). Honing in on the crime scene search aspect really begins with crime scene management and the initial walkthrough (Barbaro & Mishra, 2022). This initial walkthrough allows investigators the ability to establish scene parameters and dimensions for the purpose of understanding where a scene begins and ends. It is imperative that a

Gregory2 perimeter for the protection of evidence, or as we call it, securing the scene is formed. This would include establishing an entry and exit point to control all activity surrounding the scene. Next would be to identify all witness and primary suspects and to ensure that all witnesses have been questioned and the suspects, if applicable, have been detained. Lastly, it is imperative that the responder establishes contact with the evidence. Once contact is established, this evidence must remained chained through the method of chain custody to ensure the evidence remaines uninterrupted and free from extra contamination. This is where Locard's exchange principle factors in. Dr. Edmond Locard was a pioneer in the forensic science industry whose originally principle was founded under the basis that a suspect will bring something into and crime scene, as well as, leave with something (Mummery, 2021). This principle was formed under the fact of trace and was eventually tailored to not just suspects, but to all parties involved with a crime scene whose leave traces if themselves behind. Effectively meaning that all who have; touched, collected, processed, or handled the evidence have left natural traces of themselves. This established principle, to me, is why chain of custody is so important. Not only does it limit those persons who are able to leave a trace, but it also leaves an easy trail of identifiableness of; who the evidence belongs to, as well as those tasked with collection and processing. Throughout the entirety of this process it is significantly important that the first responder keeps a well maintained notepad or journal documenting any and all actions regarding; witness statements, secondary responders that have entered and exited through the control points, details of the scene, and all evidence collected. Ensuring these steps are being followed thoroughly increases that chance of preservation of evidence, thus allowing for closure for families and convections of perpetrators. But how can an investigator efficiently

Gregory3 collect this evidence? This is down utilizing search practices and a concreate process of documentation gathering. The search practices used are lane, grid, spiral and zone. The lane method is used to divide a crime scene into lanes. This method ensures that large areas have every inch covered and best has possible. In this search pattern, investigators on scene would walk back and forth in lines no more that shoulder with apart. The best usage of this method would occur in large areas where there generally is vast unobstructed view; such as an open field or park. This pattern significantly reduces the risk of missing evidence crucial to case establishment, but doesn't come without some disadvantages. In order for this method to be successful you would need a plethora of investigators, which would take away from departmental resources. Because the area is so vast in nature, this process while meticulous, is very time consuming. The grid method utilizes some of the aspects of the lane method. This method uses a dedicated line of north/south and east to west at an angle degree of around 90. Like the lane method, this is best suited for large open areas like parking lots. This maximizes the chances of not missing evidence, while also limiting the manpower needed therefore saving departmental resources. But this method does have its disadvantages. Being as it requires less investigators, it does require a significant amount of time individuals to be on scene. Because this is conducted as a grid, while it hinders the ability to miss evidence, it does exponentially increase the chances the crime scene is contaminated. The spiral method involves an investigator to walk in a spiral pattern to cover all angles. They would start inside and work their way out, rotating clockwise. This pattern is popular with the indoor spaces because of its adaptability of the scene. Due to the nature of space, only one

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