Imagine yourself as a forensic technician for a small agency working a crime scene with a brand-new detective. The scenario is based off the Crime 360: Welcome to HomicideLinks to an external site. video segments. Prior to beginning work on this discussion, please review the following:
Chapter 1: Forensic Science and Criminalistics
Chapter 2: Crime Scene Processing and Analysis and Forensic Technologies
From the free, downloadable resource at the web page Crime Scene Investigation GuideLinks to an external site.:
Section A: Arriving at the Scene
Section B: Preliminary Documentation & Evaluation of the Scene
From the video Crime 360: Welcome to HomicideLinks to an external site. :
Segment 1. 911 CallLinks to an external site. 2:51
Segment 2. Reaction to Dead BodyLinks to an external site. 1:57
The free PDF copy at the web page Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward (2009)Links to an external site.
You work for a small, rural agency that is just starting their own Crime Scene Response Unit (CSRU). So far, it is just you, and an intern volunteering part time for college credit. Your forensic lab is also limited, and any advanced scientific analysis must be sent out to the State Crime Lab.
You will be working with a new homicide detective (see the video Crime 360: Welcome to Homicide). While Detective Shane has a senior detective helping him, you are still depended on to ensure the forensic piece is handled appropriately.
What are your steps in securing the scene and evidence? What steps will you take to correctly process this scene? Include and specifically address the following:
How to thoroughly record a crime scene including searching the scene.
What tools or resources will be needed?
Packaging physical evidence.
Maintaining a proper chain of custody.
Identify what types of evidence you might hope to find.