Ramsland+Ch.+1+notes-MK

Definitions

•	Crime Scene: A location where an illegal act took place which compromises the area from from which most of the physical evidence is found.

•	Crime scene analysis: A combination of criminalistics and criminology.

•	Criminalistics: The application of science to the physical evidence (blood, DNA, bullet holes)

•	Criminology: Viewing cases from a physiological angle, studying crime motives, traits, and behavior to help interpret the evidence.

•	C.S.I: crime scene analysis or Ident technicians

•	Testimonial Evidence: Evidence from anyone near the crimscene who saw or knows anything to help further the case.

•	Physical Evidence: Any sort of evidence found on the crime scene such as blood fingerprints, DNA- etc

•	Forensic Science: The application of the scientific method to legal proceedings.

•	Anthropologist: examines bones to help determine identity

•	Artist/ Sculptor: provides sketches of the suspect and uses computer and clay to make an accurate model

•	Accountant: Does financial investigation to identify suspects

•	Ballistic Expert: Knows about firing arms and bullet projectiles

•	Botanist: studies plant growth at a crime scene

•	Chemist/trace expert: studies molecular component of pieces of evidence and does toxicology

•	Dactyloscopist: analyzes fingerprints

•	Entomologist: studies development of insects to find time of death of victim

•	Geologist: analyzes soil content to figure out where the body was

Crime Scene •	Primary concern- to preserve the area for evidence •	Call 911 •	Police record time and any obvious observations •	Don’t disturb evidence •	Block of area and avoid too many people •	Injured person on scene- safety first- transport to hospital and risk destroying evidence •	Perpetrator present- police make arrest

Processing the Scene •	Define boundaries- wherever traces of evidence lie •	First 24 hour period after a crime is most important (evidence undisturbed, witness better memory, suspects trail still fresh) •	Decide whether search warrant is needed (either permission from owner of estate or warrant from judge)

Evidence •	Testimonial- anyone near the scene, saw something •	Physical o	Temporary- change, be lost o	Conditional- related to conditions of crime scene o	Associative- links suspect of victim to scene o	Pattern- blood, footprints, tire marks o	Trace/Transfer- made by physical contact with a surface •	Fingerprints, body fluid, impressions, biological evidence, trace evidence, weapons, questioned documents, special evidence in explosive or fire cases. •	Evidence can help to o	Prove a crime has happened o	Indicate key components of the crime o	Find the victim, or figure out which measure to undergo to find them o	Corroborate testimony of witnesses o	Eliminate innocent suspects o	Pressure confessions out of suspects

CSI Jobs •	Taking notes •	Evaluating the scene •	Sketching the scene •	Taking photographs •	Finding/ collecting physical evidence •	Using different equipment •	Preparing detailed reports •	To become a CSI must have a background in chemistry, biology, computer programs, anthropology, and police and court procedure.

Crime Scene Kits •	Crime scene tape, chalk •	Magnifying glass •	Flashlight •	Tweezers, Q tips •	Camera, cassette recorder •	Paper bags, envelopes •	Deposable clothing- masks, gloves •	String •	Measuring devices •	Evidence flags •	Adhesive roller •	Portable light source

Coroner •	Investigates all deaths •	Orders autopsies •	Provides identification of victims •	Conducts inquests •	Hold unidentified remains in morgue •	Keeps violent death stats

Photographing a crime scene •	First take overview photo- provide an overview of as much of the scene as possible, different angle, entrance and exit, corners of the room •	Second take mid- range photo- pictures of evidence •	Third, each item of evidence is photographed up close •	Photographing bodies- 5 different angles o	Head to feet o	Right side o	Feet to head o	Left side o	Straight down from above o	Then close ups taken