Forensic Science Unit 2: Crime Scene How is a crime scene ...

Forensic Science Unit 2: Crime Scene
How is a crime scene identified and processed?
What types of evidence might be found at a crime scene, and how is
each recognized, collected, packaged, and processed?
Learning Objectives
Identify a crime scene
List the types of evidence that might be found at a crime scene
Sequence the steps in securing and processing a crime scene
Summarize Locard’s exchange principle and its application to a crime scene
Explain the responsibilities of crime scene professionals and how they work
together
Define chain of custody and explain its importance
Demonstrate proper technique for collecting, packaging, and storing different
types of evidence found at a mock crime scene
Photograph, and sketch a mock crime scene
Distinguish between direct and circumstantial evidence
Compare and contrast different ways to search a crime scene
Differentiate between class and individual evidence
Explain primary and secondary crime scene
Contrast real-life evidence examiners with TV examiners (CSI)
Describe how a detective will try to reconstruct a crime scene using documented
evidence and eyewitness accounts

Vocabulary
Accelerant
Individual evidence
Algor mortis
Livor mortis
Autopsy
Medical examiner
Buccal swab
Modus operandi
Chain of custody
Paper bindle (druggist’s fold)
Circumstantial evidence
Physical evidence
Class evidence
Police officer
Crime scene
Primary crime scene
- Investigation Rigor mortis
- Reconstruction Rough sketch
- Survey Search patterns
Detective
Secondary crime scene
Direct evidence
Standard reference sample
Edmund Locard
Substrate control
Finished sketch
Trace evidence
First responder
Transient evidence
Activities & labs
Crime scene sketching activity
Locard’s Principle
Mock Crime Scene Investigation
“Golden Rule” of Crime Scene Investigation/Management
“Never touch, change, or alter anything until it has been documented, identified, measured,
and photographed…when a body or article has been moved, it can never be restored to its
original position.”
“Physical evidence can’t lie, quit, die, forget, or get fired.”
“Testimonial evidence may change or source may become ‘nonexistent’ between original and
court version.”
- www.sccja.org