Protecting the integrity of crime scene investigations is of the utmost importance to investigators, courts, potential suspects, and those impacted by the crime itself. There are many components of crime scene investigation and each is critical to ensuring accurate evidence is gathered from the scene. This paper will discuss the steps in the crime scene investigation process, the different types of investigations for different types of crimes, and finally see the process in action in the form of a case study where crime scene evidence was instrumental in ensuring the correct individual was held accountable for the crime committed against two teenage girls. During crime scene investigation, it is critical to preserve the integrity of the scene.
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For instance, there is additional forensic evidence collected in a rape case that wouldn’t be appropriate in a traffic accident. There are also specific elements to investigate in different types of crime scenes. According to the NIST, when examining a motor vehicle, the vehicle needs to be photographed on the interior and exterior, if applicable, including the VIN, and should be photographed from all four corners and from the center on each side. There are also many locations that should be checked for fingerprints, depending on the nature of the crime in a crime scene involving a motor vehicle. Motor vehicle crime scene evidence should also include the odometer reading, the gas level, and the ambient temperature and radiator/hood temperature. In contrast, when a bomb or explosive is detected, there is different protocol in place, and different ways to collect that evidence. Physical evidence is best collected by specialized personnel experienced in the unique nature of bombs and explosives. On scene personnel might observe the smell, sight, and sound of the device, all of which should be noted in the report. In comparison to the nature of investigations involving bombs and explosives and motor vehicles, there are also unique needs related to evidence collection surrounding sexual assaults. For example, when attempting to collect …show more content…
He is accused of sexually assaulting one, and she later died from external head trauma. He forced the other to perform oral sex on him and raped and sodomized her. She survived, and was instrumental in identifying the defendant. During a crime scene investigation, conducted by Riverside County Sherriff’s Department Detective Richard Moker. Moker testified that he accompanied a second victim in an effort to locate the victim, Diane, after a suspected rape/murder. After six hours of searching, Amy became fearful that her attackers may be lingering in the area, and was transported to the hospital to begin a rape examination and other investigators continued the search. In the testimony of Riverside County Detective Michael Lackie, we hear that the investigation was conducted at the crime scene in the early morning hours of March 25, 1986, and he and Moker took great steps to avoid disturbing evidence found at the scene. Evidence was collected, including different tire impressions and shoe impressions. James Hall, a criminalist employed by the California Department of Justice, aided in the investigation by checking Diane’s body for loose hairs and fibers, including the collection of a pubic hair from Diane’s thigh. Michael Renney, a senior evidence technician employed by the Riverside County Sherriff’s Department, recalled that he obtained a latent print
For instance, there is additional forensic evidence collected in a rape case that wouldn’t be appropriate in a traffic accident. There are also specific elements to investigate in different types of crime scenes. According to the NIST, when examining a motor vehicle, the vehicle needs to be photographed on the interior and exterior, if applicable, including the VIN, and should be photographed from all four corners and from the center on each side. There are also many locations that should be checked for fingerprints, depending on the nature of the crime in a crime scene involving a motor vehicle. Motor vehicle crime scene evidence should also include the odometer reading, the gas level, and the ambient temperature and radiator/hood temperature. In contrast, when a bomb or explosive is detected, there is different protocol in place, and different ways to collect that evidence. Physical evidence is best collected by specialized personnel experienced in the unique nature of bombs and explosives. On scene personnel might observe the smell, sight, and sound of the device, all of which should be noted in the report. In comparison to the nature of investigations involving bombs and explosives and motor vehicles, there are also unique needs related to evidence collection surrounding sexual assaults. For example, when attempting to collect …show more content…
He is accused of sexually assaulting one, and she later died from external head trauma. He forced the other to perform oral sex on him and raped and sodomized her. She survived, and was instrumental in identifying the defendant. During a crime scene investigation, conducted by Riverside County Sherriff’s Department Detective Richard Moker. Moker testified that he accompanied a second victim in an effort to locate the victim, Diane, after a suspected rape/murder. After six hours of searching, Amy became fearful that her attackers may be lingering in the area, and was transported to the hospital to begin a rape examination and other investigators continued the search. In the testimony of Riverside County Detective Michael Lackie, we hear that the investigation was conducted at the crime scene in the early morning hours of March 25, 1986, and he and Moker took great steps to avoid disturbing evidence found at the scene. Evidence was collected, including different tire impressions and shoe impressions. James Hall, a criminalist employed by the California Department of Justice, aided in the investigation by checking Diane’s body for loose hairs and fibers, including the collection of a pubic hair from Diane’s thigh. Michael Renney, a senior evidence technician employed by the Riverside County Sherriff’s Department, recalled that he obtained a latent print