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CSI
THE BASICS OF CSI To understand what happens at a typical crime scene investigation, it’s important to understand a few basic elements: The Purpose of CSI … • Determine if a crime has occurred • ID the victim(s) • ID the suspect(s) • Collect evidence related to the crime
• Re-enact the events of the crime • Link suspect, victim & crime scene
The Basic CSI Tasks … Protecting & searching the scene Evaluating the scene & evidence Documenting the scene & evidence Preserving & collecting evidence
Protecting & searching the scene, documenting & scene and evidence, and preserving & collecting the evidence are all considered the mechanical aspects of CSI. Evaluating the scene & evidence is considered the thinking aspect of CSI. Ideally, a crime scene investigator should be thinking (evaluating) at all times while conducting the mechanical aspects of CSI; but it is all too easy for a crime scene investigator to fall into the trap of working mechanically … especially at a large/complex crime scene containing dozens or even hundreds of evidence items. The Basic Premise of CSI … It is impossible for suspect, victim and crime scene to come together — usually in a violent manner — without the transfer of physical (trace) evidence. It is this premise that ensures investigators that a careful investigation of a crime scene is worth the effort. The evidence will be there; it just has to be found and carefully/properly preserved and collected.
The Inherent Problem of CSI … Every investigator (or EMT, reporter, neighbor, etc.) who enters the scene has the potential to damage evidence and leave or pick up trace evidence. In effect, a CSI cannot expect to enter a crime scene without adding to or subtracting from the available evidence. The trick is to be thoughtful, careful and persistent.
INSTRUCTOR’S MASTER CADET HANDOUT
Genius Notes HOW TO DETECT A POLICE INVESTIGATOR FROM A CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR
collect basic information from the first responding officer at the scene set a scene perimeter The Crime Scene Investigator is typically take a set of "over-all" photos from (and there's a lot of variation here outside the scene perimeter looking in among federal, state and local make a quick search for potentially jurisdictions) an unarmed, non-sworn perishable evidence (not authorized to enforce laws or arrest take a set of "over-all" photos inside the suspects) and non-scientific-degreed scene perimeter technician whose primary job is to: make a careful and methodical search for items of physical evidence respond to routine crime scenes properly document, preserve and collect those items of evidence
STORY PROMPT
JOT DOWN NOTE FOR INCLUDING YOUR OWN KNOWLEDGE OR EXPERIENCE
make a scene sketch that includes the location of all evidence items package and tag the evidence items transport and transfer custody of the evidence to the crime lab The Detective is typically an experienced, armed and sworn law enforcement officer whose primary job is to interrogate witnesses and suspects, and utilize information and physical evidence found at the scene (and, ultimately, analytical reports regarding that evidence) to locate, arrest and assist the prosecutor in bringing the alleged perpetrator before the courts.