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THE BASICS OF CSI
To understand what happensat a typical crime scene
investigation, its 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
CSI
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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 hasto 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.
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HOW TO DETECT A POLICE
INVESTIGATOR FROM A CRIME
SCENE INVESTIGATOR
The Crime Scene Investigator is typically
(and there's a lot of variation here
among federal, state and local
jurisdictions) an unarmed, non-sworn
(not authorized to enforce laws or arrest
suspects) and non-scientific-degreed
technician whose primary job is to:
respond to routine crime scenes
collect
basic information from the first
responding officer at the sceneset a scene perimeter
take a set of "over-all" photos from
outside the scene perimeter looking in
make a quick search for potentially
perishable evidence
take a set of "over-all" photos inside the
scene perimeter
make a careful and methodical search
for items of physical evidence
properly document, preserve and collect
those items of evidence
INSTRUCTORS MASTERCADET HANDOUT
STORY PROMPT
Genius Notes
JOT DOWN NOTE FOR INCLUDING YOUR OWN KNOWLEDGE OR
EXPERIENCE
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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.