Maulana Abul Kalam Azad university of Technology

Assignment On : Criminalistics
Submitted By : Sayak Roy Chowdhury
Course : BSc. Forensic Science
Paper Code : 103A
Batch : BSFS 2021

Page | 1
Crime scene investigation is a dynamic process that requires an active approach by the scene
investigator who must be aware of the linkage principle of evidence, use scene analysis and definition
techniques, and be able to offer an opinion on the reconstruction of the scene. It is methodological and
systematic. It is based on the Locard Exchange Principle, logic, and the use of the scientific knowledge
of forensic science techniques applied in physical evidence examinations to develop investigative leads
which will ultimately solve a crime.

Every single crime scene is different. Some crime scenes are outside, while others are inside.
Some crimes occur in homes, while others occur in public places, and some even occur
virtually. While special consideration must be taken for the specifics of the scene, there are
some basic steps that law enforcement and crime scene investigators follow each time. These
are known as the 7 S's of crime scene investigation.

1. Secure the Scene

2. Separate the Witnesses
3. Scan the Scene
4. See the Scene
5. Sketch the Scene
6. Search for Evidence
7. Secure and Collect Evidence

Detailing:
1. Secure the Scene:

The first officer to arrive at the scene should secure the scene by making sure that
everyone in the area is safe and isolate the area to preserve evidence. This may
include arresting suspects and obtaining medical assistance.
 Locate the focal point of the scene
 Establish a perimeter large enough to contain relevant evidence
 Tape around the perimeter
 Establish security depending on the number of people, considering security
guards
Securing the scene is the responsibility of the first responding officer (first
responder)
Priorities of the first responding officer:
 Check the safety of all individuals in the area
 Preserve Evidence (restrict any unauthorized persons from entering the
scene)
 Keep a security log
 Separate the witnesses
Requirements: Crime scene tape is often used to help secure the scene.

2|Page
2. Separate the Witnesses:
Witnesses should be separated from one another to keep them from working together
to create a cover story and/or share details about the situation with one another.
Witnesses cannot talk to one another because:
 Their accounts will be compared to each other
 Keeps witnesses from working together to create a story

3. Scan the Scene:

This step gives investigators an overall picture of the scene. They will identify the
primary crime scenes, or where the crime scene took place. If applicable, they will
identify area(s) related to the crime but not where the crime took place, or the
secondary crime scene.
 Primary Crime Scene: Location where the crime took place
 Secondary Crime Scene: Location other than the primary crime scene that is in
some way related to the crime, where evidence is found

4. See the Scene:

A photography unit will take pictures of items identified during the initial scan.
Pictures should be taken of the overall area, as well as closeups, using evidence
markers or a ruler for size reference
Investigator sees the scene in person.
a. Photograph:
 Close Range, Medium, and overall Photography
 Visual, UV, IR Photography
b. Videography

Requirements: Evidence markers often include a ruler or scale to show the

approximate
size of the object.

5. Sketch the Scene:

The rough sketch is the initial sketch that accurately depicts the dimensions of the
scene and the location of all objects. Distance measurements from 2 fixed points
(walls, doors etc.) are included. Measurement must be accurate. Numbers are used to
designate an item in the sketch.
Triangulation of stationary objects should be taken as well.

A view of the crime scene should be taken at different angles and distances. Close-up
photos of evidence should also be taken as well.

What should be included on a sketch?

 North should be labeled

 scale of distance
 any other objects around the crime scene should be included.

3|Page
 If outside,

 The position of trees, vehicles, hedges and other objects should be included in
the sketch
 After the initial sketch, a computerized version recreates the scene and then is
used in court.

6. Search for Evidence:

A thorough search is conducted to identify any evidence that may have been
overlooked in the previous steps. This search can occur in several patterns. One is
chosen by the lead investigator. Determining where photos should be taken means that
examiners need to take into an account whether the scene is a primary crime scene
(location where the crime took place) or a secondary crime scene (a location other
than the initial crime that relates to the crime and evidence is found). Depending on
the number of investigators, a spiral, grid, linear, or quadrant pattern should be
walked and location of evidence marked, photographed, and sketched. Single
investigators might use a grid, linear, or spiral pattern. A group of investigators might
use a linear, zone, or quadrant pattern. These patterns are systematic, ensuring that no
area is left unsearched.

Requirements: Additional light sources might be needed to find hair and fibres. A
vacuum cleaner with a clean bag is sometimes used to collect evidence but is not the
method of choice. The use of a flashlight for examination and forceps for collecting
are preferable, because this method avoids picking up.

7. Secure and Collect Evidence:

All identified evidence must be collected and secured using specific techniques and
procedures. These techniques keep the evidence from becoming damaged or
contaminated. Each piece of evidence is logged onto an evidence log and marked with
an evidence label.

The label features a chain of custody. Each person that touches the evidence must
complete the chain of custody. This is required for the items to be admissible, or
acceptable as evidence, in a court of law.

 Use an inventory log to account for all evidence

 Create through descriptions that match photographs taken at the scene
 Follow a clear chain of custody throughout the investigation

4|Page