CRIME SCENE

MANAGEMENT
• Crime scene management refers to the organized
and systematic approach used by law
enforcement and forensic professionals to
process, analyze, and document a crime scene.
• Goal - Proper collection, preservation, and
analysis of evidence , Facilitating Crime Scene
Reconstruction
• Classification of Crime Scene - Primary,
Secondary, microscopic, macroscopic.
 Stages of Scene of Crime Examination
• Securing the Crime Scene

• The crime scene should be secured to isolate it from individuals who could
potentially disrupt or tamper with evidence. Any interference could
compromise the investigation process.
• When the first officer arrives at a crime scene, their primary responsibilities
are to protect the scene to prevent damage to evidence, restrict access to
only those involved in the investigation, and implement measures such as
ropes or barriers to prevent illegal entry. Additionally, the officer should
prioritize providing medical assistance to individuals and apprehending
perpetrators. Lastly, the officer needs to ask specific questions about the
crime, including details about the timing, the caller, the victim, potential
identification of the perpetrator, and observations from witnesses.
 Scanning the Scene
• During the cautious scanning of the crime scene, a walkthrough is essential for the
crime scene investigator, the officer, and occasionally the lead detective to
psychologically prepare for a reconstruction theory. The crime scene investigator
should take note of temporary or unconfirmed evidence susceptible to change,
accurately record environmental and weather conditions, document points of
entry, exit, and paths of travel within the scene, record initial details such as the
who, what, where, when, and how, and recognize any special requirements within
the crime scene for personnel, protections, or equipment, informing senior
officers or other relevant agencies accordingly.
 Sketching the Scene

• Sketching the scene is a crucial aspect of crime scene documentation. It involves

creating a visual representation of the crime scene layout, indicating the
placement of evidence, landmarks, and key features. This sketch provides
investigators and forensic experts with a clear and accurate overview of the
scene, aiding in the analysis and reconstruction of events. The sketch
complements other forms of documentation, such as photographs and written
notes, contributing to a comprehensive record of the crime scene.
Searching for Evidence

• Sources of evidence -a) Body

b) Primary and/or secondary crime scene

c) Suspect(s)

The search involves thorough examination of areas, objects, and surfaces where
evidence may be present, employing methods such as visual inspection, the use
of specialized tools, and forensic techniques. The goal is to locate and preserve
key pieces of evidence, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate foundation for
 Documentation of Crime Scene
• The timely recording of a crime scene is crucial for investigations and subsequent trials, as the
scene's untouched state is often limited. Three essential methods for crime scene recording
include:
• Photography & Videography:
Visual documentation captures the overall scene, specific details, and the placement of evidence.
Provides a permanent and objective record for analysis and courtroom presentation.
• Sketches:
Hand-drawn or digitally created sketches complement visual documentation.
Notes:
Written documentation details observations, conditions, and relevant information.
Helps create a comprehensive narrative of the crime scene, supporting investigative efforts and
legal proceedings.
 Securing, Collecting & Packaging of
Evidence
• Every article should be isolated in a container, sealed, and labeled.
• b) Delicate evidence is prioritized and packed first.
• c) Different types of evidence require specific assembly and packing methods.
• d) Evidence collection on the body is the responsibility of the medical examiner.
• e) Certain evidence, like traces of blood on clothing or hair and fibers from vacuum
sweeps, is identified in the crime lab.
• f) Clothing may need to be seized from both victim and perpetrator.
• g) Critical areas should be vacuumed, and sweepings from different areas kept
separate.
• h) Finger nail scratchings should be collected from suspects and victims.
• i) All evidence must be properly packaged, sealed, and labeled for preservation and
chain of custody integrity.
 Chain of custody
• The maintenance of the chain of custody is crucial in forensic
investigations. The chain of custody refers to the documented and
unbroken trail that tracks the possession and handling of a piece of
evidence from the moment it is collected until its presentation in
court. A comprehensive written record is essential and should include
details about every individual who has had possession of the
evidence.

• Starting at the time of collection, the chain of custody record

documents each transfer or handover of the evidence, noting the
names, positions, and dates of those involved.
Crime Scene Reconstruction
• Crime scene reconstruction is the process of analyzing and
interpreting evidence to develop a cohesive and plausible
understanding of how a crime unfolded. This method aims
to recreate the sequence of events, identify key actions
and interactions, and establish the relationships between
various elements of the crime scene.
• Reconstruction of crime scene involves forming a
hypothesis of the sequence of events from before the
crime was committed through its commission