Securing Crime Scenes And Protecting Evidence

Securing Crime Scenes And Protecting Evidenceimagine A Scenario In Whi

Imagine a scenario in which a tire tread at a crime scene, presumably from the suspect’s vehicle, has been obscured by first responders’ vehicles and shoe prints. Or imagine a scenario in which the crime scene was released back to the homeowners while containing evidence initially overlooked by investigators. What are the ramifications of these instances? Crime scenes can be wide-open spaces exposed to the elements, or they can be lived-in spaces with clutter and household detritus where every detail seems relevant. Inherent challenges exist with all crime scenes, no matter the circumstance.

In this Assignment, you explore crime scene and evidence types and the challenges associated with them. In 750 words, respond to the following: Identify the four basic crime scene types. Identify two types of physical evidence. Describe one challenge associated with securing each type of crime scene and explain how to address each challenge. Describe one challenge associated with securing each type of physical evidence and explain how to address each challenge.

What degrades and destroys evidence to make it inadmissible? Explain the consequences of not properly securing and documenting a crime scene. Explain the consequences of not preventing evidence degradation.

Paper For Above instruction

The integrity of a crime scene and the preservation of evidence are foundational to effective forensic investigation and the pursuit of justice. Properly securing and managing various types of crime scenes and evidence are critical steps that influence case outcomes. This paper examines the four basic crime scene types, associated challenges in securing these environments, the types of physical evidence, the challenges related to evidentiary preservation, and the consequences stemming from lapses in protocol.

Four Basic Crime Scene Types

Crime scenes generally fall into four primary categories: outdoor scenes, indoor scenes, transport scenes, and victim’s scenes. Outdoor crime scenes include open spaces such as parks, forests, or fields, often exposed to environmental elements which pose specific challenges for evidence preservation (Morse, 2020). Indoor scenes occur within confined spaces like homes, offices, or crime labs, where clutter and household items can obscure evidence. Transport scenes involve evidence during transit, such as a vehicle involved in the crime or evidence being moved between locations (Hickman et al., 2018). Victim’s scenes pertain to home or personal environments where the victim resides or was last seen, often cluttered and complicating access and documentation (Lax & Smith, 2019).

Physical Evidence Types

Two common types of physical evidence are biological evidence and trace evidence. Biological evidence includes blood, saliva, hair, or tissue, which can link suspects to the crime scene or victim (Saferstein, 2018). Trace evidence comprises small materials like fibers, gunshot residue, or soil particles, often transferred during a crime and requiring meticulous collection techniques (Jackson & Jackson, 2017).

Challenges in Securing Crime Scenes and Strategies to Address Them

Outdoor Crime Scene

A significant challenge in outdoor scenes is environmental exposure, which can accelerate evidence degradation due to sunlight, rain, wind, or temperature fluctuations (Morse, 2020). To address this, investigators should rapidly establish a secure perimeter and use protective coverings such as tarps or tents to shield evidence from weather elements.

Indoor Crime Scene

Indoor environments often contain clutter, which can obscure critical evidence or interfere with documentation. This clutter complicates search patterns and evidence collection. To mitigate this, investigators should create a systematic search plan and carefully document the scene with photographs before any disturbance, ensuring that all evidence is accounted for without unnecessary displacement (Houck & Siegel, 2020).

Transport Crime Scene

The challenge during transport is maintaining a chain of custody and preventing contamination or loss of evidence. Proper packaging, labeling, and secure transportation methods are essential. Using tamper-evident containers and detailed logs ensures evidence integrity during transit (Lee & Taylor, 2021).

Victim’s Scene

Victim’s scenes often involve clutter, personal items, and possible interference by witnesses or family members, complicating access and documentation. Establishing a controlled environment, restricting access, and thorough documentation help preserve the scene’s integrity (Lax & Smith, 2019).

Challenges in Securing Physical Evidence and Solutions

Biological Evidence

Biological evidence is vulnerable to environmental degradation such as heat, moisture, and microbial activity. Using appropriate collection tools, refrigerating or freezing biological samples, and applying preservatives or packaging in sealed, sterile containers help preserve integrity (Saferstein, 2018).

Trace Evidence

Trace evidence can easily be lost through contamination or improper handling. To prevent this, investigators should wear gloves, use sterile instruments, and avoid cross-contamination. Proper packaging in paper containers can prevent mold and degradation during storage (Jackson & Jackson, 2017).

Factors Leading to Evidence Degradation and Its Impact

Environmental factors such as heat, moisture, sunlight, and microbial activity degrade evidence. Improper handling, delays in collection, or inadequate storage exacerbate degradation, leading to loss of probative value (Houck & Siegel, 2020). Similarly, evidence can be destroyed or contaminated during collection or transport if protocols are not strictly followed.

Consequences of Inadequate Crime Scene Securing and Documentation

Failing to properly secure and document crime scenes risks evidence contamination, loss, or misinterpretation. This can lead to wrongful convictions or acquittals due to insufficient or compromised evidence (Loper & Guthrie, 2017). Inadequate documentation may cause critical evidence to be excluded during trial, undermining the prosecution’s case and affecting justice delivery. Moreover, compromised evidence diminishes the credibility of the investigation and can impede efforts to solve the crime.

Implications of Evidence Degradation

When evidence degrades or is lost, its probative value diminishes or becomes null. This can result in cases being dismissed or suspects being acquitted despite probable guilt. It also undermines the judicial process by allowing guilty parties to escape accountability. Consequently, prompt collection, proper handling, and appropriate storage are essential to preserve evidence for forensic analysis and courtroom presentation (Saferstein, 2018).

Conclusion

Effective crime scene management hinges upon recognizing different scene types, understanding the nature of various physical evidence, and implementing strategies to mitigate challenges in securing and preserving evidence. Proper procedures safeguard the integrity of evidence, uphold the chain of custody, and support the pursuit of justice. Advances in forensic protocols continue to improve evidence preservation, but investigator vigilance remains paramount to prevent evidence degradation and ensure reliable outcomes in criminal investigations.

References

• Hickman, L., Roberts, T., & Thorpe, R. (2018). Criminal investigation. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Houck, M. M., & Siegel, J. A. (2020). Fundamentals of Forensic Science. Academic Press.
• Jackson, J. R., & Jackson, J. E. (2017). Forensic science: An introduction. Elsevier.
• Lax, S., & Smith, R. (2019). The investigative process: Crime scene management. Routledge.
• Lee, H. C., & Taylor, W. (2021). Crime scene processing and evidence collection. CRC Press.
• Loper, M. B., & Guthrie, K. M. (2017). Forensic science and human rights: Great challenges of the 21st century. CRC Press.
• Morse, S. (2020). Crime scene investigation. Pearson Education.
• Saferstein, R. (2018). Criminalistics: An introduction to forensic science. Pearson.
• Smith, A., & Williams, B. (2022). Evidence collection and preservation in forensic science. Springer.
• Williams, R. (2019). Forensic evidence: Science and the courtroom. Wiley.