Using the knowledge acquired while shadowing a crime-scene investigator team and employing criminal jurisprudence principles, I shall prepare a detailed crime scene report. This is a practical examination that involves some of the skills applied in examining a crime scene and identifying items that need to be collected as evidence, carefully collecting and packaging these items so that they remain significant during investigations.
On our way to the crime scene, we carefully assessed and picked various physical evidence pieces, each carrying vital information. Apart from the mentioned earlier shell casings, blood fingerprint, and drug paraphernalia, our observation would not be limited to likely key elements like footprints and tire marks, which could reveal important information on persons concerned and transportations involved; the uniqueness of the tire marks traces In addition, we examined other weapons besides empty shells (Hochrein, 2012). The presence of a knife or blunt object is significant because it can help determine if this was a robbery, murder, or something else. Where possible, surveillance camera shots nearby often proved a worthwhile visual material that helped cast more light into what went down before or after the crime, thereby strengthening their case. Moreover, we were aware of trace evidence that included small but vital things such as hair, fiber, and glass fragments that would lead or connect a suspect/victim at the scene or to another individual (Touroo & Fitch, 2018). However, our vigilance did not stop at bloody fingerprints but also included any liquid body fluid or tissue that could have served as a DNA sample, giving the link between the suspect and the crime scene. The detailed and thorough way we do this is essential for identifying evidence and untangling the complex crime scene to find justice.
The conservation and collection of this pivotal evidence requires sheer dedication to accuracy and compliance with standard procedures, maintaining the proof’s validity and acceptance before any court. The specific packaging of various types of evidence should be selected very delicately (Gardner & Krouskup, 2018). For example, in dealing with shell casings and guns, precision matters a lot. At the same time, these gun-relevant items must be handled with gloves to ensure no contamination and placed separately into individually sealed bottles to avoid possible destruction/cross-contamination. Each item must be assigned a unique identification number to track their chain of custody accurately. These include blooded fingerprints and biological samples that must be swabbed and collected using sterile cotton swabs preserved in clean containers. Hence, it does not damage the naturally valuable material in forensic analysis.
Further, regarding footprints, tire tracks, and trace elements, comprehensive records should be kept, comprising photographs of where the items were found on the crime scene for future reference. Finally, these items must be cast, lifted, or picked using sterile tools and packages separately to avoid transmission of trace evidence (Touroo & Fitch, 2018). During the investigations using surveillance footage, copies should be made in a forensically sound way, and the original should be appropriately kept under Chain of Custody rules for its acceptance by a court. Likewise, any drug-related object, including drug paraphernalia, must be recovered following protocol and properly secured into an evidence bag that is then sealed from contamination before undergoing intensive forensic evaluation (Gardner & Krouskup, 2018). The rigorous attitude towards keeping and collecting evidence underlines our principle for professionalism and accuracy at all costs as we strive to secure justice.
The package methods we chose were carefully crafted to maintain each physical evidence’s integrity under the strict standards of being admitted as evidence in court. We use separate sealed boxes for shell casings and weapons to avoid contamination and to ensure the items survive undamaged. The unique identification numbers (UIDs) also provide a transparent chain of custody, essential in courtroom proceedings (Touroo & Fitch, 2018). To protect against any possible biological material degradation, we use sterile cotton swabs and sterile containers for blood fingerprints and other biological samples. Trace evidence is photographed, showing its context as well, and taking photos using the sterile tool and separate packaging prevents any transfer of trace evidence. A forensically sound approach to copying allows for preserving the source and maintaining it as an eligible piece of evidence in court (Gardner & Krouskup, 2018). Evidence is kept by bagging drug paraphernalia in a secure manner that reinforces the integrity of the obtained items. The selected methods are designed to ensure a continuous chain of custody, contamination, damage, and, finally, irrefragable evidence during the search for justice.
Summing up, crime scene investigation teams are better off if they follow strict guidelines on the collection and preservation of evidence to ensure the integrity of evidence. Each category of evidence is significant in that it could reveal the culprit and solve the case. For the evidence to be admitted in court, how it was collected, kept, and packaged is crucial. We still commit ourselves to professionalism and strict adherence to ethics during our struggle for truth.
References
Gardner, R. M., & Krouskup, D. (2018). Practical crime scene processing and investigation. CRC Press.
Hochrein, M. J. (2012). Crime scene perspective: collecting evidence in the context of the criminal incident. A Companion to Forensic Anthropology, 101-112.
Touroo, R., & Fitch, A. (2018). Crime scene findings and the identification, collection, and preservation of evidence. Veterinary Forensic Pathology, Volume 1, 9-25.
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