Reconstructing Crime Scenes

Reconstructing Crime Scenes

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Reconstructing Crime Scenes

Crime Scene Investigator’s Procedure

The circumstances encountered by investigators signify crime scene investigation because different steps and sequences are used for different cases. There are seven basic steps that outline crime scene investigation. (Singh, 2018).

Scene Dimensions and potential safety and health hazards

It refers to the identification of “focal point”, highlighting and pointing out the area of disturbance. It may be the place where the victim was found or the area with physical evidence. Safety is another paramount concern to address, because weapons, chemical, and biohazard would be a threat to the investigator as well. (Shebaro, et, al. 2019).

Establishing security

It is quoted, “Any individual entering or exiting from crime scene adds or subtracts material from the crime scene, compromising the security of crime area”. (Singh, 2018). Crime area should be cordoned off with crime scene tape etc. along with the documentation of people entering or exiting the crime scene. (Shebaro, et, al. 2019).

Plan, coordinate and communicate

Investigators should develop the theoretical framework of the crime scene because the type of crime justifies the evidence that could be presented. Information should be collected from witnesses and then evidence collection strategy would be formulated adhering to an atmospheric or physical condition such as time, date and any event, etc. (Regensburger, et, al. 2019). 

Conducting primary survey

It is meant for the collection of valuable evidence and information in the form of notes and photographs. It includes conditions such as presence of light, and the position of furniture, etc. (Regensburger, et, al. 2019). 

Documentation of scene

Scanners, cameras, diagrams, and sketches are used for the documentation of the scene because biological evidence is vulnerable to destruction but physical evidence are a major tool to justification. (Singh, 2018).

Conducting secondary survey

It is about validation or authenticity of the primary survey.

Record and preserve evidence

It includes the formulation of an inventory log that is used to collect and keep a record of the evidence collection, accompanied by a description of crime scene with respect to evidence. (Shebaro, et, al. 2019).

Crime Scene Reconstruction

The process of working with the sequence of events before, after and during a crime is called crime scene reconstruction. It is one of the basic and underlying aspects of forensic science as it is the most controversial and critical point of crime investigation. It is significant to note that the victim is the focal point of crime scene reconstruction. It would not be wrong to say that reconstruction is a scientific fact gathering procedure that involves five different stages, particularly utilized in crime reconstruction. (Regensburger, et, al. 2019). 

Data Collection

It refers to the collection of information either obtained from the place of crime, any witnesses or the victim, referring to proper documentation. There are different conditions of data collection involving obvious impressions, patterns and the condition of evidence that is reviewed organized and documented. (Shebaro, et, al. 2019).

Conjecture

This step involves a detailed analysis of the evidence that is obtained relevant to the crime scene. Conjecture also includes a possible explanation of the events, taking into account that it is treated as a possibility only, where there is a space for more explanations. (Regensburger, et, al. 2019). 

Hypothesis Formulation

It refers to the accumulation of data on the basis of examination of physical evidence and extended investigation. A hypothesis is formulated on the basis of scene examination and analysis of physical evidence such as analysis of impression patterns, fingerprint, and bloodstains. This process also refers to the formulation of an educated guess. (Regensburger, et, al. 2019). 

Testing

Testing is done to approve or disapprove the interpretation of specific aspects of the hypothesis. This stage includes a comparative analysis of samples. It also includes controlled testing and experimentation of recorded physical activities. (Regensburger, et, al. 2019). 

Theory Formation

Theory formation refers to the additional information that could be acquired for the investigation of the condition of the victim or suspect. It also includes activities such as experimental results, activities of individuals and narrative accounts. (Shebaro, et, al. 2019).

References

Regensburger, D. (2019). Criminal evidence: From crime scene to courtroom. Aspen Publishers.

Shebaro, B., & Fisher, C. P. (2019). Crime in the 21st Century: A Co-Teaching Experience. The Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges, 54.

Singh, S. (2018). An evaluation of the role of forensic science in crime scene reconstruction (Doctoral dissertation).