Discussion Post
For this discussion, you will imagine yourself as a forensic technician for a small agency working a crime scene with a brand-new detective. The scenario is based off the Crime 360: Welcome to Homicide video segments. Prior to beginning work on this discussion, please review the following:
1) From the text:
a) Chapter 1: Forensic Science and Criminalistics
b) Chapter 2: Crime Scene Processing and Analysis and Forensic Technologies
2) From the free, downloadable resource at the web page Crime Scene Investigation Guide:
a) Section A: Arriving at the Scene
b) Section B: Preliminary Documentation & Evaluation of the Scene
3) From the video Crime 360: Welcome to Homicide :
a) Segment 1. 911 Call 2:51
b) Segment 2. Reaction to Dead Body 1:57
4) The free PDF copy at the web page Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward (2009).
You work for a small, rural agency that is just starting their own Crime Scene Response Unit (CSRU). So far, it is just you, and an intern volunteering part time for college credit. Your forensic lab is also limited, and any advanced scientific analysis must be sent out to the State Crime Lab.
You will be working with a new homicide detective (see the video Crime 360: Welcome to Homicide). While Detective Shane has a senior detective helping him, you are still depended on to ensure the forensic piece is handled appropriately.
What are your steps in securing the scene and evidence? What steps will you take to correctly process this scene? Include and specifically address the following:
a) How to thoroughly record a crime scene including searching the scene.
b) What tools or resources will be needed?
c) Packaging physical evidence.
d) Maintaining proper chain of custody.
e) Identify what types of evidence you might hope to find.
The response must include a reference list. Using one-inch margins, double-space, Times New Roman 12 pnt font and APA style of writing and citations.