What Can Happen If A Crime Scene Is Not Treated Carefully?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If the scene is not treated carefully,

it can make vital information not only useless, but even deceptive

, pointing an investigation in the wrong direction. … There are special steps the investigator must follow in handling the crime scene, beginning with securing and isolating it.

What could potentially happen to evidence if a crime scene is not properly secured?

A scene not properly secured and preserved will

lead to unnecessary activity at the scene

, which may irreversibly modify, contaminate and compromise the scene and its evidence.

What are some consequences of failure to protect a crime scene properly?

List two possible consequences of failure to protect a crime scene properly. –

Someone can bring stuff in and someone can bring stuff out

. -People can damage and contaminate the scene/evidence.

Why is it important to protect the crime scene?

One of the most important aspects of securing the crime scene is

to preserve the scene with minimal contamination and disturbance of physical evidence

. First Responders to an incident should document the placement and/or movement of items at the scene.

What happens to the evidence if chain of custody is not properly maintained?

The biggest risk of breaking chain of custody is holding evidence that is inadmissible in court. If the chain of custody is broken,

vital evidence could be deemed legally worthless

. … Sloppy chain of custody work can mean losing a client's case and failing to serve justice.

What are the 7 S's of a crime scene?

  • Securing The Scene.
  • Securing And Collecting Evidence.
  • Separating The Witnesses.
  • Sketching The Scene.
  • Seeing The Scene.
  • Scanning The Scene.
  • Searching For Evidence.

What are the 5 steps of crime scene investigation?

The basic crime scene procedures are

physical evidence recognition, documentation, proper collection, packaging, preser- vation, and, finally, scene reconstruction

.

What are the four types of photos required at a crime scene?

  • Overall Photographs. Overall photos capture the global aspects of the crime scene. …
  • Midrange Photographs. …
  • Close-up Photographs and Evidence Photography.

What is the first thing to do at a crime scene?

A crime scene investigator's first step is

to talk to the initial officers on scene

. Their observations can affect how the walk-through of the scene is conducted by CSI, what is included in a search warrant application, and even what equipment (like OSCR360) and/or additional personnel are needed.

What is the most challenging aspect of processing a crime scene?

All evidence within the physical environment of the crime scene is critically important to the investigative process. At any crime scene, the two greatest challenges to the physical evidence are

contamination and loss of continuity

.

What is meant by the golden rule of a crime scene investigation?

The Golden Rule in Criminal Investigation. “

Do not touch, alter, move, or transfer any object at the crime scene unless it is properly marked, measured, sketched and/or photographed

.”

What should you not do at a crime scene?

  • 1 – Do NOT touch, or have anyone else touch anything. …
  • 2 – Do NOT clean it yourself, or have a family member or employee clean up.

Who is allowed at a crime scene?

A crime scene can be cordoned off using crime-scene tape, barricades, automobiles, or even by police officers standing guard.

Only personnel who are absolutely necessary for processing the scene

are allowed in.

How would you know if the crime was staged?

Typically, evidence or bodies will be moved, or there will be signs of a break-in that did not actually happen. A crime scene is often staged to make

a murder appear like an accident or suicide

. … A murderer may move a body into the bathroom and pretend the victim fell when he or she got out of the bath or shower.

What could cause evidence to be inadmissible in court?

Evidence that can not be presented to the jury or decision maker for any of a variety of reasons:

it was improperly obtained, it is prejudicial

(the prejudicial value outweighs the probative value), it is hearsay, it is not relevant to the case, etc.

What types of evidence are admissible in court?

  • Testimony.
  • Documentary.
  • Real (physical)
  • Digital.
  • Exculpatory.
  • Inculpatory.
  • Demonstrative.
  • Eyewitness identification.
Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.