Nine Steps For The Investigation Of The Criminal Scene

Nine steps for the investigation of the criminal scene

Introduction

Any incident, whether it is a crime, accident, natural disaster, armed conflict, or other, leave vestiges in the place where it occurs. The objective of subsequent research is to correctly interpret the facts, rebuild what happened and understand what happened.

The study of the crime scene is based on the principle of Edmund Locard. The function of criminalistics services begins to develop in the crime scene with the recognition and collection of material evidence. Continues with its analysis and the evaluation of the results in a laboratory, and the presentation of the conclusions to the judges, prosecutors, lawyers and other people who need the concrete information. From those who carry out the first intervention in the crime scene to the end users of the information, all the personnel who intervene must have enough knowledge of the criminal process, the scientific disciplines and the specialized services provided by the forensic laboratories.

The investigation of the crime scene is a process that aims. Different professionals, of various specialties, are called to be part of the research, always taking into account that the slightest error can hinder and even divert the direction of the same. If the researchers of the crime scene do not act methodically, they run the risk of polluting or losing evidence. Researchers must focus on the investigation of the crime scene as if it were their only opportunity to preserve and recover evidence.

There are those who say that crime analysis represents 70% of autopsy.

Developing

The crime scene is the place where the criminal has acted to carry out his action, and therefore, his analysis in all aspects is vital. It can be composed of one or more interrelated physical spaces through the criminal act that is investigated, and is characterized by the potential presence of elements, traces and indications that can reveal the circumstances of what happened there, and the possibility of identification of those who haveacted on him.

To carry out a successful investigation in the crime scene, researchers use numerous individual procedures. And obviously, different crimes require specific methods. However, despite the various tactics and circumstances, individual investigators generally use the next nine universal steps to carry out a fruitful and efficient investigation of the crime scene.

• Establish scene dimensions / identify possible hazards.

An investigator must initially locate the main area of the disturbance, that is, the focal point of the crime. This could be a looted room, a traffic intersection where a collision or a remote part of nature occurred where a murder took place. Once the focal point has been determined, the researcher creates a radius of the area, in which all immediate and relevant physical tests may be present.

It is up to the researcher to create a relatively large radius, due to the fact that it is much easier to condense later the crime scene than to enlarge it. It would be harmful to research if the area were too small, and the spectators or the media put in danger crucial tests (located outside the area).

In addition to establishing the radius of the focal point, the investigator must identify the potential areas of criminal entry and exit. The safety of all people in the area must also be taken into account. Therefore, any type of hazardous materials, weapons or intentional traps must be identified.

• Ensure the perimeter.

Each person who enters and leaves the crime scene ‘will add or subtract’ crucial material from the crime scene. Therefore, it is vital that the principal investigator ensures the area as quickly as possible.

To control access, the scene is generally cordoned off with yellow tape for the crime scene or other methods, such as ropes or cones. In addition, an entrance is established for all the staff to use when entering and leaving the scene. Once the common entry has been created, all the people who enter and leave the area must be documented. For larger and complex crime scenes, additional evidence consultation and storage areas can be created.

• Organize and communicate.

Before the collection of evidence, the researchers of the crime scene must develop a theory about what happened exactly in the scene. Once the team has a practical knowledge of what type of crime it happened, investigators will be more prepared to anticipate what kind of evidence can be present.

A method to develop crime theory is to interview witnesses or people of interest. Once the researchers have obtained enough information, the team will develop their strategy to collect evidence.

• Conduct an initial scene.

A preliminary survey of the crime scene is carried out in an effort to prioritize the collection of evidence. While the scene is made, the principal researcher will identify and take photos of important evidence.

Researchers will also document certain aspects of the crime scene, so that the conditions of the scene are properly captured. For example, researchers will notice the climatic conditions, the exact position of the elements, such as furniture, the presence of odors and if the lights were turned on or off.

• Process the scene.

Once the plan has been established and the initial survey has been conducted, the researchers of the crime scene carry out a diligent, thorough and coordinated investigation of the scene. At that time, the team will collect all probative evidence. The evidence collection includes adequate digital documentation of the scene and evidence, which can also include 3D scanners, diagrams, models and sketches.

While evidence collection is carried out, it is vital that all researchers follow a strict protocol in the collection, packaging and preservation of evidence. If the integrity of any of the tests is compromised, it could hinder the investigation and eventual prosecution.

• Take a second tour.

For quality control purposes, the principal investigator takes a secondary tour to ensure that the entire crime scene has been thoroughly.

• Preserve and record evidence.

To ensure that all the evidence collected has been documented, the research team will create an inventory record. Each part of evidence is described in the registry, and this description must coincide with the photo of the evidence and the description of the crime scene report. The evidence record and the report of the crime scene establish the chain of custody, which will follow the evidence during the entire duration of the case.

• Perform final survey.

The final survey allows investigators to make a critical review of all aspects of the investigation of the crime scene. Each team member participates in the final survey to ensure that involuntary errors are not found in the documentation, and that the paper trail is complete, precise and complete. One last search for the area is necessary to corroborate that the procedure was not carried out incorrectly, thus guaranteeing that tests in hidden sections or difficult access to the crime scene will not be overlooked.

• Release the crime scene.

Once the final survey has been completed, the principal investigator or other authorized persons can release the crime scene. Often, to obtain the re -entry to a scene of the crime released, a court order is required.

Conclusions

In the scenario of a crime the expert not only collects what is tangible, but in its journey through that space is receiving sensitive information from the place of facts itself. There are cases of crimes whose place of perpetration can be easily determined, but there are also some other crimes in which the commission place cannot be determined, as well as the computer crimes in which it is very difficult to focus the place.

The importance of physical evidence in the prosecution of the objectives of criminal investigation, have made it possible for the collection and preservation of evidence to become an element of vital importance in the accusatory process. And after the ninth step, the investigation is ready to give birth to justice.

References

• Bouquet, a. (2006). Moderate Criminalistics Manual: Science and Test Investigation. Mexico: 21st century.
• Ching, r. (2005). Forensic psychology. Fundamental principles. San José, Costa Rica: Euned.
• Jiménez, J. (2008). Forensic indications in the crime scene. Available at: http: // www.forensic science.CL/CSI/CONTENT/VIEW/64/2/.
• Montiel, j. (1998). Criminalistics Manual. Mexico. Noriega Group.
• Vivas López, F. (2009). The chain of custody in the Organic Code of Criminal Procedure.
• http: // lawyer -specialist.Blogspot.com/2009/09/la-cadena-de custody-in-el-codigo.HTML.