Wk 5 Critical Thinking (222)

Crime Scene Processing
Student Name
Institution
Things Done When Processing a Scene
Processing is an essential step in crime scene investigation. Through this action, the crime scene technician looks for evidence. The evidence can either be physical or testimonial. Furthermore, the crime scene technicians recognise, assess, and gather physical evidence from the scene for further analysis at the laboratories. Processing, as a step, involves other sub-steps that include careful examination, note taking, sketching, photography and finally collection of evidence. Below is an explanation of some of the aspects of crime scene investigation.
As some criminal justice scholars claim, note taking is one of the most significant aspects of the crime scene investigation. Therefore, extensive note-taking is required and recommended as it is ideal for the retrieval of evidence. The notes captured in this process should contain certain elements that differentiate them from the general records. For instance, the notes should be obtained as events unfold, and in chronological order. To achieve this, detailed step by step actions should be captured. Moreover, the records should be complete, thorough, precise and legibly captured.
Moreover, unexpected situations, at the area of crime need not to be recorded in the notes. Instead, the crime scene investigator should be specific, avoiding vague words that might create misunderstandings when analysing the evidence.
Besides note taking, Sketching is also another essential step carried out during crime scene investigation.

Sketches and diagrams are indispensable tools during crime scene investigation as they show measurements. Furthermore, the designs are significant because they offer a broader representation of the crime scene. The sketches also include some measures about where some objects were found concerning the crime scene. Case number, the name of the victim, Date and time of sketch creation are some of the details captured by the sketch. Also, the sketch contains directional reference parts and legends to facilitate identification of critical items of evidence (Hagan, 1997).
Distinct mechanisms of approach are available when taking photos at a crime scene. Regulations at the ground establish that not unless pictures of the evidence have been taken, one should not touch them. It’s recommended that the photos need to be bright and well-focused, and should provide an uncontaminated view of the crime scene. To facilitate this aspect, different cameras, with varying points of focus are used, although the 35 mm single-lens camera is the most common one.
To create a specific piece of evidence, witnesses, if available should be captured at the scene. Also, photos of affected personnel and the environment of the scene must be taken in a separate photo. The date and time the images were shot should also be included as well as details of the camera such as the shutter speed, change of lens amongst others.
After the facilitation of the above processes, the investigator is required to collect evidence, in a process known as evidence collection. The investigators perform this operation systematically and carefully. The process involves some other fundamental steps, including a crime scene survey, after that the determination of evidence to be used in the collection sequence.
Significant Information in the Sketches
The sketches establish and demonstrate physical attributes as they occur at the scene. Through them, the investigator can connect a number of happenings at the scene, and also determine locations where the objects of crime are found in the scene. Therefore, to provide meaningful proof as expressed above, a crime scene sketch should possess some attributes that facilitate the same.
Indicating direction is important on the sketch, and therefore a compass, indicating north is fundamental. Moreover, any objects considered to be in the vicinity of the scene also need to be included. For example, if the crime happened inside a house, common objects around the house e.g. beds and chairs can be included. If the happening is outside, the location of trees and other visible structures must be included in the sketches. The case number, the name of the victim, the date and measurements should also be availed in the crime scene sketch.
Searching for Fingerprints Left behind by a Suspect in a burglary
Also defined as a home invasion or breaking, burglary is the unlawful entry into premises of another, with the aim of committing a felony or a crime. They are one of the most common crimes which fingerprint officers respond to, as these offenders leave some limited amount of evidence.
Point of entries are some of the common areas where the fingerprints could be found In this case, all entry points, including the gates, doors, windows and other locations are deemed necessary for fingerprint dusting. The offenders must try opening these entry points to gain access, therefore leaving traces for the same.
Also, broken glasses can be vital to search for fingerprints during a burglary. In any case, the glasses are violated, there is a speculation that the offender might have tried to gain entrance or exit forcefully, and must have used his hands in one way or the other. Therefore, obtaining fingerprint traces from such points is easy.
Light switches are also significant when searching for fingerprints. The criminals attempt to find some light for them to move faster and accomplish their tasks. Therefore, they might be tempted to switch on the lights. In some instances the lights were left on, the offenders in most situations try to switch them off. Therefore, fingerprint traces can be obtained here. Lastly, tools left behind by the criminals can be of great importance when searching for fingerprints in a burglary. Some of the standard tools associated with criminals include flashlights and batteries, which can also be fundamental when looking for prints.
Maintaining a Knife from the Scene
Evidence collected at the scenes need to be well preserved. Therefore, after collection, there is need for appropriate preserving and packaging of the evidence. On occasion an item of physical evidence has been removed from its original location, there is a need for it to be repackaged to prevent contamination which might result in loss of evidence. In this case, the knife, containing the blood would be packaged in a weapons tube so that the sharp edges cannot penetrate from the tubes and cause harm to the investigator handling it. The container is then sealed using a biohazard tape because of the presence of the blood. Additionally, a fingerprint, lifted with an adhesive tape should be placed on to a transparent, thin acetate sheet and put into the plastic evidence envelope.
Conclusion
Processing a crime scene requires a lot of keenness and professionalism. With such aspects, evidence can quickly be gathered and provided whenever needed in a court of law. Crime scene investigators should ensure that they incorporate such qualities, to enable efficient evidence collection. Furthermore, the evidence obtained should be clearly marked and sealed.

References.
Hagan, F. E., & Hagan, F. E. (1997). Research methods in criminal justice and criminology (pp. 129-41). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.