Course: POST Basic Patrol Academy

Topic: Crime Scene Investigation

Date Prepared: 07/02/2018

Training Revision Date:

Program Revision Date:
Revision Date:
Details Revision Date:
Instructional 5 hours classroom, 4 hours practical (mock crime scenes)
Time
Goal Upon completion of this block each officer should be familiar
with the methods to successfully process a crime scene.

Performance 1. Identify the importance and methods for securing a

crime scene
Objectives • Scene safety
• Protect scene
• Preserve evidence
• Establish perimeter
• Crime scene tape (Multiple layers)
• Limiting access to scene
• Crime scene entry log

2. Identify methods to visually examine a dead body to

identify wounds and or method of death
• Gun shot
• Stabbing/cutting injuries
• Ligature/hanging/strangulation
• Blunt force trauma
• Bruises, abrasions, lacerations

3. Identify how to determine which items at a crime

scene are relevant and should be collected
• Legal authority (exigency, consent, warrant)
• Related to the type(s) of injuries present
• That appear to be left behind by a suspect
• That help establish a timeline of events
• Support/refute a motive or relationship
• Illustrate communication
• That determines a person’s location.

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 • Non-Collectable items

4. Identify the importance and methods for developing a

crime scene sketch/diagram
• Provides a bird’s eye view of scene
• Clear representation of the scene as it was.
• Document location of evidence items.
• Search Methods (lane, grid, zone, spiral)
• Rectangular/ coordinate system
• Baseline/ station line system

5. Identify methods to formally document physical

evidence at a crime scene
• Written report
• Crime scene drawing (to scale)
• Notes
• Photography
• Sketches
• Evidence tags
• Video

6. Identify methods to photograph latent fingerprints/

impressions
• Camera (tripod)
• Camera flash
• Alternate light sources (flashlight, headlights,
etc...)
• Scale (represent size)
• Photographed at highest resolution possible

7. Identify methods to photograph and or video tape a

crime or crash scene
• Video tape scene (Narrate video)
• Photograph scene in series (Overall, Orientation,
Identification, Scale)
• Evidence markers
• Photograph any additional evidence discovered

8. Identify basic contents of an evidence processing kit

• Camera
• Gloves
• Fingerprint processing kit (powder, brushes, lift
tapes, backing cards)
• Evidence tags
• Evidence envelopes
• Evidence bags (paper and plastic)

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 • Tape measurer
• Measuring wheel
• Ruler
• Evidence markers
• Crime Scene Tape
• Chalk

Demonstrative Objectives:

1. Demonstrate the ability to properly secure a crime

scene

2. Demonstrate the ability to visually examine a dead

body to identify wounds and/or methods of death

3. Demonstrate the ability to identify and collect relevant

crime scene evidence

4. Demonstrate the ability to complete a crime scene

sketch/diagram

5. Demonstrate the ability to formally document physical

evidence at a crime scene

6. Demonstrate ability to photograph latent fingerprints/

impressions

7. Demonstrate the ability to photograph and or video tape a

crime or crash scene.

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References Corey M.D., Tracey, Death in Infancy and Childhood, PATC
course materials, 2006

DeMaio, Vincent J.M. and Dana, Suzanna E., Handbook of

Forensic Pathology, 2nd Edition, CRC Press, 2007

Dix M.D., Jay, Death Investigator’s Manual, Academic

Information Systems, 2001

Dix M.D., Jay, Pathology for Death Investigators, Academic

Information Systems, 2001

Gardner, R., Practical Crime Scene Processing and

Investigation, 2nd edition, CRC Press, 2012

Geberth, Vernon J., Practical Homicide Investigation, 4th

Edition, CRC Press, 2006

Idaho State Police Forensic Services Firearms/Toolmarks

Presentation, 2016

Saferstein, R., Criminalistics-An Introduction to Forensic

Science, 9th Edition, Pearson Education, 2007

Computer
Equipment PPT presentation
Dry erase board/chart
Pens, pencils
Cameras/batteries/memory cards
Evidence placards
Measuring devices (e.g. tape measures, laser measuring devices)
Clipboard
Graph paper, plain paper
Evidence collection materials (e.g. swabs, paper envelopes, paper sacks,
syringe tubes, etc.)
Crime scene barrier tape
Crime scene entry log form

Lecture
Instructional Interactive classroom discussion
Methods Demonstration of crime scene processing techniques
Practical exercise(s) to be completed during the crime scene exercise(s)

Instruction Course Title

Slide 1
Objectives
Slides 2-5

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 CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
Slide 6 Crime scene investigation consists of an examination and
evaluation of the scene for the express purpose of recovering
physical evidence and documenting the scene’s condition as
found.

The crime scene investigator engages is six basic steps:

Slide 7 assessing, observing, documenting, searching, collecting, and
analyzing. Each step serves an underlying purpose in capturing
scene context and recovering evidence without degrading the
value of either.

All of the information collected from the scene plays a

significant role in solving the crime by providing objective data.
The team can use this data to test investigative theories,
corroborate or refute testimonial evidence, and ultimately
demonstrate to the court the condition and circumstances defined
by the scene.

There is no one right way to process a scene, but there are

certainly a number of wrong ways.
Any action taken at the scene will have to be defended in court.
The crime scene investigator must be able to articulate the
reasons why a certain action was taken over some other course
of action.

Every action taken in the scene has some level of destructive

effect on the scene. The basic goal of any processing
methodology is to limit the damage and recover as much
evidence and context from the scene as possible.

Absolutely no food, drink, smoking, chewing tobacco, etc. shall

be consumed/used in the crime scene. None of the facilities
within the scene should be used (e.g. toilet, sink), and none of
the supplies/property/materials found at the scene should be used
(e.g. shovel, tools, paper towels, trash bags, etc.).

Any good processing methodology will demand the following

Slide 8 five basic components:
 Knowledge
 Skills and tools
 A methodical approach
 Flexibility

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  A coordinated effort

By understanding what he or she is looking for, what the lab can

do with the evidence, and what questions should be asked, the
investigator will not overlook information and evidence.
Investigators do not need to be experts in every forensic science
discipline, but they must understand the nature of the different
types of forensic evidence they may encounter in a scene and
how that evidence must be collected and preserved to be of
value. Investigators cannot only have the tools, they must
maintain a level of competency for all of the equipment. Without
a methodical approach, steps are often forgotten or overlooked.
Each scene is unique and presents its own challenges. If the
investigator is not flexible, the greatest results may not be
achieved. Each team member must know what every other team
member’s responsibility is in order to be effective in their
efforts.

Slide 9 THE FIRST RESPONDING OFFICER

The first responding officer sets the stage for a successful

processing of the crime scene by bringing control to what is
generally a chaotic situation and coordinating resources.

The initial responder must:

Slide 10  Document the provided information
 Not become a casualty
 Provide for emergency care
 Secure and control the scene and all those within it
 Release the scene to appropriate authorities

As information is relayed to dispatch, details might get lost in the

chaos. The initial responder must sort out those details. The
initial responder must keep good notes and not rely on
dispatch/computer logs to keep track of details.

Officers must consider hazards when responding to a scene.

Slide 11 Is a suspect still on scene?
Are there natural hazards present?
Are there man-made hazards present?

Lifesaving always takes priority over evidence preservation.

Provide aid until EMS arrives. May not be rendering aid
him/herself, but may be directing others. As EMS is working a

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 victim(s), an officer can be taking photos of the scene, the details
of which might be lost by EMS actions within the scene.
Depending on the circumstances, may only need one EMS in the
scene to confirm death. If EMS arrives prior to the first officer,
EMS personnel need to brief the officer(s) as to what they found
upon their arrival. If a victim is transported, an officer should
accompany that person to the hospital.

Slide 12 Once the scene is static, the officer must secure the scene itself
and any people there. Isolate people from the scene, separate
witnesses from other people, and interview witnesses. Get
information for everyone present at the scene (FI cards at a
minimum). Determine the primary scene(s). While a body may
come to rest in one room, the initial attack may have taken place
in another room. Look for natural entry and exit points within
the scene and secure them. Secondary scenes can include a
suspect’s staging area, a location where items were discarded, or
the location of the victim (e.g. dump site, hospital).

After the areas of the scene have been considered, the officer can
Slide 13
establish perimeters. There must be enough personnel to manage
Objective 1
the perimeters. It is often useful to establish both an outer and
inner perimeter. The outer perimeter is set to exclude the media
and members of the public. Those responding to the scene
(supervisors, public information officers (PIO’s), and crime
scene investigators) can move inside the outer perimeter. An
inner perimeter is set to exclude everyone who is not working on
some aspect of processing inside the crime scene itself. If a
person does not have a specific job to do within the scene, he/she
Slide 14
should not enter the inner perimeter. It is best to start with a
Objective 1
larger perimeter, and shrink it if necessary; it is difficult to
increase the size of the perimeter once media and onlookers
arrive.

In order to enforce the perimeter, a crime scene log should be

established as soon as possible. While some agencies have
forms for the crime scene entry log, a plain sheet of paper can
accomplish the same thing. The crime scene entry log should
include the date, time, name, and purpose of anyone entering the
scene. If they don’t have a purpose, they shouldn’t be entering.

While the initial responding officer is waiting for a detective

and/or crime scene personnel to arrive, he/she can make detailed
Slide 15
notes about the details of what transpired since his/her arrival.
Once the detective or crime scene personnel arrive, the initial
responding officer(s) must brief them as to what has transpired.

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 It’s important to note the observations, not draw conclusions.

The initial walk-through of the scene with detectives and crime

scene investigators should be done with as few people as
possible to avoid contaminating the scene. Those people can
then make determinations as to how their teams will be
processing the scene before everyone enters the scene to begin
their work.
Slide 16
PROCESSING THE CRIME SCENE

The basic activities involved in crime scene processing are:

Assessing
Observing
Documenting
Searching
Collecting
Processing/Analyzing
Slide 17
Assessing
How complex is the scene? How extensive?
What resources are needed?
Are there risks in the scene, and if so, how can those be
mitigated?
Assessment begins at arrival and is an ongoing process.
Slide 18
Determine the team composition- determine who will be
working which aspects of the scene and in what capacity.
 Photography team
 Sketch/Measurement team
 Evidence collection team
 Search team
Slide 19
Scene hazard considerations:
 Biohazards from blood and other bodily fluids
 Structural hazards in fire and explosion scenes
 Chemical and inhalation hazards in fire scenes
 Inhalation, chemical, and fire hazards from on-scene
processing methods
 Inhalation, chemical, or explosive hazards related to
drugs on scene
 Biochemical hazards associated with terrorism
Slide 20
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Disposable booties, gloves, and/or clothing
Dust masks, respirators, self-contained breathing apparatus

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 (SCBA)
Puncture proof/resistant footwear
Goggles/safety glasses

Mass casualty scenes will require coordination between a large

number of agencies, including law enforcement, coroner’s office,
HAZMAT officials, Fire/rescue, etc.

For large/mass scenes, make plans before beginning to process

the scene. Consider where each team will stage, how evidence
will be marked throughout the scene, how personnel will be
identified, etc. Local emergency management officials may have
tools available to assist.

Slide 21 Observing
The most basic aspect of crime scene processing is observation.
It may start out as nonintrusive, but as the processing continues,
it becomes more intrusive after documentation is complete and
searching begins.

It’s important to continue observations while working the scene.

If an investigator focuses on the body too quickly, he/she will
likely overlook other evidence in the scene. Don’t forget to look
at the ceiling, the back sides of doors, the bottoms of surfaces,
etc.

Slide 22 Documenting
Objective 5 Documenting entails a variety of methods, including written
documentation of observations, photographing and videotaping
the scene, and the creation of sketches. Important to move from
least intrusive (photography) to most intrusive (photography of
blood stains using road mapping technique) as the scene is
processed. Documentation must capture the content and context
of the scene as found, before any significant scene alteration.

Four key elements of documentation:

 Notes
 Photographs/Video
 Sketches
 Reports
Slide 23 Notes
Note taking should begin with the notification of the crime,
identify specific actions upon arrival, and provide a clear and
detailed record of all observations and actions taken while in the
scene. Descriptions of techniques employed, and the results of

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 such techniques are all appropriate for inclusion in the notes.
Notes tend to be more accurate as to the true conditions
observed.
Notes should be retained (best practice); varies by department.
Some details and evidence that cannot be collected must be
documented in notes (e.g. smells, overturned furniture, items
moved or removed, temperature, weather conditions, etc.).
For outdoor scenes in which there are no reasonable addresses to
use as reference, GPS coordinates should be taken of the area of
the scene.

Photography
The purpose of a crime scene photograph is to accurately depict
Slide 24 the scene without introducing distortion or visual bias.
Objective 7 You can never take too many photos, especially on very
involved scenes.
Good quality photos require:
 Physical control of the camera
 Proper use of the camera’s controls such as aperture,
shutter speed, and lens
 Proper composition
Problems to avoid:
Photographing an item very close up without any other photos
that establish the location of that item within the scene.
Photographing an area without any landmarks or evidence
markers so that the viewer is unable to determine which
orientation of the photo is correct.
Photographing similar items without the use of evidence markers
so that the viewer is unable to determine which item is which, or
if there are multiple photos of the same object (e.g. cartridge
cases).
Failing to photograph areas because there is no evidence there
(e.g. ceilings); photography will help show that there was
nothing there.

Crime scene photos serve multiple purposes:

Slide 25  Support and enhance an understanding of the scene and
the report
 Capture the condition, orientation, and spatial
relationships of the scene and items within the scene
 Show detail of specific items found in the scene

Types of crime scene photos:

Slide 26

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  Overall
 Relationship
 Identification
 Forensic quality

Slide 27

Overall photos
The purpose of overall photos is to depict the general condition
and layout of the scene. These photos capture how the scene is
oriented, where major landmarks (e.g. doors, furniture, etc.) are
located, and the condition of the scene prior to any significant
alteration. The first photos should include information
identifying the location. This can be accomplished by a photo of
the front of the building (residential or commercial), the address
marker (e.g. on house, on curb, on mailbox), and/or a business
sign. For outdoor scenes, street signs/road signs, power poles, or
Slide 28
other landmarks may be used to identify the location. It is often
helpful to have an aerial photo of the scene.

Overall photos are generally taken with a wide-angle lens (e.g.

28mm lens) to capture a wider field of view in a single photo.
Overall photos are taken so that they overlap one another,
creating a sort of panoramic view of the area.
Overall photos can be shot in a couple of different ways. The
most common is the corner method. The photographer goes to
one corner of the room and takes several photos as he/she
rotates. He/she then proceeds to each corner and repeats the
process until the room has been completely photographed.
The side method is when the photographer positions him/herself
at the approximate middle of the wall and shoots a similar series
of photos as was described in the corner method.
The smaller the room, the more significant the difference will be
in choosing between methods; the corner method actually shows
more square feet per photo than the side method.
Overall photos must be taken at least twice. The first occurs
prior to the introduction of any scales, evidence markers, etc.
The next occurs after evidence markers and/or scales have been
placed, and may be repeated as additional evidence markers are
placed. By doing two different sets of photos, the photographer
Slide 29
shows the scene as it was found, unaltered, and also shows that
the addition of evidence markers isn’t obscuring anything.

Relationship photos

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 The purpose of the relationship photo is to frame the evidence
item in conjunction with some obvious landmark evident in the
overall photos.
When dealing with a number of similar items (e.g. cartridge
cases), the addition of an evidence marker allows the viewer to
tell one item of evidence from another. By photographing each
of those items in relation to a landmark within the scene, the
Slide 30 viewer can then determine the location of each of those items of
evidence within the scene.

Identification photos
The purpose of the identification photo is to distinguish an item
of importance within the scene, often something to be collected
as evidence.
In order to achieve a good quality photo, the photographer must
first fill the frame of the viewfinder with the item of interest.
If the evidence marker doesn’t have an incorporated scale, there
Slide 31 are numerous times in which the addition of a scale in the photo
Objective 6 would be prudent.

Forensic quality photos

Forensic quality photos are those photos that can be used by
forensic professionals, often for comparison and/or
reconstruction.
For any photo taken for comparison purposes, a scale MUST be
included.
Forensic quality photos are usually taken with the camera on a
tripod, at a 90 degree angle to the plane of the evidence, using a
Slide 32 remote shutter release, properly illuminated, and in a loss-less
format (at least TIFF).

When photographing a vehicle, four photos (two sides, each end)

is the minimum number; eight photos (two sides, each end, four
corners) is preferred. Capture the VIN, license plate, and
document general condition prior to conducting any searches.

It is often helpful to take photographs and/or video when leaving

a scene to document its condition. If any damage has been done
during the processing (cutting out a portion of wall/carpet,
powder processing on walls, chemical processing on floors, etc.),
that damage must be documented for the agency’s liability.

Do not delete photos. It is much easier to explain why there is a

photo that wasn’t taken as intended (e.g. lens cap on, flash didn’t
fire). If a photo is deleted, it opens the photographer up to
questions as to what is being hidden.

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 Many times, the person doing photography is called into
different locations as the scene is searched for evidence. When a
new item of evidence is found, it’s important to take the series of
photographs again as it relates to the newly discovered item.
Slide 33

Videotaping
Video is not a replacement for crime scene photography; it is
meant to be a supplement.
Video camera movement must be thought out and deliberate.
When panning from one point to another, move slowly. When
focused on an item of interest, silently count to 10 before moving
on.
Slide 34 Audio recording should be turned off while videotaping. A video
Objective 4 recording should NEVER be narrated.

Sketching
A crime scene sketch serves as a graphic document to show the
layout, orientation, and interrelationships of the scene and the
evidence.
Slide 35 The sketch at the scene should focus on measurements/relative
distances and general evidence location.

Measurements should be taken in a systematic manner using

Slide 36 standardized measuring tools to create a sketch that accurately
represents the scene.

Sketches should have five basic components:

 Heading
 Diagram area
 Legend
 Title block
 Scale and direction notations
A heading indicates why the sketch was created.
The diagram area is the drawing itself.
The legend tells the viewer what the various labels used in the
diagram depict.
The title block provides important information relevant to the
location of the scene and the creator of the sketch.
The direction notation should include north at a minimum, but
may include all cardinal directions. A notation of “not to scale”
Slide 37 should be included on hand drawn sketches, whereas a scale may

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 populate into a computer-generated diagram.

Three types of sketches:

 Cross-projection or exploded sketch
 Elevation sketch
Slide 38  Three-dimensional sketch

Slide 39 Cross-projection sketch or exploded sketch combines the

standard bird’s eye view of the horizontal surfaces of the room,
while at the same time “laying down” a wall(s) in order to depict
evidence that is present on these vertical surfaces.
Slides 40-41
An elevation sketch is drawn depicting a side view of some
portion of the scene, typically an interior wall or similar vertical
structure.

A three-dimensional sketch or view offers an ability to present

the crime scene information in a more realistic perspective.
These are often created with the assistance of a Total Station or
Slide 42 similar surveying-type systems.

For outdoor scenes, the acquisition of a map of the area can

supplement the sketch in representing the scene.

Slides 43-44 Measuring/Mapping the scene

Rectangular coordinates
Triangulation
Baseline coordinates

Rectangular coordinate method is best suited for crime scenes

with clear and specific boundaries. Generally, the item is
measured from center mass to two reference points (RP’s) at
right angles to the evidence (e.g. south and west walls). For
Slides 45-46 items with ends whose positions might be important (e.g.
handgun), multiple measurements may be taken from different
points on the item in order to completely fix its location within
the scene.

Triangulation is an effective method for fixing evidence.

Slides 47-48 Typical landmarks used in triangulation are base corners of walls
and doors. Triangulation usually measures to more than one
point on an item of evidence. RP’s must be established and
measured into the scene.

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 The baseline coordinates method is very similar to rectangular
coordinates, and is best suited for exterior scenes without evident
landmarks. An actual tape measure is extended from an RP.
Measurements are taken along the baseline, and then at a right
angle to the baseline itself.

Slide 49

Reports
The report must combine all of the salient facts, observations,
actions, and effort into a functional organized report.

Proper grammar, sentence structure, and spelling are important.

Slide 50
Be cautious about drawing conclusions- note/describe the
observations made.

Searching
The nature of searching is always intrusive. Initial searches tend
to be visual, while later searches require significant movement,
Slide 51
including dismantling items within the scene. Because searching
is always intrusive, it must follow documentation efforts.

Methodical- marked by ordered and systematic habits or

behavior
Systematic- purposefully regular

Search considerations:
 The nature of the ground being searched
 Lighting conditions
 On-scene environmental conditions
 Size of the item(s) being searched for
Cluttered rooms take longer to search than clean rooms.
White light is the best for searching. That may be difficult in
indoor scenes with poor lighting. The white light on an ALS
unit might be the best option. For outdoor scenes, daylight is
best. Weigh the options of an immediate search in darkness,
using flashlights, to waiting until daylight to conduct the search.
Temperature extremes, odors, and weather affect the ability to
search effectively.
Searching for a small item (cartridge case) requires the searcher
to search a smaller area of the scene. For larger items (handgun),
the area can be larger, since the item is easier to see.
Slide 52

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 It’s important to continually reassess how the search should be
conducted based on all of those factors.

Search Patterns:
 Circle or spiral search
Slide 53  Strip and line search
 Grid search
 Zone search
Slides 54-55 Circle or spiral search- can either start from the inside or the
outside of the spiral- move continuously around the area-
maintain a steady pace.

Strip and line search- often used in outdoor scenes. A strip

search is conducted when an area is marked off (visually or with
physical markers), and the searcher goes down one strip, then
turns, and goes down the adjacent strip, repeating for as many
strips are present. A line search is a variation of the strip search,
Slide 56 in which numerous people line up side by side to go through the
designated strips, rather than one person turning and going
through all the strips him/herself.

Grid search- another variation on a strip search. Once the strips

Slide 57 have been searched in one direction, the orientation of the search
strips are turned 90 degrees so that the searcher goes through the
strips from a different direction.

Zone search- can either be used for small, confined areas, or for
very large scenes, in which another searching method might be
employed. For small areas, such as a vehicle, the zones might be
driver’s area, front passenger area, rear driver side area, rear
passenger side area, trunk/cargo area, and engine compartment.
For large areas, such as a neighborhood, the zones might be
broken down by property lines. Within one property’s zone,
another search method might be utilized, depending on the type
of scene it is. In a large, open, outdoor scene, the zones might be
Slide 58 physically marked, such as with barrier tape. If that’s done, the
Objective 3 zones are usually labeled to more easily document any evidence
found.

Collecting
Physical collection of items from the scene is always intrusive.
Once an item has been removed from the scene, the context of
the scene is changed forever. Some collection is not as intrusive,
such as picking up an item off the floor. Other collection is very
intrusive, such as cutting open a wall to recover a bullet. If there

16
 are unusual circumstances that demand that an item of evidence
be moved prior to proper documentation, then all of the details as
to why, and a written description of its location, must be
composed.

Evidence should be left in place while the entire scene is

searched, unless there is a danger of destruction or
contamination. It must be left in place for measurements and
notation in the scene sketch.

Look for items that are related to the type(s) of injuries present,
Slide 59 appear to be left behind, help establish a timeline, support/refute
a motive or relationship, illustrate communication between
parties, or establish a person’s location at a given time.

Processing/Analyzing
The actual processing of items of evidence within the scene is
significantly intrusive. Powder processing and chemical
processing alter the scene. For this reason, these steps are the
Objective 8 final steps in processing a scene.

The basic tools to process a crime scene include:

 Camera kit
 Fingerprint processing kit
 Packaging materials
 Evidence markers and scales/rulers
 Crime scene perimeter tape
Slide 60  Biological collection kit
Objective 2  Personal protective equipment

EXAMINING THE BODY AS A CRIME SCENE

A body, alive or dead, is effectively a crime scene within a crime

scene and requires very specific and directed effort on the part of
the crime scene investigator. The investigator must coordinate
his/her investigation with medical and/or coroner’s office
professionals. All death investigations should be treated as a
homicide until the evidence shows otherwise.

A corpse is approached in a similar fashion as any crime scene-

assess, observe, document, search, collect, and analyze it.
Slide 61
When approaching the body, consider how the suspect might
have moved away from the scene to avoid disturbing evidence.

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 First considerations when observing the body-
Body position?
Injuries present, location?
Fragile evidence to be considered immediately?

Unless there are mitigating circumstances, there should be no

Slides 62-63 rush to move the body. Portable screens, tents, and/or canopies
can help to shield the body from the public and/or news cameras.

Early postmortem indicators are livor mortis, rigor mortis, and

algor mortis.

Livor mortis is the settling of blood in the body due to gravity

after blood circulation ends. It may present itself as a light red to
dark purple coloration in as little as 30 minutes following death.
Lividity will set and become “fixed” typically within 8 hours of
death, but that estimate is highly variable. Livor mortis that is
Slides 64-65 inconsistent with the body’s current position may suggest that
the body was moved.

Rigor mortis is an evident stiffening of the muscles of the body.

Rigor mortis affects all muscles of the body at the same rate, but
is more evident in the smaller muscles (e.g. jaw, face) before it is
evident in the larger muscle groups (e.g. legs, arms). It can
appear within 2 hours of death and is typically at its greatest 8-12
hours following death. Rigor will begin to break down and
disappear from the body typically 24-48 hours after death. If
Slide 66 rigor mortis is inconsistent with the body’s current position, it
may indicate movement of the body.

Algor mortis is the loss of body heat from the corpse. The most
common approach to determining body temperature is core
temperature reading of the liver. A number of factors affect algor
mortis.

Time since death is only an estimation because there are so many

personal factors (e.g. medical conditions, body size) and
Slide 67 environmental factors (e.g. temperature, humidity) that affect
livor mortis, rigor mortis, and algor mortis.

Other factors that are postmortem indicators include

Slides 68-70 decomposition, insect activity, mummification, adipocere
Objective 2 formation, and skeletonization.

Decomposition involves the physical breakdown of tissue due to

bacteria. Since the primary source of bacteria is the

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 gastrointestinal tract of the victim, the blue-green discoloration is
usually seen first in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. As
a result of bacterial action, gases are built up, resulting in
swelling of tissue, protrusion of eyes and/or tongue, and
ultimately a blackish-blue discoloration of tissue. The blood
vessels often become significantly discolored in this way,
resulting in a condition referred to as marbling. As the skin and
Slides 71-72 underlying tissue lose their integrity, fluids may be purged and
slippage of the skin may occur as the body is handled.

Insect activity begins in and around the body quickly. Flies begin
laying eggs on the body within 20 minutes of death, targeting the
warm, moist areas of the body. Maggots develop from the eggs,
and will stay together in a mass; if it is seen in an area of the
body that is not usually open, it may indicate that a wound is
likely present at that location. Upon maturing, the maggots leave
the body and enter the surrounding areas where they will go
through another change, forming a hard casing from which a fly
will emerge. Proper collection of all cycles present on the body
can assist a forensic entomologist in determining time since
Slide 73 death. If other types of insects are present, they may also aid in
determining time since death.

In nearly every jurisdiction in the United States, the

coroner/medical examiner (ME) has jurisdiction over the body.
Slide 74 The body should not be moved or manipulated prior to the
coroner/ME’s arrival unless express authorization is given.

When documenting the body, the crime scene investigator

should make in-depth notes regarding the body, clothing,
jewelry, wounds, and any associated evidence. Photographs
Slide 75 should include detailed images of the victim’s head, face, torso,
extremities, and the clothing position and condition.

If any evidence is located on the body that could be lost in

Slides 75-76 transport (e.g. trace), the crime scene investigator should consult
with the coroner/ME to determine if it can be collected on scene.

When moving the body for transport to the coroner/ME’s office,

be careful to avoid areas at the scene that could contaminate the
body. Once a body bag has been laid out, a clean sheet should be
laid inside it, so that the body is set down onto a clean surface.
The body should be placed into the bag in as close to the same
position as it was found. If additional examination is needed, the
body can be manipulated without concern of
contamination/cross-contamination. Once the body has been

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 removed, be sure to examine the area beneath the body for any
items of evidence, including stains and trace evidence. The area
should be photographed as well.

The bulk of the detailed examination of the body will happen

during autopsy, in a clean, controlled environment. For that
reason, the body should be disturbed as little as possible prior to
autopsy. Any implements on/in the body (e.g. knife, ligature
around neck) should be left in place until the body has been
examined during autopsy as it helps the ME to determine cause
and manner of death. Clean paper sacks can be placed over the
hands and secured (loosely) to preserve any GSR or potential
DNA on the hands.

During autopsy, the body is generally first documented as found.

Once the clothing, jewelry, and other evidence has been removed
from the body, all scars, marks, and tattoos are documented via
photography (with and without scale). The body may be
examined and/or processed using a forensic light and/or
fingerprint processing techniques. After all of the evidence has
been collected from the body, the body is usually washed down
so that wounds can be more closely examined. All of the scars,
Slide 77 marks, and tattoos should be re-photographed (with and without
Objective 2 scale) again.

Manner of death: (ME decision)

 Homicide
 Suicide
 Accidental
 Natural
Slide 78
 Unknown
Mechanisms of death:
Asphyxia- resulting from lack of oxygen
Sharp force trauma- cutting of tissue
Blunt force trauma- crushing and tearing of tissue
Slide 79 Gunshot trauma- injuries produced by a projectile from a firearm

Asphyxia results when the body is unable to take in oxygen or

eliminate carbon monoxide.
 Strangulation
 Smothering
 Choking
 Drowning
Slide 80  Positional or mechanical asphyxia

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  Chemical asphyxia
Strangulation generally occurs when sufficient pressure is
applied to cut off major arteries serving the brain. Patterns of
injuries include congestion of the facial features, abrasions or
contusions of the neck and surrounding skin, hemorrhage of the
muscles in the neck with the possibility of damage, or breakage
Slides 81-83 of the hyoid bone (small bone located in the neck between the
chin and the voice box).

In ligature strangulation (garroting), common findings include

congestion of the face and a furrow mark produced by the
ligature device. This mark is commonly located at or below the
Slides 84-87 level of the voice box. The level of the ligature mark is at a
relatively even height around the neck

In hanging deaths, there is sufficient pressure to cut off major

arteries serving the brain, which can occur with either full or
partial suspension. (Only 4-5 lbs of pressure needed to cut off
blood supply). Common patterns of injuries include a furrow
produced by the suspension device, which is typically an
inverted V shape, often above the voice box. If the hanging
device (e.g. rope, sheet) is wrapped around a beam/object
multiple times, mark the two sides of each piece prior to cutting
through them so they can be reconstructed if necessary. The
hanging device should always be left around the neck so that the
Slides 88-89 doctor can examine it in place at autopsy. The only time the
hanging device should be removed from the neck is when life-
saving efforts are being attempted.

Autoerotic strangulation deaths are hanging deaths, but generally

Slide 90 considered accidental. There is usually some type of escape
mechanism in place. Scene indicators will likely point to
autoerotic strangulation.

Choking deaths occur from a number of foreign bodies,

including food, dentures, gags, and other objects. Little if any
Slide 91 physical indicators will be present, beyond the item blocking the
airway. In smothering deaths, where the mouth and nose are
covered, little if any physical findings are present on the body.

In drowning deaths, water invades the lungs, preventing oxygen

Slide 92 from entering the bloodstream. Drowning determinations are
made by the ME based on a number of examinations, excluding
other possible causes of death.

In positional/mechanical asphyxia, the person is incapable of

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 breathing normally. In positional asphyxia, a person may fall in
such a way that their ability to breathe is affected. In mechanical
asphyxia, an object holds the person in place at the chest,
preventing them from taking a breath. Although often accidental,
homicidal actions can produce the same result. The primary
Slide 93 physical effect noted is a red or purple color of the face and
neck.

In chemical asphyxia, there are no absolute physical patterns of

injury, although there may be indicators of the gas based on the
Slides 94-95 color of the skin. For example, in carbon monoxide poisoning,
there is often a distinctive cherry red coloration of the skin.

Petechial hemorrhages (petechiae) (i.e. small, pinpoint spots

from ruptured blood vessels) may be seen on the eyes, inside of
the eyelids, and/or face of a victim who was asphyxiated. They
can also be seen when CPR has been performed, or when other
Slide 96 trauma (e.g. car accident) causes the blood vessels to burst. Rely
on the medical examiner for guidance as to their significance.

Sharp force trauma involves physical cutting of the skin.

Slides 97-98  Incision/Cutting
 Stabbing
An incised wound is longer than it is deep and typically produce
a lot of bleeding. When fatal, the primary mechanism of death is
bleeding out (i.e. exsanguination). Secondary modes of death
Slides 99-101 may result from a compromise to the airway or blood supply to
the brain, as when the throat is cut.

Stab wounds are typically deeper than they are long. Their
characteristics are dependent on the shape and size of the edged
Slide 102 weapon used in the assault, as well as the direction and force
applied when the weapon is thrust into the victim’s body.

Blunt force trauma occur as a result of crushing the associated

tissue.
 Abrasions
Slides 103-104  Contusions
 Lacerations
Abrasions involve only the upper layers of skin, which may be
damaged or simply scraped away. They can be deep or
superficial, depending on the force or coarseness of the surface.
Slides 105-106 Direction of force may be determined based on skin remaining
around the injury.

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 Contusions (i.e. bruises) result from damage to blood vessels in
or around the area of injury. Often they are present just beneath
the skin and are easily recognized. While bruises go through
color changes as they age, personal factors (e.g. age, disease,
Slides 107-108 medication) can affect that, so there is no accurate timeline to
determine time since injury based on bruise color.

Lacerations are a physical tearing of tissue by some form of

blunt force. It is characterized by open, irregularly shaped
trauma to the body with tissue bridging between the sides of the
defect. The obvious injury on the victim is typically not the
cause of death. Death generally results from lacerations to
underlying internal organs, particularly when the laceration
Slides 109-110 involves the head.

Blunt force injuries typically occur in combination with one

another. May see abrasions, contusions, and lacerations all
together.

A chopping injury often manifests itself as primarily an incised

Slide 111 wound, but with characteristics of a laceration as well.

Firearm injuries result from a projectile fired from pistols,

revolvers, rifles, and shotguns, causing varying degrees of skin,
tissue, and bone damage.
 Penetrating
 Perforating
 Grazing
Slide 112
 Tangential wounds
Factors that influence the wound include the distance of the
victim to the firearm, the area of the body where the wound is
created, whether the area is free or supported by clothing or
external objects, the caliber or size of projectile striking the
subject, the velocity of the projectile, the amount of
fragmentation or deformation of the bullet, and the type of
projectile striking the subject (e.g. hollow point, ball
Slide 113 ammunition, slug, jacketed, nonjacketed).

Penetrating injury is one where the projectile or a fragment

enters the body and does not exit.
A perforating injury is one where the projectile or a fragment
enters and then exits the body.

A grazing wound is one where the projectile or fragment strikes

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 parallel to the surface of the skin, producing an abraded injury
without entering the skin.

The tangential wound is where the projectile or fragment skims

across the surface of the victim, producing a series of shallow
Slide 114 wounds that extend under the skin.

Because projectiles can enter, exit, and re-enter the body, care
should be taken in determining how many rounds were fired at a
Slide 115 victim based on the number of injuries seen.

In general, entry wounds tend to be symmetrical with an

abrasion ring around the outer aspect. An exception is when the
weapon is in contact or close contact to a surface overlying a
bony prominence. In this instance, the wound tends to present a
large stellate appearance, with lacerations extending from the
wound margins.

Stippling, a condition in which partially burned and unburned

gunpowder is driven into the skin, is often present. The stippling
patterns are helpful in determining the approximate distance
between the muzzle and the target.
Slides 116-119
Contact shot: the muzzle of the weapon is pressed against the
victim’s body. Gases discharged during the explosion of the
ammunition are forced into the opening of the body created by
the projectile. The gases create considerable force as they
escape and may cause significant stellate patterns when pressed
against hard bone, as with the head. Soot, powder residue, and
metallic fragments are often found within the area of the wound.
An impression/abrasion of the weapon’s muzzle may be left on
the victim’s skin.
Slides 120-121
Close contact shot: the muzzle of the weapon is held close
enough for heat effects to occur on the skin. This may manifest
itself with apparent blackened, seared skin surrounding the
wound or on clothing covering the wound. Stippling patterns or a
powder pattern on any overlying clothing is generally present.
These powder particles are projected into the skin, causing a
tattooing effect that cannot be washed off. The stippling pattern
produced is typically circular to elliptical, and this shape may
help illustrate the general orientation of the muzzle to the surface
where the stippling occurs. Stippling can be present when the
muzzle-to-target distance is as much as 3 feet.
Slides 122-123
Intermediate shot: the muzzle of the weapon is held far enough

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 away from the body that heat and soot effects are eliminated, but
close enough for powder particles to be projected into the skin
producing stippling.
Slides 124-126
Indeterminate or distant shot: There are no heat, soot, or
stippling effects noted. This can either indicate that the muzzle-
to-target distance is great, or that there was an object blocking
the body that took the soot and powder effects.
Slides 127-128
Shotgun entry wounds tend to be somewhat distinct. Contact
wounds by shotguns are often mutilating, creating significant
tissue disruption, particularly when directed at the head. In
denser tissue (e.g. the trunk or large muscled areas) the entry
wound may appear as a very large circular defect, with
associated soot and heat effects. As the muzzle-to-target distance
increases, shotgun entry wounds take on a cookie cutter
appearance where the defect has a scalloped edge. As the
distance increases even more, individual shot pellets will
separate and produce satellite wounds around the primary
wound. There could be an additional wound from the shot shell
wad impacting the body.
Slides 129-132
Exit wounds tend to be asymmetrical and irregular. An
exception can be seen in areas where a tight piece of clothing
(e.g. bra strap, belt) is in place at the point of exit or the skin is
against a surface, the skin will be supported as the bullet exits.
These wounds often appear very similar to entry wounds with an
apparent abrasion ring.
Slide 133
Natural deaths may not show any signs externally. Heart disease
is the leading cause of sudden death. Victim may have
complained of “indigestion” prior to death or there may be signs
of someone attempting to treat indigestion (e.g. antacids present,
etc.).
Slide 134
In overdose deaths, the tell-tale sign is the “foam cone” around
the nose and mouth of the victim. The foamy material comes out
of the nose and, depending on the volume, may extend to the
area of the mouth. The foamy material may still be wet, or may
be a dried, white, flaky material, depending on the time since
death. It may appear slightly pink if tinged with blood. Until
toxicology tests are conducted, you may not know if it was street
drugs or prescription drugs used, and whether it was accidental
or intentional.
Slides 135-136
Injuries involving children and the elderly are often difficult to

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 investigate, as the victims may not be able to tell you anything
about their injuries. Often, inconsistent or changing stories are
the first red flag in the case. It’s important to look at whether or
Slide 137 not the injury is something that the person could have gotten by
themselves, depending on their physical abilities.

Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Syndrome (SUIDS) (formerly

SIDS) is somewhat common with infants. The usual scenario is
that the child was fed, put to bed, and found dead. SUIDS
affects infants aged 6 weeks to 6 months; if a child is outside that
Slide 138 age range, the cause of death is likely something medical or
something suspicious.

Most homicide deaths of children occur in the first two years of

life. They generally fall into three categories:
 The battered child (including the neglected child)
Slide 139  The impulse homicide (including the punished child)
 The gentle homicide (including Munchausen syndrome
by proxy)
In battered child syndrome, the child usually has multiple
injuries (e.g. bruises, abrasions) of various ages. Any rib fracture
in a child two years of age or less is considered to be evidence of
child abuse, unless there has been major trauma, such as a
Slides 140-141 vehicle accident. Fractures of the rib are produced from either a
direct blow (e.g. kick) or from squeezing. Injuries are usually
explained as the child falling off an object/surface.

In impulse homicides of children, there is usually not evidence

of chronic abuse as seen with battered child syndrome. Usually
the child bothers the adult in some way, who reacts by kicking,
punching, or throwing the child. Included in this category is the
Slide 142 punished child. This often presents as a child who has been
submerged in hot water or similar liquid as a punishment for
something, such as soiling him/herself. There is usually a
protected area on the lower body, caused by the child pulling up
his/her knees against the abdomen, with the lower legs folded
back against the thighs.

The gentle homicide is usually committed by asphyxia,

specifically smothering. There are often not any physical
findings, either externally or internally. Often homicide is not
suspected until a subsequent child in the home dies.

Understanding Student understanding of class material will be assessed through

26
 student completion of class activities, questions asked during
class, crime scene practical scenarios, and questions on academy
exams.

Closure Upon completion of this block each officer should be familiar

with the methods of crime scene investigation. Each officer
should be able to assess the scene, observe the scene, document
the scene, search the scene, collect evidence, and know what
evidence to send for processing/analysis from a crime scene. The
officer should be familiar with the manner and causes of death,
and what to look for on the body at a crime scene in relation to
each.

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