Crime Scene Processing Protocol, In this article we will discuss some crime scene processing protocols.
There are requirements that must be met in order for a labor task to be completed. In that regard, processing crime scenes are no different from other work-related activities like repairing a car's motor, painting a landscape, or cooking food. Each work objective is tied to certain duties. Numerous books have been written about the nature of these jobs and how they ought to be incorporated into the field of crime scene processing. However, the only difference between each book is the approach employed; there is no alteration to the fundamental procedure for analyzing crime scenes.
I went to a presentation a few years ago on "25 Ways to Process a Crime Scene." Although that was arguably the most tedious lecture I've ever sat through, it did bring to light a topic that the majority of us take for granted. How can you adequately describe the steps involved in processing a crime scene? Crime scene processing may seem straightforward, yet it is a highly complex, multi-tasking job. The precise procedure that will be followed at each crime scene is impossible to describe to someone. Each crime scene is unique and can need a distinct processing strategy. However, there is a fundamental crime scene protocol that must be followed at all times. These basic functions or tasks are as follows:
- 1. INTERVIEW
2. EXAMINE
3. PHOTOGRAPH
4. SKETCH
5. PROCESS
The first stage in processing a crime scene is an interview. To determine the "theory" of the case, the crime scene technician must speak with the victim or the first officer on the site. Basically, what allegedly occurred, what crime was committed, and how it was done. The crime scene technician will have a starting point with this information, even if it is not factual.
The next step in the protocol is to examine the crime scene. Why inspect the scene? to determine whether the crime scene technician's observations support the case's "theory." examining the site to look for potential evidence, figuring out where people entered and left, and establishing a basic idea of how the crime scene was laid out.
The third step in the protocol is to take photographs of the crime scene. Taking pictures of the crime scene to capture a visual representation of the location's appearance and to document potential evidence. Photographs of crime scenes are typically divided into two categories: general perspectives and pieces of evidence.
The fourth phase of the protocol is to sketch the crime scene. The crime scene technician creates a crude drawing to show the structure of the crime scene or to pinpoint the precise location of the deceased victim or evidence within the crime scene. Even while a crime scene sketch may not be completed in every instance, most cases involve some type of sketching, such as on a fingerprint lift card to indicate the precise location where the latent was found.
Processing the crime scene is the protocol's last stage. Why should the scene be processed? The crime scene technician examines the site for evidence, including documentary and physical evidence. Identification, evaluation, and collection of physical evidence from the crime scene for a crime laboratory's additional examination are the duties of crime scene technicians.
The five processes listed above are intertwined with one another in the routine for processing crime scenes. The crime scene technician will need to look for footwear patterns, tool marks, trace evidence, and latent fingerprints in the window region if the "theory" of the case assumes that the burglar forced their way into the house through a window. When the technician locates such pieces of evidence, they must be photographed, and they may also draw a drawing of the footwear pattern or the evidence's precise location.
All of the protocol's procedures will be combined together as the crime scene is processed. Of course, the documentation of the crime scene through photos, sketches, and field notes is intertwined throughout these five processes. Every crime scene should follow this procedure. The basic procedure is the same whether the crime scene is a recovered stolen vehicle or multiple homicides with many crime scenes involved.
Case Study
Crime scene protocols are the guidelines and procedures followed by law enforcement officers and forensic investigators when investigating a crime scene. These protocols are essential to ensure that evidence is collected, preserved, and analyzed properly, which can help solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice. In this article, we will discuss a case that was solved using crime scene protocols.
The Case of the Golden State Killer:
The Golden State Killer was a notorious serial killer and rapist who committed crimes in California in the 1970s and 1980s. The perpetrator was known for his elaborate schemes, which included wearing a ski mask and gloves, breaking into homes at night, and binding and gagging his victims. He was also known for his violent attacks and often targeted couples, earning him the nickname "the East Area Rapist" and "the Original Night Stalker."
Despite a lengthy investigation and numerous suspects, the Golden State Killer's identity remained a mystery for decades. In 2018, however, DNA evidence finally led to the arrest of the suspect, Joseph James DeAngelo.
The investigation into the Golden State Killer case was marked by the meticulous use of crime scene protocols. The investigators paid close attention to the details of each crime scene, carefully collecting and preserving evidence in a way that could be used to identify the perpetrator.
One key element of the investigation was the use of DNA evidence. In the 1980s, DNA analysis was not yet widely available, and investigators had to rely on other methods to identify the perpetrator. However, as DNA technology advanced over the years, investigators were able to analyze evidence that had been collected at crime scenes using modern techniques.
The investigators also used a variety of other forensic techniques to build their case against the suspect. They analyzed shoeprints, handwriting, and other evidence found at the crime scenes to try and identify the perpetrator. They also conducted interviews with witnesses and survivors, hoping to gather additional information that could help them solve the case.
Another important aspect of the investigation was the use of geographic profiling. The investigators created a map of the crime scenes and analyzed the locations in an attempt to identify the perpetrator's home or workplace. This technique helped narrow down the list of suspects and eventually led to DeAngelo's arrest.
Finally, the investigators used modern crime scene protocols to ensure that the evidence collected at each crime scene was properly handled and analyzed. They photographed the scene, collected DNA samples, and preserved any other evidence that could be used in the investigation.
Conclusion:
The case of the Golden State Killer highlights the importance of crime scene protocols in solving complex criminal investigations. By paying close attention to the details of each crime scene and carefully collecting and analyzing evidence, investigators were able to identify the perpetrator after decades of investigation. The use of DNA evidence and geographic profiling, as well as the careful handling of evidence, were crucial to the success of the investigation.
As forensic technology continues to advance, we can expect crime scene protocols to play an even more significant role in solving crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice. By following these guidelines and procedures, investigators can ensure that evidence is properly collected and analyzed, leading to more successful prosecutions and safer communities.
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