It is easier for investigators to condense the size of a scene at a later point than to discover that sensitive evidence outside the scene has been damaged or destroyed by other responders, media or onlookers. Safety is of paramount importance during the initial approach to the scene. Weapons, biohazards, chemical hazards and even intentional traps could be waiting for responders.
If medical, fire or coroners will be on scene, they will need to be advised regarding evidentiary issues as well.
To control access, the scene may be cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape, cones or by other means. In addition, a common entryway is often established that all crime scene personnel will use to enter and exit the scene and all people entering or leaving the scene are documented once the boundaries have been established. Additional areas for consultation and evidence storage may also be established if necessary. Plan, communicate and coordinate - Before collecting evidence, investigators must first develop a theory regarding the type of offense that occurred.
Knowing the type of crime will help investigators anticipate the evidence that could be present. This may require gathering information from witnesses or persons of interest.
Based on this information, the crime scene team will develop an evidence-collection strategy taking into consideration weather conditions, time of day and other factors. Additional forensic resources may also be requested to handle special situations. During this walkthrough, the lead investigator will identify potentially valuable evidence, take notes and capture initial photographs of the scene and the evidence.
The crime scene is documented to record conditions such as whether lights were on or off, the position of shades and doors, position of movable furniture, any smells present, the temperature of the scene, etc. To facilitate this process, crime scene specialists may create an evidence-free pathway leading to the primary area of interest by conducting a thorough sweep for evidence in that area.
As a final note on the walk through, the investigators should examine whatever is over their heads ceiling, tree branches, etc. These areas may yield such valuable evidence as blood spatters and bullet holes. If available, a video camera is the first step to documenting a crime scene. Videotape can provide a perspective on the crime scene layout which cannot be as easily perceived in photographs and sketches.
It is a more natural viewing medium to which people can readily relate, especially in demonstrating the structure of the crime scene and how the evidence relates to the crime. The video camera should have a fully charged battery as well as date and time videotape display functions.
A title generator and "shake free" operations are also nice options. If a title generator is not available, then about 15 seconds at the beginning of the tape should be left blank.
This will allow the addition of a title card with any pertinent information to the beginning of the crime scene tape. The condition of the scene should remain unaltered with the exception of markers placed by the investigators and any lights turned on during the walk through. These alterations can be noted on the audio portion of the tape.
Before taping, the camera range should be cleared of all personnel. Any people in the area should be forewarned that taping is about to commence and they should remain silent for the duration of the tape.
This prevents recording any potentially embarrassing statements. Once the video camera begins recording, it should not be stopped until the taping is complete. The key to good videotaping is slow camera movement. A person can never move too slowly when videotaping, yet it is all too easy to move the camera fast without realizing it. This is why videotaping is not ideal for viewing detail. People have a tendency to pan past objects in a manner that does not allow the camera to properly capture the object.
This is why slow panning of an area is necessary and it should be panned twice in order to prevent unnecessary rewinding of the tape when viewing. The taping should begin with a general overview of the scene and surrounding area. The taping should continue throughout the crime scene using wide angle, close up, and even macro extreme close up shots to demonstrate the layout of the evidence and its relevance to the crime scene. If videotaping in a residence, the camera can show how the pertinent rooms are laid out in relation to each other and how they can be accessed.
This is sometimes lost in photographs and sketches. After the taping is complete, it is wise to leave about 15 seconds of blank tape to prevent the crime scene tape from running into anything else previously recorded on the tape. The tape should then be transferred to a high quality master tape. The recording tabs should be removed from the master tape after transferring the crime scene tape and the master should be stored in a safe place.
This is to prevent accidental erasure of the crime scene tape. Copies can then be made from the master tape. Whether a video camera is available or not, it is absolutely essential that still photographs be taken to document the crime scene. If a video camera is available, then photographs will be the second step in recording the crime scene. If video is not available, then still photography will be the first step. Photographs can demonstrate the same type of things that the videotape does, but photographs from the crime scene can also be used in direct comparison situations.
Police and Detectives. In regard to career growth, crime scene investigator is a very interesting occupation. A CSI who is a member of law enforcement can be promoted in the traditional way, through the police ranks Captain, Lieutenant, etc.
That promotional route results in higher salary, higher rank, and it usually allows the employee to continue working with their original team. With enough experience and success someone working for local law enforcement, an investigator could pivot into working for a government agency like the FBI.
That kind of employment would generally garner a raise in salary. Another unique thing about career opportunities for a Crime Scene Investigator is that many of them have already completed Police Academy training. This gives them the ability to transfer into different departments within the police force.
If a CSI decided their skills would be more helpful somewhere else, they could transfer fairly easily between departments because of their completed Police Academy experience. Here at Gwynedd Mercy University, we offer a variety of programs that will help kickstart your journey with a crime scene investigator education. Through our three Bachelor of Science Degree programs, you will become highly trained by professors with experience in the CSI field.
Find out more about what we offer below! This consent includes contact via automated means. I understand that consent is not required to apply or attend Gwynedd Mercy University. Contact Information. Box Gwynedd Valley, PA Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube. Skip to main content.
Step 2: On-The-Job-Training Real-life work experience will provide you with the intricate know-how employers are looking for when hiring for jobs. Step 3: Earn CSI certifications and State licensure Depending on the state, there are different requirements for state licensure as a crime scene investigator.
Step 4: Higher education could provide advancement opportunities Be aware that this is not the only route to take to become a CSI, just the most common. Please select Spring Fall First Time Freshman Transfer Readmit.
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