Imagine a scenario in which a tire tread at a crime scene, presumably from the suspect’s vehicle, has been obscured by first responders’ vehicles and shoe prints. Or, imagine a scenario in which the crime scene was released back to the homeowners while containing evidence initially overlooked by investigators. What are the ramifications of these instances?
Crime scenes can be wide-open spaces exposed to the elements, or they can be lived-in spaces with clutter and household detritus where every detail seems relevant. Inherent challenges exist with all crime scenes, no matter the circumstance.
In this Assignment, you explore crime scene and evidence types and the challenges associated with them.
By Day 7
In 500 to 750 words, respond to the following:
- Identify the four basic crime scene types.
- Identify two types of physical evidence.
- Describe one challenge associated with securing each type of crime scene and explain how to address each challenge.
- Describe one challenge associated with securing each type of physical evidence and explain how to address each challenge.
- What degrades and destroys evidence to make it inadmissible?
- Explain the consequences of not properly securing and documenting a crime scene.
- Explain the consequences of not preventing evidence degradation.
Required Readings
Brandl, S. (2018). Criminal investigation (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
- Chapter 1, “The Investigation of a Crime” (pp. xxvi–21)
Criminal Investigation, 4th Edition by Brandl, S. Copyright 2018 by Sage Publications, Inc. Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications, Inc. via the Copyright Clearance Center.
Brandl, S. (2018). Criminal investigation (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
- Chapter 3, “The Role and Documentation of Evidence in Criminal Investigations” (pp. 36–57)
Criminal Investigation, 4th Edition by Brandl, S. Copyright 2018 by Sage Publications, Inc. Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications, Inc. via the Copyright Clearance Center.
Brandl, S. (2018). Criminal investigation (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
- Chapter 4, “The Law and Criminal Investigations” (pp. 58–87)
Criminal Investigation, 4th Edition by Brandl, S. Copyright 2018 by Sage Publications, Inc. Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications, Inc. via the Copyright Clearance Center.
Brandl, S. (2018). Criminal investigation (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
- Chapter 5, “Physical Evidence and the Crime Scene” (pp. 88–134 only)
Criminal Investigation, 4th Edition by Brandl, S. Copyright 2018 by Sage Publications, Inc. Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications, Inc. via the Copyright Clearance Center.
Required Media
Laureate Education (Producer). (2019). Criminal evidence and investigation: Crime scenes 1 and 2 [Interactive media]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2019). Criminal evidence and investigation: Crime scenes 1 and 2 [Media transcript]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Note: A media transcript of the crime scenes is provided for accessibility purposes.
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