Table of Contents

Introduction

Classification and Individualization of Physical Evidence

Collection and Preservation of Physical Evidence

Important Considerations in Crime Scene Investigations

Courtroom Testimony Tips

Before Going to Court

Giving Expert Testimony

Cross-Examination

Other Points

Teamwork

Professional Development

First Officer at the Crime Scene

The Case of the Lady in Cement

The First Officer at the Scene

Recording the Time

When a Suspect Is Found at the Scene

Entering the Scene Proper

Protecting the Integrity of the Scene

Injured Person on the Scene

Dead Person on the Scene

Summoning the Coroner/Medical Examiner

Firearms and Ammunition on the Scene

What to Do Until Investigating Personnel Arrive

Continued Protection of the Scene

The Crime Scene Investigator

Actual Examination of the Scene

Specialized Personnel at the Crime Scene

Health and Safety Issues at Crime Scenes

Processing the Crime Scene

Plan of Action

Note Taking

Crime Scene Search

Crime Scene Photography

Sketching the Crime Scene

Collection of Evidence

Establishing Identity

Fingerprints and Palm Prints

Handwriting Examination

Identification of Human Remains

Trace Evidence

Sources of Trace Evidence

Collection and Preservation of Trace Evidence

Examples of Trace Evidence

Objects Left at the Crime Scene

Blood, Forensic Biology, and DNA

A Word of Caution!

Contamination

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

Presumptive Tests for Blood†

Searching for Bloodstains

Description and Recording of Bloodstains

Collection and Preservation of Bloodstains

Removal of Bloodstains

Bloodstained Objects

Semen-Stained Objects

Forensic DNA Typing

PCR-Based Technology

High Sensitivity DNA Testing/Touch DNA

Mitochondrial DNA

Y-STRs

CODIS

Forensic DNA and Unsolved Cases

Partial Matches and Familial Searching

Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods

DNA Cases

The Molecular Autopsy

Missing Persons

Biogeographical Ancestry

The Future

Impression Evidence

Footprints

Marks on Clothes and Parts of the Body

Casting Material for Bite Mark Evidence

Tool Marks

Firearms Examination

Characteristics of Firearms

Ammunition

Firearms Evidence

Gunshot Residue (GSR) Analysis

Collecting Firearms Evidence

Handling of Firearms

Cartridge Cases

Bullets

Arson and Explosives

Physical Evidence

Explosives

Homemade Explosives

Bomb Scene Investigation

Illicit Drugs and Toxicology

Psychoactive Drugs

Crime Scene Search

Clandestine Drug Laboratories

Collection and Preservation of Evidence

The Field Investigation Drug Officer

Toxicology

U.S. DEA Drug Schedule Classification

Investigating Sexual Assault

Rape

Other Assaults

Public Lewdness/Forcible Touching

Burglary Investigation

Points of Entry

Entry through Windows

Entry through Doors

Entry through Basement Windows and Skylights

Entry through Roofs

Entry through Walls

Entry through Floors

Simulated Burglaries

Detailed Examination of the Scene

Safe Burglaries

Safe Burglaries Using Explosives

Motor Vehicle Investigation

Vehicle Theft

Abandoned Vehicles

Homicide in a Vehicle

Hit-and-Run Investigation

Marks from Vehicles

Homicide Investigation

Murder, Suicide, or Accident?

Cause of Death

Suicide

Signs of Struggle

Location of Weapon

Examination of a Dead Body at the Crime Scene

Murder

Detailed Examination of the Scene of the Crime

Outdoor Crime Scenes

Discovering a Body Hidden at Another Location

Investigation of a Greatly Altered Body or Skeleton

The Scene of Discovery

Packing and Transporting

Examining Remains of Clothing and Other Objects

Estimating the Time of Death

Decomposition of the Body

Action of Insects and Other Animals on a Dead Body

Other Indications of Time of Death

The Autopsy

Injuries from External Mechanical Violence

Injuries from Sharp External Violence

Marks or Damage on Clothing

Defense Injuries

Firearm Injuries

Bullet Injuries

Close and Distant Shots

Marks from Primers

Traces from Bullets

Traces from Cartridge Cases

Traces from the Barrel of the Weapon

Injuries from Small Shot

Damage to Clothes from Shooting

Modes of Death from Shooting

Explosion Injuries

Death by Suffocation

Death from Electric Currents

Violent Death in Fires

Death by Freezing

Death by Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Rape-Homicide and Sexual Assault-Related Murders

Infanticide and Child Abuse

Trunk Murder, Dismemberment of the Body

Accidental Death

Serial Murders

Digital Evidence

Computer Seizure

Steps to Remember

Collecting Video Evidence

Determine If There Is a Video

Stop the Recorder

Confiscate the Recording Medium Immediately

Document the Video System’s Physical Relationship to the Crime Scene

Seek Technical Assistance If Problems Occur

Appendix A

Appendix B

Bibliography

Index

