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| Searching
For Evidence |
| This is the most important
procedure at the crime scene in terms of solving the crime, as most
clues or evidence will come largely from the scene. However, like
all other procedures, there are specific guidelines for this practice. |
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Choose one of the following topics to learn more:
--> Distinguishing
evidence
--> Order
of search
--> Methods
of search
--> Evidence
Storage
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| Distinguishing
Evidence |
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A crime scene cannot be permanently
secured just to preserve the evidence contained within the scene.
(Imagine if a supermarket were to be completely sealed until
a robbery was solved.) So when the investigators begin their
search, they search only for appropriate and relevant evidence
so that the crime scene can be released as soon as possible.
However, searching for relevant evidence is not an easy task.
For example, samples of soil can help in determining which suspects
may have been present at the scene, especially if samples found
on their clothes or shoes match with the soil found at the location,
but collecting every item related at the scene of crime would
hide vital facts in an inundation of unrelated data. If the
investigators were too selective in their search however, they
could also neglect evidence that could possibly lead to solving
the crime. Only experience can allow investigators to find equilibrium
between accumulating too much or too little evidence. The use
of video, photography and record on paper helps to control exactly
how many objects must be removed from the scene. |
| *Bins
aren't an unlikely place to search, but searchers have to differentiate
between treasure and trash. Photo thanks to Shae Browning. |
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| Order
Of Search |
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Because every crime scene is different,
every crime scene requires an individual approach. For example,
a murder that occurred outdoors requires a search confined to a
specific, relatively smaller area, whereas a bomb explosion can
scatter evidence over a very large distance. However, there are
certain general rules that guide the search plans for searching
a crime scene.
Firstly, the type of crime can often point
out the appropriate order of search. This means that outdoor zones
are always the first to be searched, because the weather is likely
to cause damage/alteration to evidence and public areas also hold
higher search priority over private areas, as they too, are more
difficult to protect.
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| *Chemical
protective suits, masks and gloves help avoid the contaimination of
evidence and protect the searcher. Photo thanks to Michael English
and Shae Browning. |
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If a body cannot be taken
from the scene until the area around it is searched, then that search
is given priority. A body may not be able to be removed from a scene
as it may affect or destroy important evidence that must be collected
first.
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| Methods
Of Search |
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| Methods of
search are also customised to suit the crime scene. A large open land
such as fields and parks are investigated using a line search, whereby
investigators stand in a straight line and move forward together.
The line search can reveal pieces of clothing, objects, weapons or
human remains.
Another method of search is the grid method,
which involves covering the same area twice. The searchers cross
firstly in one direction, then again, this time at right angles
to the initial course.
These methods of search are quite impractical
indoors, where room-by-room searches are more suited. Room-by-room
searches involve searching every room in a house to search for incriminating
evidence. This form of search can be impractical when large building
are involved, requiring a search of the rooms involved, hallways
and exit and entry points.
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| Evidence
Storage |
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| When all the evidence has been recorded
and collected, it is packed and stored for analysis. Storing biodegradable
evidence in spirits stops the rotting process while clothing and artifacts
are stored in sealable bags. The careful handling, labeling and isolation
of the evidence may be time consuming, but has become an increasingly
important process, especially for Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) analysis.
DNA analysis can be ruined or become inaccurate if the DNA sample
becomes contaminated, hence the need for responsible handling. Find
out more under 'Evidence
Storage'. |
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