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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. |
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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.
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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