Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction

Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction involves much more than simply responding to a crime scene and employing a scientific method to test evidence recovered at the scene. Indeed, Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction requires much more. It requires a diphasic investigative approach! This two-prong approach focuses on “information” and “evidence” to create an all-encompassing investigative effort.

Crime Scene Investigation requires the gathering of “information”, without bias or prejudice. The information, coming from a variety of sources, must be considered by the investigator. The information gathered will serve as a basis to establish investigative measures. Those very measures will narrow the investigative focus. The investigative focus will detect why the crime occurred and who committed the crime.

Crime Scene Reconstruction encompasses the proper identification, memorialization, collection, and subsequent testing of “evidence” identified at the crime scene. Subsequently, the evidence will be testified to in an effort to establish a measure of proof in a court of law.

The “information” gathered will serve as a means to independently corroborate and/or refute “evidence” at the crime scene. The “evidence” gathered will serve as a means to independently corroborate and/or refute “information” gathered in the investigation. Simply, it works both ways.



Course Objectives:

This course is designed to first address the importance of Crime Scene Investigation. The process of gathering of “information” by professionals who will be investigating crime scenes. This process includes information obtained from call intake personnel, responding patrol officers, detectives,supervisors, crime scene technicians, medical examiners, and coroners. The course will address the roles and areas of responsibility of those various professionals in the “information” gathering process. Moreover, consideration will be given to the rules of evidence involving search and seizure and search warrant applications as part of the information gathering process.



Secondly, the course of instruction will cover Crime Scene Reconstruction. Foundational to violent crime investigations is the correct interpretation of the interactions between the victim and the suspect that comprises the criminal act. The correct analysis of physical evidence created from that interaction can assist crime scene investigators in reconstructing the crime as part of the overall investigative efforts to solve the case. Therefore, course participants will be instructed on the proper identification, memorialization, and collection methods of physical evidence that will be used to reconstruct the events.



Prevailing at violent crime scenes is the presence of blood. Significantly, the blood should be treated as important evidence. An emphasis will be placed upon providing the participant with the basic knowledge of bloodstain pattern analysis to reconstruct the sequence of events that gave rise to the bloodshed event at the crime scene. During the instruction, participants will acquire a working knowledge of bloodstain pattern identification, interpretation, documentation, and subsequent dissemination of their bloodstain pattern analysis to other investigative personnel to enhance the overall investigative efforts to reach case resolution. To accomplish this, the participants will analyze interpretive crime scenes, conduct practical exercises, and complete a series of practicums.



Topics Covered in the Crime Scene Investigation Approach Phase:

Initial Response

On-scene Response

Ancillary Response

Defining Roles and Areas of Responsibility

Dealing with the Rogue Person

Mitigating Institutional Bias

Guarding Against Verification Bias

Behavioral Approach and Application

Law of the Land - Elements of the Offense

Rules of Evidence Involving Search and Seizure

Search Warrant Applications

On-Scene Documentation Methods

Formulation of Investigative Strategies

Formulation of Interview Strategies


Topics Covered in the Crime Scene Reconstruction Approach Phase:

Defining Forensics
Science
Forensic Evidence

Role of Forensic Evidence Units

Unity of Approach Between Criminal Investigators and Forensic Unit Personnel

Alternate Theories Posed

Evidence Collection Methods

Packaging of Evidence

DNA Evidence

Blood Stain Pattern Analysis

Information verses Evidence

Role of Probative Information and Evidence

Fruits of Your Labor - Establishing the Burden of Proof