R E
It is an area ideally located adjacent to the crime scene where the CSI Evidence Custodian stays and receives evidence turned over for safekeeping.
Command Post
Who receives and keeps the pieces of evidence at the Command Post?
Evidence Custodian
"Never touch, move, or alter any object at the crime scene unless it is properly documented."
Golden Rule of Crime Scene Investigation
It shows the nature of the crime, taken about 8–10 feet from the victim.
Medium / Mid-Range View
It is conducted to create an accurate, objective, visual, and permanent record of the crime scene before anything is moved.
Crime Scene Photography
A graphical representation of the crime scene with actual measurements.
Crime Scene Sketch
A sketch prepared from the rough sketch, used for court presentation, made at the police station by a draftsman.
Finished Sketch
What are the 6 Elements of a Crime Scene Sketch
a. Measurement
b. Compass direction
c. Essential items
d. Scale and proportion
e. Legend
f. Title
What are the 3 Major Types of Pictorial Views:
1. General View or Long-Range
2. Medium or Mid-Range View
3. Close-up View
This must be done constantly throughout the entire processing of the crime scene.
Note Taking
The sketch focuses closely on the room only — showing exactly where the body, weapon, and bloodstains are
What specific kind of sketch is this?
Sketch in Details
What should you prepare if the amount of liquid blood is very minimal?
saline solution (1 tbsp salt in 1 quart distilled water)
For a rape investigation, the investigator is preparing to collect hair from both victim and suspect. Explain the 2-sample method:
Sample 1: Collected by combing
Sample 2: Collected by cutting or pulling close to the root
Each goes into separate containers, clearly labeled.
What can we actually find out from a single strand of hair "
We can determine: human vs. animal, head vs. body hair, if it was dyed/bleached
How should hair samples be stored?
Folded paper → envelope or glass vial → sealed
The area is divided into four sections; each searcher is assigned to one section.
What is an example of which search method?
Quadrant or Zone Method
There's dried blood on a wooden table (non-absorbent surface). The investigator wants to collect it.
How should he do it correctly?
Scrape the blood sample and place in a container. Also scrape a portion of the same surface where there is NO blood — put in a separate container as a control sample.
PO2 Mendez found a fresh pool of blood at the scene. It's a small amount. He's unsure how to collect it properly.
What should he do?
Use a clean disposable pipette. If minimal amount, place in normal saline solution (1 tbsp salt + 1 quart distilled water), then refrigerate immediately. Do NOT reuse tools to avoid contamination.
Where should control samples of head hair be taken from?
Top, back, and each side of the head
What tool should be used to clean under each fingernail?
Clean fingernail file
The incident happened in an open field with no buildings nearby. The team uses a long rope stretched across the field as their main reference line, then measures from this line to each piece of evidence.
What method is this?
Baseline Method
At a park, there are two trees far apart. The sketcher measures the distance from the body to Tree A, and from the body to Tree B, to establish the exact position.
This is an example of which method?
Triangulation Method
Evidence was found in a large open grassland far from any structures. Two investigators work together with a tape measure and a handheld GPS to record positions.
Which measurement method are they using?
Azimuth / Polar Coordinates Method
The crime scene team needs to show exactly where blood splatters are on the walls and ceiling, as well as items on the floor. They draw it so the ceiling appears folded back and walls spread outward.
What method is being used?
Cross Projection Method
An investigator stands at one corner of a yard. From that point, he measures the angle and distance toward different items of evidence using a compass and tape.
What method is this?
Compass Point Method