The Physical And Tangible Evidence Criminology Essay

According to the lecture on crime scene management the process of crime scene management is as follows. The different role players within the SAPS respond to the crime scene with due consideration personal safety, while at same time looking for potential evidence and possible suspects. The researcher wants to determine whether the role players from the components such as the visible policing, detectives and the Local Criminal Record Centre attended the murder crime scenes with the purpose of obtaining the required evidential material for linking suspects with the crime scene and for court purposes, further to determine whether such role players has the expertise to identify possible suspects at the murder scenes, SAPS (2006).

In terms of SAPS, DCLP (2006) and SAPS Policy Number 1 (2004) on crime scene management, the procedure in the crime scene of crime is as follows:

The first member to arrive at the crime scene will receive the crime scene from the members of the public and immediately take control of the scene and identify the injured victims. The first member will establish the command centre and act as Acting Commander for the Centre until the Official Commander is appointed. The Acting Commander will administers all the resources as required by the crime scene role-players examples of such resources are visible policing, Specialized units, Emergency services, Defence Force units etc and if the scope of the crime scene escalates (i.e) incident where public order policing or the task force is required, a major aircraft crash or any major operation), the command centre will further supported by the establishment of a field joint operational centre. The establish excess routes to the crime scene for control purpose.

The first member will hand over the crime scene to the appointed crime scene manager on arrival who will be accompanied by the detectives and the crime scene technician and conduct a detail inspection to determine certain key aspects of the crime scene. The crime scene manager, the crime scene technician and the investigating officer will gain on the first walk through plan and agree on the crime scene investigation, processing strategy and methodology which they will follow.

The crime scene manager will appoints the investigating officer who will be the principal investigator and be responsible for the maintaining of the case docket, investigating officer to co-ordinates the investigating team and for the maintaining the investigation diary and keeping track of the whole process and the investigating team is responsible for information gathering and proceeds which the interviewing of witnesses and taking down statements (SAPS 2006).

The crime manager will also appoints the crime scene technician who will be the principal processing expert on the crime scene and evaluates the evidence possibilities and assembles the processing team with the correct skills to effectively process the crime scene. Crime scene technician will be supported by specialists available to assist the processing team on the crime; such specialists are provided by the Forensic Science Laboratory, Pathology, etc. The processing team will prepare a realistic visual representation of the scene to a court of law (SAPS 2006).

After the crime scene team has completed their activities in the crime scene, the crime scene manager will conducts a final walk – through of the scene, accompanied by the investigating officer and the crime scene technician. The purpose of walk-through is to review the activity of the investigation and processing team, ensuring that the original plan has been executed. The crime scene manager will conduct a debriefing with all role players as the last opportunity to collect any wrong decision made during the process and to ensure that all required actions have been performed. The crime scene manager will restore the crime scene and ensuring that all equipments has been removed and authorised the crime scene to be released to the public (SAPS 2006).

Sometime after the event the crime scene manager calls a meeting with all the relevant role players to evaluate the process for lessons learnt planning the on going investigation, commenced on successes and identify mistakes. Cox (2009) in her article, explains that in order to ensure that the evidence is protected, the first person at the crime scene should secure it with barriers and or crime scene tapes soon after arriving at the crime scene, in addition, some should act as security guard so that people who do not belong at the location are kept out of the crime scene.

According to Lee, Palmbach & Miller, (2001), the first responders to a crime scene are usually Police, Emergency Medical personnel or Fire Department personnel. Their actions at the scene are often the foundation for the successful resolution of the crime. These first responding Officers are also in many cases some of the individuals, who may, through the course of doing their job, inadvertently change or alter the crime scene from its original condition, Lee, et al (2001). They further emphasized that those persons must do their job but they must always keep in mind that they will begin the process of linking the crime scene to the victim, the witness and ultimately, to the suspect. Any disruption of the crime scene may prevent the link to the suspect. The critical matters such as training, education, experience are all necessary for any potential first responder Lee et al, (2001).

The process to be followed according to Roland (2007) correspond with (SAPS 2006) in the sense that the first Officers to respond are responsible for the securing the crime scene and preserving it as they found it. This means ensuring that nothing is touched or moved so that any physical evidence is not compromised or contaminated, if there are victims displaying signs of life the Police will call a team of Paramedics to give on site assistance if they did not respond to the initial emergency call. The injured can then be removed to Hospital, but dead bodies need to be left as they were found since vital causes can be obtained from studying the position and condition of the victim. The senior investigating officer will begin by interviewing the officers who were first on the scene to get their initial impression of the location and the behaviour of those who were directly involved.

In a murder enquiry the suspects residence will require searching as well as the site where the body of the victim has been discovered. Team is led by a crime scene controller who answers to a superior the superior then reports to the investigating officer. When the crime scene is a house, an apartment, commercial building or vehicle all which can be sealed off and examined in the minutes detail and if murder or violent attack has occurred in one area of a building . The whole property will be considered relevant to the case and will be scoured for clause.

When exterior location Police may have to extend the perimeter to includes vehicle tyre tracks, footprints and areas where there is a change of finding personal items, discarded cigarettes butts, a weapon or trace evidence which might have been snagged on undergrowth. It is a burial site for murder victims. There could be other makeshift graves in the area all in which will save to be excavates, photographed and combined for physical evidence. Exterior scene may also have to be isolated by a tent to protect evidence from the effects of whether and to exclude the prying eyes of curiosity seekers and media Roland (2007).

It is clear that the procedure for the first person to arrive at the scene of crime is to ensure that the crime is protected for potential evidence. Cox(2009), Lee, el at 2001) and Roland (2007) support the (SAPS1 (2004) on crime scene management as well as the SAPS DCLP (2006).

Wayne, Patherick, Brent, Turvey, Claire & Ferguson (2010) indicates that particular attention should be given to determine if this is the only scene or whether there are secondary crime scenes that need to be located. Investigators will have only a limited amount of time to work a crime site in its untouched state. The opportunity to permanently record the scene in its original state must not be lost, such records will not only be useful during an investigation but are also required for presentation at trial Wayne et al (2010).

Wayne et al (2010) has also stated that it is important that upon arrival at the scene investigators implement crime scene procedures, supervise uniform personnel and provide direction to the investigation to facilitate this. An investigative team should be nominated. This team should consist of an arresting officer, a corroborating officer, and an exhibit officer. This procedure is standard in most Police services for any major crime. The exhibits officer is responsible for protection and collection of exhibits, through to the examination of exhibits and their final production in court cases. The arresting officer and the corroborating officer are responsible for interaction with suspects and have final responsibility prosecuting the matter to trial. This team should be overseen by a senior Detective who has a broad management role in ensuring that a major incident room (MIR) or command post is established to support and manage investigative functions at the crime scene and also at later stages of the investigations Wayne et al (2010).

Furthermore Wayne et at (2010) elaborates the initial assessment stage of crime scene that the trained investigators should have control of the investigation and begin to identify possible witnesses and suspects they should begin this stage by evaluating physical evidence located with a view to assisting with suspect generation by prioritising the most evidence (e.g) DNA located at a scene is powerful evidence as compared to an un-identified item such as clothing). It is also at this point that the investigators should familiarise themselves with the victim by performing interviews with the victim if still alive, or alternatively by conducting a victim logy (or profile) if the victim is the deceased. The profile should include the history of the victim, associates, criminal links, family and financial records. This step is important because the characteristics of a victim can provide links to possible suspects in particular, investigators may be able to draw inferences about the offenders motive, modus operandi, and signature’s behaviour (Turvey, 1999). Having done this, the investigators should be able to know the information about the victim. Wayne et al (2010).

According to Wayne et al (2010) during the investigation stage the investigators undertake the most challenging work. At this point investigators must attempt to establish a motive for the crime, if this can be done, it must be accurate, then this information will greatly assist in reducing the suspect pool. Witness account also need to be closely examined at this stage and evaluated as to the assistance they can build a profile for the suspect. In this stage investigators should be ensuring that trained experts are evaluating all available physical evidence. Wayne et al (2010) further explain about the target stage of having carried out thorough examination of the crime scene, investigators need to build a profile for potential suspects from evidence available during the target stage. The investigators should then test the velocity of the evidence by seeking links between the suspect and the crime. All available evidence needs to be channelled into providing a nexus between the suspect and the victim, in relation to time, place and motive. It is at this point the investigators need to be fully conversant with the investigations gathered by investigators with regards to build a profile for potential suspects. The investigators should develop an investigative interview plan so that when the suspect is confronted, the investigators are clear of the direction and purpose of the action or questioning that they undertake in the arrest stage, Wayne (et al 2010).

According to Jackson, Andrew and Jackson, Julie (2004) the duties of the first Police Officer attending and preservation of the crime scene is as follows:

Maintain the value of any physical evidence that may be present. Carry out an initial assessment of the scene. Deal with any emergencies (the overriding duty of the first officer attending is to preserve life, irrespective of whether crucial evidence is destroyed in the process). Call for assistance as necessary. Preserve the scene (unless it has been decided that physical evidence will not be recovered. Make an appropriate records of his or her assessment and actions (included in this times at which any key events took place, such as the first officer attending arrival at the scene and any estimated time of the incident that may be available from, for example, eyewitnesses. Communicate his or her assessment and actions to those who will take over the responsibility for the processing of the scene and or those responsible for the investigation of the case. Provide appropriate information about the processing of the case to those members of the public who are directly involved. The first officer attending the crime scene must during his or her initial assessment, ascertain whether any of the following are present or nearby. Injured persons victims.

Eyewitnesses (who should be kept separate from one another, by the first officer attending need to avoid conversation between the eye witnesses that could distort their memories of the incident). Suspects (who must be kept separate from each other and from witnesses) it should be borne in mind that seemingly innocent might, in fact be suspects in case. Further Jackson et al (2004) provides that any crime scene from which physical evidence is recovered and recorded, this process is also known as documenting the crime scene. This is done by making written notes that are augmented by photographs, video recordings and or sketches, as appropriate Jackson et al (2004).

Jackson et al (2004) also mentioned the following recording on the crime scene. There must be a record of each item of physical evidence recorded from the scene, detailing the identified of the person who recovered it, the time and date at which it was recorded, the exact location from which it was taken and a description of the item involved. A log of all images taken of the scene (whether by still photographing – conventional digital or video recording) describing for each images.

The exact location of the camera operator

The identity of the camera operator

The direction in which the camera was pointed.

The time and date at which it was captured.

Any special lighting or other conditions used.

Any special light or other condition used.

The items and / or area of the scene from which the image was captured.

A log of any sketches made of the scene.

A detailed description of the surroundings of the crime scene.

A record of the conditions of whether and light that prevailed during the processing of the scene and a thorough description of the crime scene itself in the condition in which it was found prior to the removal of any physical evidence, including details or any features that might be of evidential worth (such as the location and condition of any likely points of the entry and or exits by the individuals involved in the incident). It is clear that on the crime scene the physical evidence needs to be protected for potential evidence. Wayne et al (2010) and Jackson et al (2004:19) support to each other in terms of the process of crime scene management.

According to Savino, John, Brent and Turvey (2005) provides the information to be learned from the crime scene as follows:

Investigators can experience the sights, smells and sound of the crime scene, as the victim and the offender perceived them.

Investigators can experience the spatial relationship with the scene.

Investigators can experience how open, or secluded the scene is, suggesting possible witnesses.

Investigators can experience how accessible or hidden the scene is to those not from the area, suggesting possible suspect populations.

Investigators can learn what kind of traffic (vehicle and pedestrian), residences or businesses are nearby, suggesting possible witnesses and suspect populations.

Investigators can experience transfer evidence first hand, vegetation, soil, glass, fibres, and any other material that may have transferred on to the victim or offender may transfer on to them, providing examples of what to look for on suspect clothing or in suspect’s vehicles.

Investigators can walk victim and offender routes themselves, seeing the sight first hand, in order to discover additional witnesses and suspect population. This witnesses can include businesses with active surveillance camera that may have recorded some or all of the crime Savino et al (2005).

The attentive investigators may discover items of evidence previously thought lost and according to Savino and Turvey (2005) further elaborate the crime scene dos and don’ts that, locards exchange principle. Every contact result in a transfer of evidence contact between items in around and obliterate it. The investigator needs to be on the crime scene and have some contact with the evidence, as do Forensic personnel however, reasonable steps can be taken to minimize how much evidence is added, moved and obliterated consider the following guidelines.

Do not enter the crime scene until you have signed in on the crime scene security log. If there is not a security log, start one. The security log should contain name, agency, function, time in and out, and clothing description for later exclusionary purposes. One person should be assigned to maintain the log.

Make certain that someone is assigned to photograph the crime scene and surrounding areas. Part of this assignment involves maintaining a log of each roll of film and each item and location photograph.

Make certain that someone is assigned to sketch the crime scene. A rough sketch should be prepared at the scene showing measurements between items of evidence and spatial relationships within the scene. A final or “smooth” sketch is prepared later, based on notes, photos, and other information gathered from the scene (Lee).

Make certain that someone is assigned to maintain and evidence log.

Do not collect multiple items of evidence in one bag or under one evidence number. This provides for potential cross -contamination.

Wear disposable latex gloves at all times- this will help prevents the transfer of fingerprints, sweat, and other material from your bare hand on the scene.

Change gloves every time you touch a new item on the scene. This will help prevent cross-contamination between items at the same that you have touched.

Do not dispose gloves by carelessly discarding them in the scene. They could wind up in the crime scene photo obscuring evidence, or worse, somebody might collect them as evidence and run lab tests to determine their origin.

Do not touch everything in sight. When you touch an object, you may move it from it’s original position or obliterate any evidence that may have been transferred to it’s surface during the crime, such as a fingerprints or biological fluids containing valuable DNA.

Keep your hands in your pockets until they are needed.

Do not wonder aimlessly through the crime scene.

Do not touch, move or otherwise alter items of evidence before documenting them (photographs, measurements, etc)

Do not stage collection effort from furniture involved in the crime. Set up your equipments elsewhere, away from areas of potential evidence transfer.

Do not use the telephone on the scene. The offender may have used the phone. This evidence that should be seized and processed for fingerprints and other potential transfer evidence also, phone records should be checked for all incoming and outgoing local and long distance calls, as far back as possible.

Do not use the television and / VCR at the scene. The offender may have used them, examine buttons for latent prints. Also, cable TV records should be checked both authors have worked cases where the offender has watched TV and / or ordered pornographic movies while waiting for the victim to return home.

Do not use the bathroom. The offender may have the bathroom and may have lifted the toilet seat. The toilet should be seized and processed for fingerprints and other potential transfer evidence.

Do not smoke, smoking changes smells of the air and results in hot ashes that have the potential to contaminate, melt, or even burn /ignite potential evidence. It also results in discarded cigarettes butts that may be confused as evidence.

Do not eat into the crime scene and dropped food could contaminate or obliterate potential evidence.

Do not drink. This is destruction and will results in refuse that could find its way into the crime scene and get more potential collected as evidence, also spilled liquids could contaminate or obliterate potential evidence.

Do not spit, spitting result in the transfer of biological material into a crime scene.

Do not bring civilians to a crime scene. This kind of thing show a lack of respect and professionalism, as well as introducing more potential transfer evidence into the scene and increasing the possibility that evidence may be carelessly contaminated or obliterated.

Do not allow your superiors or colleagues to be civilians to a crime scene.

Leave sealed containers sealed. Do not open sealed containers and sniff inside to determine the contents by odour. They may contain hazardours or toxic material such anhydrous ammonia, a necessary ingredient, especially the eye, skin, and respiratory tract will cause dehydration, cell destruction, and serve chemical burns.

Do not touch pools of liquid in the crime scene. This is TV and movie behaviour done for dramatic effects to sell a scene, it has no place in real Forensic work. If you do not know what something is you think it is important follow the appropriate documentation and collection procedures and submit it to the LAB for analysis.

Do not taste anything at the crime scene. This also TV behaviour done for dramatic effect to sell a scene, it has no place in real Forensic work.

Do not interview the victim in the place where the attack occurred. This is extremely insensitive and may erode the trust between the victim and the investigator, to say nothing for potentially re-traumatising the victim.

Do not leave the crime scene to get something to eat, play lotto, go back to the office, or work on something else, until you are done.

Make written notes of everyone in the crime scene and each person’s role. That way you’ll know whom to call later if you need statement.

Take written notes of everything in the crime scene that get your attention because “nothing is significant to record if it catches ones attention.

Do not lead a victim’ family members from the crime scene through the area where there attack occurred unless there is no other way.

Supervisors in charged of the crime scene with reviewing the work of an investigative unit do well to note those issues during performance reviews. They should also measure to ensure that once this kind of mistakes are discovered, they are not related. This can be accomplished by training and by the example set by seasoned investigators. Ignorance of physical evidence and protocol usually starts at the top, with those in charge and finds its way down through the ranks. Savino et al (2005). It is evident that members who attended the crime scene must follow the information guidelines of Savino et al (2005).

According to Van Heerden (1982) the scene of crime can clarify, amongst others the following:

The position of the deceased body and of various objects in relation to the body, can for example be important indications of the case of death. This means that whether the death is as results of murder, suicide or accident. The direction from which criminal approached the scene of crime and the manner in which the scene was left. The method used to commit the crime. The identity of the victim. The identity of the offender and the nature of his involvement in the crime.

In view of the clarification as alluded by VAN HEERDEN (1982) it is important to illustrate how the potential evidence should be recognized, protected, recorded, collected and packaging, labelled or marked, submission for analysis, maintenance of chain of possession of presentation in court. Marais, Rooyen, Pretorius, De Beer, Smith and Mostert (1992) et al provides that the following legal requirements should be critical importance to the investigator.

Before physical evidence can be collected it must obviously be recognized. In a murder investigation one usually concentrates on the weapon or object that was used that caused the death. A search is also made here for blood, hair, fibres and tissue in an effort to connect the criminal with the crime scene. Case and common sense should be always prevail with due precaution not to destroy physical evidence that may exist and the guidelines offered in this regard that the scene should be observed in its entirely and notes made of the location of all obvious physical clues, points of entry and exit signs of location (struggle) and the size and share in the area should be restricted and care taken not to destroy or to disturb any evidence during the examination, a suitable search method must be decided upon and during the search of an indoor scene. Special attention should be paid to fragile evidence that may be easily destroyed or contaminated. Places or objects where latent fingerprints may be found and other physical clues to be examined by the experts later need to be seemed. Comprehensive notes should also be made of all stains, spots, liquids and the like which could prove to have evidential value. The scene and surrounding areas must be demarcated off to ensure that valuable physical evidence is not destroyed or damaged by vehicles people or animals.

The three main ways in which evidence is recorded are photographs sketches and written notes by the investigator. The photographs provides a permanent record of the object in the evident that subsequent handling alters or destroy it. An example is where attempts to make a plaster of a footprint ruin the impression or a laboratory examination, destroy the evidence an opportunity for the investigator to review the physical evidence in the case without handling the actual objects and opportunity for the officials of the court to examine evidence which is too dangerous, cumbersome or impressions on a door.

Rough sketch of the scene is usually drawn by the investigator for the main purpose to indicate the precise location of people and objects involved. Specific measurements of distances on the area, and the exact location of all relevant evidence. The investigators notes contain the complete records of all evidence collected on the crime scene. Documentation of where and how the evidence was obtained, every items collected should be entered in the notes, the date, time, exact location and circumstances of how each item of evidence was obtained, should be included as well as a full description of it and how the evidence was marked Van Heerden (1982).

Collection and packaging of the physical evidence provides that great care must be taken to collect all objects and samples intact, uncontaminated, un-mutilated and it should be borne in mind that to satisfy legal requirements related to its introduction at a judicial proceeding, the investigator must be able to identify each piece of evidence, even years after it was collected, described the location and condition of the item at the time it was collected. Assist in establishing that, from the time of its collection until presentation in court, the evidence was continuously in proper custody and assist in describing any changes which may have occurred in the evidence between the time of collection and the subsequent introduction as evidence in court and the adherence to correct packaging techniques is essential. Faulty packaging can result in contamination, evaporation, scratching, binding, damaging and general loss of physical evidence. Packaging and the packaging material must be of such quality that evidence do not move about and get damaged during the following process:

The investigator should mark each item as soon as possible after discovered. The basic information on the label should include : type of evidence (fibres, hair, metal drillings, soil etc) date and time of day evidence samples were collected, case number, exhibit number or other identifying number and source from which the sample was obtained that is victim’ s shirt, collar, front doorknob, left headlight or automobile etc.

Preservation of the integrity of physical evidence is a continuous responsibility from the time it is discovered until the time it is presented in court or until the final settlement of the case determines its description. Preservation implies maintaining the evidence without altering tampering, contamination, loss or injury, physical evidence. Preservation involves forwarding to the laboratory for examination and analysis, obtaining it from the laboratory and keeping it safe under lock and key where it cannot be tampered with until it is delivered in court. In submission of physical evidence for analysis, only physical evidence that has a bearing on the committed crime should be send to the laboratory. No restriction is placed on the nature and number of samples. The chances of success are usually personally enhanced by the more samples that are received. Physical evidence is usually personally delivered to the laboratory or sent by post or trial. It is sometimes necessary for the crime investigator to personally deliver physical evidence to the laboratory. In practice the method of delivery is determined by the distance from the laboratory, the seriousness of the case and the size of the physical evidence to mark all exhibits clearly that is the station case number e.g. exhibit “A” seal all exhibits with legible seal number, the full addresses of the sender and the Forensic Science Laboratory must appear on each parcel and a covering minute in duplicate must accompany each exhibit with the requirement that two(2) covering minutes must accompany each individual parcel Van Heerden (1982).

With maintenance of the chain of possession, continuity of possession, that is the continuous safekeeping and identification of physical evidence, is essentially important in the individualisation when the crime investigator fails to properly identify or safe keep samples, that is, objects or items found at the crime scene or in possession f the perpetrator, it lowers the value of laboratory analysis to a minimum. The integrity of physical evidence is often questioned by the defence in court. The correct methods applied during collection, marking and packaging of evidence may nullified if account cannot be given of the persons who handled evaluated or safeguard the samples in order to preserve the integrity of physical evidence to limit the number of individuals who handle the evidence from the time it is found to the time it is presented in court. If the evidence leaves once possession, records in your notes to whom it was given in time and date, the reason for being given to another and when and by whom it was returned, ensure that the persons handling the evidence affix their names, force number and assignment to the package. Obtain a signed receipt from the person accepting the evidence when the evidence in returned, check for your identification marks and ensure that it is the same item in the same condition as it was when it was recovered and any change in the physical appearance of the evidence should be brought to the attention of the court. Dowling state that when a question arises as to the authenticity of an item offered as evidence or its possible alteration or contamination. The location and condition of the evidence from time of its discovery must be proofed. Proof of this chain of custody demonstrates that the evidence offered is the same evidence found at the scene, there has been no opportunity to replace or improperly alter the evidence and any change in the condition of the evidence can be explained example destruction through laboratory analysis.

Physical and tangible evidence when presented in court must be identified and authenticated the relevance to the case by the oral testimony of those who do authenticate the evidence. The most logical person is the one who discovered it, usually the investigator or another Policeman. It is clear that the procedure of how the crime scene should be attended from the first person and when the exhibits (physical evidence) is collected from the crime scene. The chain of evidence is followed until it is presented in a court of law.

In a view of Van Der Westhuizen (1996) about the crime scene is that protection of the scene involves not only the scene and physical potential evidence, but also the protection of people and property , possible victims at the scene are medically treated as far as possible and comforted specialised assistance is summoned and arrangements are made for the procurement and processing of any information which may have be transferred or left behind by the perpetrator or their person and / or clothing. All persons who have no direct interest in the scene of crime or who are not needed, need to be removed from the condoned off area to prevent contamination of the scene. Protecting potential physical evidence is presence at even the most unlikely places, the evidence comprises a large variety of objects which include all organic substances such as body fluids, fibres, hair, tissue, bone and plant material, in organic substances such as fibre, toxicological matter, soil, dust, glass, disputed documents metal and plastic as well as finger, bullet, foot prints Van Heerden (1982). During this phase and excursion of foot is under taken through the scene of crime in order to determine safe pathways for the investigators and to obtain a global picture of the crime scene. The exact location where the crime has been perpetrated is marked in order to indicate its relation as to its position and distance to other objects on the scene of crime and to minimize contamination or destruction of evidence. The function of the investigator is to guard against the unnecessary handling of any objects, the proliferation of prints and tracks or trampling upon those already present. The displacement of any physical information or contamination or destruction of even potential material by eating, drinking , or smoking at the scene, combing hair and using the wash -hand basin or the toilet (Marais et al 1992) the telephone at the scene of crime must also not be used, apart from prints on it, modern telephones have a memory whereby the last number which has been dialled can be traced answering machine, which form part of the instrument, can also bring important information to the attention of the investigator Van Heerden (1982).

It is very important according to Van Westhuizen (1996), is supporting Savino and Turvey (2005) in terms of how the crime scene should be protected to avoid contamination of physical evidence and to behave well in the crime scene for examples not smoking, drinking and eating etc. According to James, Richard Osterburg and Ward (2010) indicate the process of the crime scene and how should be attended by the role players when the criminal has not been caught red-handed and has fled from the scene before the first officer arrives on the crime scene several responsibilities devolve upon the first officer on the scene.

According to Osterburg et al (2010) the first person on the crime scene have to call medical aid for the injured. In those cases in which a person is seriously injured, the steps (below) may be differed until this is attended to. Medical personnel should be admonished not to move anything beyond what is required to assist the injured. They should be instructed to carry a victim out on a stretcher. This is preferred because a wheeler or cart makes it difficult to avoid disturbing blood spatters, foot or shoe impression, or other evidence on the floor or part ways to and from the scene. Ascertain any facts pertinent to the criminals that should be immediately transmitted to the patrol force, person description, make and model of vehicle used, direction fled from scene. To indicate the crime scene (and if necessary, its environs) To limit access to those with responsibility for its examination and processing. To detain and separate eyewitnesses so they cannot discuss their individual observations with each other. To continue to protect the scene until the officer who is to be responsible for the continuing investigation arrives. The time of any significant subsequent action (as well as its nature, the reasons for taking it and people involved) should be carefully noted and recorded. Not doing so permits defence counsel to create the impression that an investigator is lazy, through or incompetent. Being well informed on the rules of evidence, attorneys often attack the collection and handling physical evidence at the crime scene. Their aim is often to have it ruled inadmissible should there have been any procedural lapse. In Nicole Brown Simpson / Ronald Goldman double murder case for example, investigators left the original scene early, only to run into what believed to be a second crime scene, as a consequence, the protection of the original scene, the reasons for leaving it and the processing of both scene for physical evidence became matters of intense interest to the defence Osterburg et al (2010). In such cases it was crucial that the investigator took good notes in a timely fashion, recording the investigative actions and the reasons why.

On arrival at the crime scene, the investigator must not write the following details for their report and, possibly much later, to answer questions by defence counsel later. Who made the notification, the time of arrival, and how long it took to respond. The names of persons at the scene, in particular the names of those who already went through the scene of any part of the scene. The facts of the case as ascertained by the officers at the scene. Subsequent actions on taking responsibility for the crime scene from the uniformed officer who was in charge up to the point and in addition to the crime scene, there are several other possible sources of physical evidence, like the clothing and body of the victim (if not at the crime scene) The body and clothing of the suspect, weapons, automobiles, house, garage or other area or article under his or her control, electrical on a movable device, whatever source in crime scene, victim or suspect. The basic precepts governing the discovery preservation and collection of physical evidence apply equally Osterburg and Ward (2010) argues that the discovery of physical evidence as they quoted Barry Fisher the crime Director of the Los Angeles country sheriffs Department and author of the Landmark text on crime scene investigation notes that Forensic Scientists, crime scene specialists and latent print experts are the individuals whose jobs apply scene and technology to the solution of the criminal acts. They shoulder an important role in the criminal justice system. The skills and knowledge in the criminal investigation may establish the innocence or guilt of a defendant, professional ethics and integrity are important to their work Osterburg et al (2010).

It should be noted, however, that before any physical evidence can be collected and transported, it must first be recognised as such. Recognition is routine matter when clue materials are familiar like bullets, cartridge casings, tool, marks and blood. When materials are unfamiliar, recognition depends on the investigators education, training and imagination Osterburg et al (2010). Large Police Departments today have technicians and scientific equipments available for collecting and preserving physical evidence. When each item of physical evidence has been properly recorded, it must then be collected separated and preserved for examination in the laboratory and eventually in court. The requirements of both scientist and lawyer therefore must be kept in mind because improperly collected or preserved will fail to meet the tests defence counsel applied in court, legal requirements will be considered first Osterburg et al (2010).

In addition to Osterburg and Ward (2010) it is clear how should the process of crime scene be managed and supported by Marais et al., (1992) for recognition, protection, collection and preservation of physical evidence.

According to Sutton and Trieman (2009) they indicated the responsibilities of a scene of crime officer as follows:

Confirm that a crime has been committed. Most of enquiries are straight forward. Occasionally when a crime is investigated suspicion may be aroused that the complaint is spurious. A thorough investigation of the scene could provide evidence that will prove or disprove this suspicion.

Preservation of the scene- it will be shown later that a scene of crime officer will spend time, initially assessing and then recording the scene before any consideration is given to the recovery of evidential materials , this phase , which by its nature will delay the examination proper, may require necessary steps to be taken that ensure no evidence is lost or destroyed for example, in inclement weather, footwear impressions outside in the open will need to be covered over to protect them from elements.

Identify key evidence areas. These areas normally related to parts of the scene where offenders are known to have been in particular as attention is always given to the point of entry into and the point of exit from the scene. These two (2) or in some cases, more, areas are where it can be certain that the offender has been in definite contact for a longer period of time.

Identify key evidence types. Some types, as will be shown later, can actually identify the offenders and therefore may be described as key of trace material has its own potential to place a suspect at the scene and so, at least in the initial stages of the examination, must be treated with equal value.

Record all evidence making clear and concise records of evidential material can be as important evidence itself. Detailed record have three main purposes, firstly, such records are used by scenes of crime officer when compiling factual statements of evidence. It happens after event and without contemporaneous scene notes, mistakes or omissions will be inevitable. Secondly, other members of the enquiry team records without fear of misunderstanding or misinterpretation. This can be important if issues regarding the possible contamination of evidence are raised. Thirdly and arguably the most important, accurately maintained records of the scene and evidential items recovered these serve to prove the integrity and continuity of each item without such proof the court may not accept the evidence and this could lead to the case being dismissed. There are number of accepted methods that may be video recording, photograph, plans and major crime scene logs which is only required when it is a major incident and once it has been established that a major crime has been committed a crime scene manager or crime scene co-ordinator will be appointed to assist and advise the senior investigator in matters relating to the scientific examination of the scene.

Recovery of all evidence: No piece of potential evidential material can be discounted during the examination and must recovered. It is at this stage, however, the consideration should be given to establish (especially where fingerprints and DNA are concerned), whether there is a legitimate reason for it being there. This will start the process of examination. Also, when recovering any potential evidence material documentation must be completed that will prove the integrity and continuity of each item.

Packaging and storing: the items identified have to be removed from the scene the first step is to number each item in the document of possible evidence by placing it onto a list. This will be evidence item, whether a photograph, fingerprint lift or DNA swab a reference number. This number is then bar-coded in all further processes allowing tracking of the progress of sample analysis and avoiding confusion between samples. This process may seem trivial but it is a key part of tracking the continuity of the item recovered from the scene. Care must be taken to ensure that items are packaged in the correct containers. This packaging of the container is important. The packaging must provide a secure environment for the item in that. It must be evident as to whether the package has been opened. Such packaging is described as being “tamper – evident”. It must be packaged in a container that will not damage the material that needs to be analysed, for example, wet biological must be packaged in air-tight containers, that would encourage microbial spoilage to occur. Then it must also be properly labelled. Lack of care in labelling affect its continuity. Therefore item gathered at the scene will be transferred into a secure storage are within the local Police Station. Subsequently, such items may be sent for scientific analysis by an appropriate Forensic Science provider. Police Services vary in the amount of scientific support that is provided in house. Most services contain a fingerprint development laboratory that enhances latent fingerprints, linked to a facility that analyses the prints against the database of store prints. Other services may contain foot wear analysis laboratories and some contain another scientific provision. Services in England and Wales will send the majority of their samples to an independent FSP for analysis Osterburg et al (2010). This includes DNA analysis, hair, fibres, fire-arm and documents. The separation of FSP from Police services avoids accusations of conflicts of interest between Forensic Science providers (FSP) and services. The forensic science provider can be seen to provide analyses unbiased by pressures from within Police services that expect the evidence will help secure a prosecution.

Briefing the investigating officer: The Police officer tasked with conducting the investigation will need to know the potential of evidential material recovered from a crime scene. The relevant information can be transmitted to the documented or electrical form as appropriate.

Prepare statements of evidence each witness completes and signs a written statement before any evidence can be presented before a court. Statements compiled by scenes of crime officers can be long and involved photographic record is made before exhibits are moved or disturbed and also making comprehensive notes at the crime scene is very important.

Presents evidence before a court: The whole process has been developed to ensure that any evidence recovered from any crime scene is to a standard that will be accepted in any court proceedings Osterburg et al (2010).

SUTTON AND TRUEMAN (2009) Support the Bennet et al (2010) also DCLP Training module (2006) and SAPS Policy number two (2005) and Marais et al (1992). In the process of crime scene management from the scene until the potential evidence identified packaged, stored and analysed by the Forensic Science Laboratory and used in court of law as evidence.

It is important to illustrate how the collection of evidence, preserve, inventory, package, transport and submit evidence, Rene (2000) provides the following:-

Prioritize the collection of evidence to prevent loss, destruction or contamination. The investigators in charge and team members shall determine the order in which evidence is collected. Conduct a careful and methodical evaluation considering all physical evidence possibilities (e.g. biological fluids, latent, prints, trace evidence). Focus first on the easily accessible areas in open view and process to out of view locations. Select a systematic search pattern for evidence collection based on the size and location of the scene (s). Select a progression of processing / collection methods so that initial techniques do not compromise subsequent processing/collection method. Concentrate on the most transient evidence and work to the least transient forms of physical evidence and move from least intrusive processing / collection methods. Continually asses environmental and other factors that may affect the evidence. Be aware of multiple scenes (e.g. victims, suspects, vehicles and location. Recognize other methods that are available to locate, technically document, and collect evidence (e,g alternate light source enhancement, blow pattern documentation, projectile trajectory analysis) and it is also clear that the procedure for the collection of evidence, preserve, inventory.

Evidence is supported by both Rene (2000) et al and Sutton and Trieman (2009).

The one researcher seek to investigate the crime scene search and evidence collection.

According to Max, Houck, Jay and Siegal (2009). The crime scene search should be methodical and performed in a specific pattern. The choice of pattern may be dictated by the location, size, or conditions of the scene. Typical patterns are spiral, strip or lane and grid. Adhering to the selected pattern prevents bagging and or tagging random items with organization or system. Measurements showing the location of evidence should be taken with each object located by two(2) or more measurements from non-moveable items, such as door or walls. These measurements should be taken from perpendicular angels to each other to allow for triangulation before alert for all evidence. The perpendicular had to enter or exit the scene. Make evidence locations on the sketch and complete the evidence log with notations for each item. If possible, having one serving as evidence custodian makes collection more regular, organised and orderly. Again if possible two persons should observe evidence in place during recovery and being marked for identification, use tags or if feasible, mark directly on the evidence. Wear gloves to avoid fingerprints, but be aware that after thirty (30) minutes if possible to leave fingerprints through latex gloves, evidence should not be handed excessively after recovery. Seal all evidence packages with tamper-evidence tape at the crime scene. An important activity often overlooked is the collection of known standards from the scene, such as fibre samples from a known carpets or glass from a broken window. Monitor the paper work, packaging and other information throughout the process for typographic errors, clarity and consistency Max et al (2009).

Maintain scene security throughout processing and until the scene is released. Document the collection of evidence by recording its location at the scene. Date of collection and who collected it. Collect each item identified as evidence. Establish of custody. Obtain standard / reference samples from the scene. Obtain control samples. Consider obtaining elimination samples. Immediately secure electronically record evidence e.g. answering machine tapes, surveillance cameras video tapes, computer vicinity. Identify and secure evidence in containers e.g label, date, initial container at the crime scene. Different types of evidence require different containers e.g. porous, non-porous and crush proof). Package items to avoid contamination and cross – contamination. Document the condition of fire-arms / weapons prior to rendering them safe for transportation and submission. Avoid excessive handling of evidence after it is collected. Maintain evidence in a manner designed to diminish degradation or loss. Order in which evidence is collected. Conduct a careful and methodical evaluation considering all physical evidence possibilities (e,g Biological fluids, latent prints, trace evidence. Focus first on the easily accessible areas in open view and proceed to out of view locations. Select systematic search pattern for evidence collection based on the size and location of the scene. Select a progression of processing/ collection methods so that initial techniques do not compromise subsequent processing / collections method, e.g concentrate on the most transient evidence and work to the least transient forms of physical evidence and move from the least intrusive to most intrusive processing /collection methods. Continually assess environmental and other factors that may affect the evidence. Be aware of multiple scenes (e.g. victims, suspects, vehicles and locations). Recognise other methods that are available to locate, technically document, and collect (e.g. alternate light source enhancement, blood pattern documentation, projectile trajectory analysed), Max et al (2010).

According to Robertson and Grieve (2004) Examination of a body at a crime scene for trace evidence is usually done in the following order:

Visible trace evidence is removed by hand using tweezers. Tape lifts are retrieved from skin surfaces as well as the external surfaces of clothing before the body is removed from the scene. If this is done in detail, using each tape to correspond to specific segments or areas of the body, important information can be gained about the distribution of the incriminating fibres picked up during the victim’s last contact. This may provide information helpful in reconstructing the events of the crime. Any stains of the skin surfaces should be inspected with a hand magnifier for embedded fibres or other materials. This need to be removed prior to collection of the stain.

Sometimes the victims clothing should be removed at the scene, particularly when moving the body is likely to drain body fluid on to the clothing. This drainage can destroy pattern evidence such as shoe prints on the clothing as well as remaining trace evidence. The clothing should be folded carefully and placed into separate paper bags that are then sealed. Place a clean piece of paper over and under each surface of the fabric to keep fibres and other trace evidence from being redistributed. This also protects unstained areas of the clothing from becoming contaminated with damp blood stains or other body fluid from other areas of the clothing.

Head and pubic hair could have fibres and other particle evidence. Trace evidence can be carefully removed with a tweezers and or combed from the hair. Fingernails should be scrapped or clipped to collect trace materials. Anybody transport bags should also be collected as evidence. This body transport bags should always be new. Some jurisdictions use white sheets to wrap around a body before transportation. This sheets can add another source of contamination. Even if the sheet is laundered or new. Any such sheet should be collected and examined for tracing evidence. The mouth, genital, and nasal cavities of the victim should be inspected for tracing evidence. The mouth can retain evidence of oral copulation, biting and items used to suffocate or gag a victim. If suffocation is indicated, the nasal cavity should also be inspected. The genitalia can have trace materials from the assailant as well as from any foreign objects that may have been used in commission of the crime.

Known standards from the victim’s body are usually collected at the time of autopsy. This should include hair standards and blood samples. The victim’s body should be re-inspected for any additional trace evidence prior to the autopsy. Clothing that is not collected at the scene would need to be collected prior to the autopsy. Significant trace evidence may also be present on decomposing bodies. Bloated bodies must be processes for trace material at the scene. Once in a body bag. The body will become too oily, making both the recognition and collection of evidence extremely difficult. Trace evidence from a body in an advanced stage of decomposition is usual limits to the collection of hair and clothing when present. In these cases the scalp, in its entirety can be readily removed and taken directly to the Forensic Laboratory for a thorough examination using microscope. In addition to fibres evidence can sometimes answer specific reconstruction questions that might arise during a criminal investigation. Microscopic examination of bullets or projective could show traces of objects they passed through. This could be a fibre from the clothing of a shooting victim discarded fire-arm which have fibres from the clothing of the suspect when the weapon was carried in the coat pocket Robertson and Grieve (2004).