Forensic soil analysis is used by forensic soil experts and police forensic investigators to provide evidence to help police solve crime. In major crimes with no fingerprint or DNA evidence or reliable witness testimony, soil evidence can help police target their enquiries towards a particular suspect or location.

The instruments commonly used in criminal or environmental forensic investigations and analysis include scanning electron and optical microscopes. These tools are used to characterize forensic evidence like fabrics, metals, textile or glass.

A trace evidence collection kit might include:

• Acetate sheet protectors.
• Bindle paper.
• Clear tape/adhesive lift.
• Electrostatic dust lifter.
• Flashlight (oblique lighting).
• Forceps/tweezers.
• Glass vials.
• Slides and slide mailers.

for the crime-scene investigators. Crime-scene investigators document the crime scene in detail and collect physical evidence. Crime-scene investigators include recorders to record the data, sketch artists to sketch the scene, photographers to take photos of the crime scene, and evidence collectors.

POLICE OFFICERS are typically the first to arrive at a crime scene. They are responsible for securing the scene so no evidence is destroyed and detaining persons of interest in the crime. The CSI UNIT documents the crime scene in detail and collects any physical evidence.

There are several methods of documentation: Notes, photography, sketches, and video are all important. Note taking is one of the most important parts of processing the crime scene.

Experienced photographers often use a technique called “painting with light” to expose image details in dark or near-dark conditions. In this technique, the shutter is held open for seconds or minutes and the photographer walks through the scene adding light from sources such as a flashlight or detached camera flash.

Under the “pictorial testimony” theory, photographic evidence is admissible when a sponsoring witness can testify that it is a fair and accurate representation of the subject matter. It is important to note, this theory is based on the personal observation(s) of the witness.

The purpose of crime scene photography is to provide a true and accurate record of the crime scene and physical evidence present by recording the original scene and related areas. And the judgement often is based upon crime scene photographs to prove prima facie evidence.

Photographing the evidence: Photographs should be taken directly at right angles, eliminating probable distance distortions for clear visualization and each part of evidence should be photographed with scale to signify size and without scale to show relationship with overall scene.

These photographs should be taken from straight above or straight on at right angles, eliminating potential distance distortions. Each piece of evidence should be photographed with a scale to indicate size and without a scale. 6.

At major crime scenes impressions should be photographed before they are casted. Photography is done first because casting the impression will destroy the original impression and eliminate the ability to photograph the impression afterward.

Terms in this set (11)

• Heading: notation that indicates why the sketch was created.
• Diagram area: the drawing itself.
• Legend: tells the viewer what the various labels used in the diagram depict.
• Title block: provides important info relevant to the location of the scene and the creator of the sketch.

rough sketch. a sketch drawn at the crime scene, that contains an accurate depiction of the dimensions of the scene & shows the location of all objects having a bearing on the case. finished sketch. a precise rendering of the crime scene, usually drawn to scale.

Explanation: rough sketch- a sketch drawn at the crime scene, that contains an accurate depiction of the dimensions of the scene & shows the location of all objects having a bearing on the case. finished sketch- a precise rendering of the crime scene, usually drawn to scale.

A crime scene diagram visually documents the setting of a crime as it appeared when it was discovered. It typically includes a layout of the environment, location of the victim(s), blood splatter, possible items of interest like weapons, footprints, dirt, clothes along with written details and pictorial evidence.

Rough sketches function as the first full visual prototype. They’re produced quickly and without much concern for composition or even aesthetics. It’s far easier in this early stage to move stuff around and switch things out, than it is later on down the line when composition and details have begun to tighten out.

Seven Quick Tips for Drawing Effective Crime Scene Diagrams

1. Set the scope of your diagram. Before beginning, determine how much of the area to illustrate: one room, multiple rooms, or the entire house.
2. Gather information.
3. Create the background floor plan or landscape.
4. Add details.
5. Label.
6. Verify accuracy.