Exam (elaborations)
FOR2605 Assignment 2 Semester 1 Memo |
Due 6 May 2025
Course
Scene of Incident (FOR2605)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Book
Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction
FOR2605 Assignment 2 Semester 1 Memo | Due 6 May 2025. All questions
fully answered.
Question 1 The actions of an investigator at the crime scene are vitally
important to maintain the value of the physical evidence. At different crime
scenes, investigators have certain duties to perform to take control of the
crime scene. Briefly discuss those duties. [10]
At a crime scene, the investigator has several key duties to ensure that the physical evidence
retains its value for investigation and potential prosecution. These duties include:
1. Securing the Scene (2 marks)
The investigator must immediately secure the crime scene to prevent contamination or
loss of evidence. This involves setting up physical barriers, restricting access, and
documenting everyone who enters or exits the scene.
2. Providing Medical Assistance (1 mark)
If there are injured persons, the investigator ensures they receive medical attention.
However, they must also ensure that emergency responders do not disturb evidence
unnecessarily.
3. Conducting a Preliminary Survey (1 mark)
The investigator performs an initial walkthrough to gain an overview of the scene and
plan the approach for evidence collection.
4. Documenting the Scene (2 marks)
Accurate and detailed documentation is vital. This includes taking photographs, making
sketches, and writing notes about the scene and evidence in its original location.
5. Searching for Evidence (1 mark)
A systematic search is conducted using appropriate search patterns (e.g., grid, spiral,
strip) to locate physical evidence.
6. Collecting and Preserving Evidence (2 marks)
Evidence must be collected carefully, packaged properly, labeled clearly, and preserved
to maintain the chain of custody and prevent contamination or degradation.
, 7. Maintaining Chain of Custody (1 mark)
Each piece of evidence must be accounted for from collection to courtroom, with detailed
records of who handled it and when.
These duties help ensure the integrity of the crime scene and the admissibility of evidence in
court.
To ensure the value and integrity of physical evidence at a crime scene, investigators must
perform several critical duties. These duties include the following:
1. Securing the Scene: The first priority is to cordon off the crime scene to prevent
unauthorized access and preserve the original condition of the scene. This helps avoid
contamination or loss of evidence.
2. Rendering Aid (if necessary): If there are injured individuals, investigators must ensure
they receive medical attention while trying to preserve any evidence on or around them.
3. Establishing a Crime Scene Log: A record of all persons entering or leaving the crime
scene must be kept, including time of entry and exit, to ensure accountability and protect
the integrity of the scene.
4. Conducting a Preliminary Survey: Investigators perform an initial walk-through to
understand the scene, identify potential evidence, and plan further action.
5. Documenting the Scene: This includes taking photographs, sketches, and detailed notes
before anything is moved or collected. Documentation captures the condition and layout
of the scene.
6. Searching for Evidence: A systematic search is conducted to locate all relevant physical
evidence. Different search patterns (e.g., grid, spiral, strip) may be used depending on the
scene.
7. Collecting and Preserving Evidence: Evidence must be carefully collected, packaged,
labeled, and preserved to prevent contamination or degradation. Chain of custody
procedures are followed strictly.
8. Interviewing Witnesses: If witnesses are present, their statements are taken as soon as
possible to gather information while memories are fresh.
9. Coordinating with Forensic Experts: Investigators may call in specialists (e.g.,
fingerprint experts, forensic pathologists) for detailed analysis of certain types of
evidence.
10. Releasing the Scene: Once all evidence has been collected and documentation
completed, the scene is officially released. This must be done formally and may include
notifying the property owner.
FOR2605 Assignment 2 Semester 1 Memo |
Due 6 May 2025
Course
Scene of Incident (FOR2605)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Book
Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction
FOR2605 Assignment 2 Semester 1 Memo | Due 6 May 2025. All questions
fully answered.
Question 1 The actions of an investigator at the crime scene are vitally
important to maintain the value of the physical evidence. At different crime
scenes, investigators have certain duties to perform to take control of the
crime scene. Briefly discuss those duties. [10]
At a crime scene, the investigator has several key duties to ensure that the physical evidence
retains its value for investigation and potential prosecution. These duties include:
1. Securing the Scene (2 marks)
The investigator must immediately secure the crime scene to prevent contamination or
loss of evidence. This involves setting up physical barriers, restricting access, and
documenting everyone who enters or exits the scene.
2. Providing Medical Assistance (1 mark)
If there are injured persons, the investigator ensures they receive medical attention.
However, they must also ensure that emergency responders do not disturb evidence
unnecessarily.
3. Conducting a Preliminary Survey (1 mark)
The investigator performs an initial walkthrough to gain an overview of the scene and
plan the approach for evidence collection.
4. Documenting the Scene (2 marks)
Accurate and detailed documentation is vital. This includes taking photographs, making
sketches, and writing notes about the scene and evidence in its original location.
5. Searching for Evidence (1 mark)
A systematic search is conducted using appropriate search patterns (e.g., grid, spiral,
strip) to locate physical evidence.
6. Collecting and Preserving Evidence (2 marks)
Evidence must be collected carefully, packaged properly, labeled clearly, and preserved
to maintain the chain of custody and prevent contamination or degradation.
, 7. Maintaining Chain of Custody (1 mark)
Each piece of evidence must be accounted for from collection to courtroom, with detailed
records of who handled it and when.
These duties help ensure the integrity of the crime scene and the admissibility of evidence in
court.
To ensure the value and integrity of physical evidence at a crime scene, investigators must
perform several critical duties. These duties include the following:
1. Securing the Scene: The first priority is to cordon off the crime scene to prevent
unauthorized access and preserve the original condition of the scene. This helps avoid
contamination or loss of evidence.
2. Rendering Aid (if necessary): If there are injured individuals, investigators must ensure
they receive medical attention while trying to preserve any evidence on or around them.
3. Establishing a Crime Scene Log: A record of all persons entering or leaving the crime
scene must be kept, including time of entry and exit, to ensure accountability and protect
the integrity of the scene.
4. Conducting a Preliminary Survey: Investigators perform an initial walk-through to
understand the scene, identify potential evidence, and plan further action.
5. Documenting the Scene: This includes taking photographs, sketches, and detailed notes
before anything is moved or collected. Documentation captures the condition and layout
of the scene.
6. Searching for Evidence: A systematic search is conducted to locate all relevant physical
evidence. Different search patterns (e.g., grid, spiral, strip) may be used depending on the
scene.
7. Collecting and Preserving Evidence: Evidence must be carefully collected, packaged,
labeled, and preserved to prevent contamination or degradation. Chain of custody
procedures are followed strictly.
8. Interviewing Witnesses: If witnesses are present, their statements are taken as soon as
possible to gather information while memories are fresh.
9. Coordinating with Forensic Experts: Investigators may call in specialists (e.g.,
fingerprint experts, forensic pathologists) for detailed analysis of certain types of
evidence.
10. Releasing the Scene: Once all evidence has been collected and documentation
completed, the scene is officially released. This must be done formally and may include
notifying the property owner.
