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 maintain the value of physical evidence, an investigator must perform the following key
duties at a crime scene:
1. Securing the Scene: The investigator must immediately secure the scene to prevent
unauthorized access and contamination of evidence. This includes setting up physical
barriers like tape or guards.
2. Ensuring Safety: The investigator must ensure the scene is safe for all personnel. This
includes checking for hazards such as fire, gas leaks, or armed suspects.
3. Providing Emergency Aid: If victims are injured, the investigator must ensure they
receive medical assistance without disturbing evidence more than necessary.
4. Establishing a Command Post: A central location is set up near the crime scene for
coordinating activities and communication.
5. Conducting a Preliminary Survey: The investigator performs an initial walk-through to
get an overview of the scene and determine what resources are needed.
6. Documenting the Scene: Detailed notes, photographs, sketches, and sometimes video
recordings are made to capture the condition of the scene before anything is moved.
7. Identifying and Preserving Evidence: The investigator locates, marks, and protects
physical evidence to prevent loss, destruction, or contamination.
8. Collecting Evidence: Each item of evidence is collected methodically, properly
packaged, labeled, and logged to maintain the chain of custody.
9. Interviewing Witnesses: Any witnesses present are identified and interviewed as soon as
possible while their memories are fresh.
10. Releasing the Scene: Once all evidence has been collected and documentation is
complete, the scene is formally released, usually to the property owner or relevant
authority.
Question 2 A crime scene can be classified into five types, discuss any four of
these crime scenes. [8]
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 maintain the value of physical evidence, an investigator must perform the following key
duties at a crime scene:
1. Securing the Scene: The investigator must immediately secure the scene to prevent
unauthorized access and contamination of evidence. This includes setting up physical
barriers like tape or guards.
2. Ensuring Safety: The investigator must ensure the scene is safe for all personnel. This
includes checking for hazards such as fire, gas leaks, or armed suspects.
3. Providing Emergency Aid: If victims are injured, the investigator must ensure they
receive medical assistance without disturbing evidence more than necessary.
4. Establishing a Command Post: A central location is set up near the crime scene for
coordinating activities and communication.
5. Conducting a Preliminary Survey: The investigator performs an initial walk-through to
get an overview of the scene and determine what resources are needed.
6. Documenting the Scene: Detailed notes, photographs, sketches, and sometimes video
recordings are made to capture the condition of the scene before anything is moved.
7. Identifying and Preserving Evidence: The investigator locates, marks, and protects
physical evidence to prevent loss, destruction, or contamination.
8. Collecting Evidence: Each item of evidence is collected methodically, properly
packaged, labeled, and logged to maintain the chain of custody.
9. Interviewing Witnesses: Any witnesses present are identified and interviewed as soon as
possible while their memories are fresh.
10. Releasing the Scene: Once all evidence has been collected and documentation is
complete, the scene is formally released, usually to the property owner or relevant
authority.
Question 2 A crime scene can be classified into five types, discuss any four of
these crime scenes. [8]
