Learning aim B: Investigate a simulated crime scene using forensic procedures.
P3/M3/D2:
Before starting the investigation, as a group we have discussed about the method that we can
approach depending on the situation of the crime scene and where specifically the crime has
happened in order to protect the evidence around and not cause contamination. We have discussed
to use the lane method because this allowed each investigator to obtain a role in collecting evidence
and also preserving it. This method was chosen compared to the wheel method as it allowed more
than one investigator to collect the evidence as they go and also included the investigators to return
to their original position for a final check. This helped us to identify any missed information or
evidence.
The wheel method was not a good alternative in our investigation because the investigators had to
perform an imaginary circle where each investigator will move outwards in a straight line from the
central point. This was not useful because the victim was placed right in the centre of the crime
scene. This method could have destroyed any physical evidence around and also could have been
time consuming.
The search pattern of the lane method allowed the investigators to draw a rough sketch of the crime
scene before the investigation happened and also writing some notes without destroying the
evidence around. This search pattern also allowed the investigators to observe the evidence around
and mark it for identification.
Biological evidence:
Description (P3)- how to collect, label and package:
During the investigation the biological evidence that we have collected were blood, saliva, and
fingerprint. Because the blood sample was wet, we decided to use the swabbing method.
We used a sterile cotton swab to pick up the blood from the surface, this cotton swab with the
collected evidence was then placed in a plastic tube which then was closed carefully. The plastic
tube was then placed in a plastic bag which then was labelled carefully with the evidence number,
description, location, time and date, crime case number and name/signature of the CSI. The plastic
bag with the sample of biological evidence was then placed securely in a safe space to prevent any
contamination to be sent to the laboratory.
The blood sample was also in dried and shown as patches on the ground, so we ensured that
photographs were taken before the evidence was collected and also any possible stain was
collected.
The sample of saliva was collected also by swabbing method and using a sterile cotton swab. This
cotton swab with the collected evidence was then placed in a plastic tube which then was closed
carefully. The plastic tube was then placed in a plastic bag which then was labelled carefully with the
evidence number, description, location, time and date, crime case number and name/signature of
the CSI. The plastic bag with the sample of biological evidence was then placed securely in a safe
space to prevent any contamination to be sent to the laboratory.
The fingerprint was identified using aluminium powder and then collected using tape. Using a brush,
one of the investigators had to insert the brush into the powder ensuring that a very minimal
amount of the powder is taken. The brush was then used to dust over the object where the
fingerprint was and therefore enhance it. Using a regular piece of tape, the investigator stuck the
P3/M3/D2:
Before starting the investigation, as a group we have discussed about the method that we can
approach depending on the situation of the crime scene and where specifically the crime has
happened in order to protect the evidence around and not cause contamination. We have discussed
to use the lane method because this allowed each investigator to obtain a role in collecting evidence
and also preserving it. This method was chosen compared to the wheel method as it allowed more
than one investigator to collect the evidence as they go and also included the investigators to return
to their original position for a final check. This helped us to identify any missed information or
evidence.
The wheel method was not a good alternative in our investigation because the investigators had to
perform an imaginary circle where each investigator will move outwards in a straight line from the
central point. This was not useful because the victim was placed right in the centre of the crime
scene. This method could have destroyed any physical evidence around and also could have been
time consuming.
The search pattern of the lane method allowed the investigators to draw a rough sketch of the crime
scene before the investigation happened and also writing some notes without destroying the
evidence around. This search pattern also allowed the investigators to observe the evidence around
and mark it for identification.
Biological evidence:
Description (P3)- how to collect, label and package:
During the investigation the biological evidence that we have collected were blood, saliva, and
fingerprint. Because the blood sample was wet, we decided to use the swabbing method.
We used a sterile cotton swab to pick up the blood from the surface, this cotton swab with the
collected evidence was then placed in a plastic tube which then was closed carefully. The plastic
tube was then placed in a plastic bag which then was labelled carefully with the evidence number,
description, location, time and date, crime case number and name/signature of the CSI. The plastic
bag with the sample of biological evidence was then placed securely in a safe space to prevent any
contamination to be sent to the laboratory.
The blood sample was also in dried and shown as patches on the ground, so we ensured that
photographs were taken before the evidence was collected and also any possible stain was
collected.
The sample of saliva was collected also by swabbing method and using a sterile cotton swab. This
cotton swab with the collected evidence was then placed in a plastic tube which then was closed
carefully. The plastic tube was then placed in a plastic bag which then was labelled carefully with the
evidence number, description, location, time and date, crime case number and name/signature of
the CSI. The plastic bag with the sample of biological evidence was then placed securely in a safe
space to prevent any contamination to be sent to the laboratory.
The fingerprint was identified using aluminium powder and then collected using tape. Using a brush,
one of the investigators had to insert the brush into the powder ensuring that a very minimal
amount of the powder is taken. The brush was then used to dust over the object where the
fingerprint was and therefore enhance it. Using a regular piece of tape, the investigator stuck the
