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, investigators have several critical duties to ensure the proper handling of
physical evidence and maintain its integrity for use in court. These duties include:
1. Securing the Crime Scene: The first priority is to secure the area to prevent
contamination or loss of evidence. This includes establishing a perimeter, restricting
access, and ensuring only authorised personnel enter.
2. Providing Emergency Assistance: If victims are injured, the investigator must ensure
they receive medical attention, without compromising potential evidence unless
absolutely necessary.
3. Preserving Evidence: Investigators must take steps to preserve physical evidence in its
original condition. This includes protecting fragile evidence from the elements or
tampering.
4. Documenting the Scene: A detailed documentation process follows, which includes
photographing, sketching, and taking notes on the condition and location of evidence, the
layout of the scene, and any observable signs of what occurred.
5. Searching for Evidence: A systematic search of the scene is conducted using appropriate
search patterns (e.g., grid, spiral) to locate all potential evidence such as fingerprints,
bloodstains, weapons, or other physical traces.
6. Collecting and Packaging Evidence: Each item of evidence is carefully collected,
labelled, and packaged using methods that prevent contamination or degradation. Proper
chain-of-custody procedures must be followed.
7. Interviewing Witnesses: Investigators may also begin identifying and interviewing
witnesses at the scene to gather initial information about the incident.
, 8. Maintaining the Chain of Custody: Every piece of evidence must be tracked from the
scene to the courtroom. Investigators must log who collected it, when, and how it was
handled throughout the investigation.
Each of these duties plays a crucial role in ensuring that the physical evidence remains credible
and admissible 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]
Crime scenes can be classified into various types based on the nature of the crime and the
location where it occurred. Here are four common types of crime scenes:
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, investigators have several critical duties to ensure the proper handling of
physical evidence and maintain its integrity for use in court. These duties include:
1. Securing the Crime Scene: The first priority is to secure the area to prevent
contamination or loss of evidence. This includes establishing a perimeter, restricting
access, and ensuring only authorised personnel enter.
2. Providing Emergency Assistance: If victims are injured, the investigator must ensure
they receive medical attention, without compromising potential evidence unless
absolutely necessary.
3. Preserving Evidence: Investigators must take steps to preserve physical evidence in its
original condition. This includes protecting fragile evidence from the elements or
tampering.
4. Documenting the Scene: A detailed documentation process follows, which includes
photographing, sketching, and taking notes on the condition and location of evidence, the
layout of the scene, and any observable signs of what occurred.
5. Searching for Evidence: A systematic search of the scene is conducted using appropriate
search patterns (e.g., grid, spiral) to locate all potential evidence such as fingerprints,
bloodstains, weapons, or other physical traces.
6. Collecting and Packaging Evidence: Each item of evidence is carefully collected,
labelled, and packaged using methods that prevent contamination or degradation. Proper
chain-of-custody procedures must be followed.
7. Interviewing Witnesses: Investigators may also begin identifying and interviewing
witnesses at the scene to gather initial information about the incident.
, 8. Maintaining the Chain of Custody: Every piece of evidence must be tracked from the
scene to the courtroom. Investigators must log who collected it, when, and how it was
handled throughout the investigation.
Each of these duties plays a crucial role in ensuring that the physical evidence remains credible
and admissible 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]
Crime scenes can be classified into various types based on the nature of the crime and the
location where it occurred. Here are four common types of crime scenes:
