List the seven phases of crime scene processing and describe each phase in your own words

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Secure the crime scene. — This includes physically isolating the crime scene by removing suspects, witnesses, bystanders, etc. It also involves preventing any physical harm or changes to the scene.

Evaluate the crime scene — This is the process that determines the size and scope of the crime scene to be processed. Investigators should always err on the side of making the scene too big as it can always be condensed. Having to enlarge a crime scene at a later date can call the chain of custody into question.

Recognize evidence within the scene — Once the physical outer limits have been set, the first responder will then attempt to identify any potential evidence within that crime scene.

Document the evidence — This phase deals with documenting the existence of potential evidence, in its original state. It should be photographed and/or video taped in its original untouched position.

Collect the evidence — Even before the collection can begin, there are a number of things to be done. If the computer has a floppy drive, the disk inside should be removed and an investigator's blank floppy disk should be inserted in its place. Most computers will try to boot from the floppy drive if there is a disk in it, so including a blank disk could prevent damaging or changing data if someone would inadvertently turn the computer on. After all ports and cable connections have been photographed, documented and labeled, evidence tape should be placed over the ports, power switches, and disk drives.

Transport the evidence — Try to protect the equipment from physical damage by carefully packaging it in anti-static materials. Remember also to keep it away from magnetic fields and radio frequency interference, such as that found by larger radio transmitters.

Secure the evidence — Chain of custody is vital so all seized equipment should be inventoried, recorded, and secured in a locked room or container in a climate controlled environment.