Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation BYOCS (Bring Your Own Crime Scene) Guidelines
Learning Objective: To further understand the details of crime scene investigation and how the pieces of a case fit together by creating these elements for your very own crime scene. Project Details: Each student will create a crime scene based on the types described in the text and discussed in class. The project consists of four deliverables (“parts”):
Part 1: Case Information (Module 3) To begin, you should identify the major parts of the investigation. Consider this the “5 Ws” of the investigation:
1. Who: Victim(s) and subject(s) 2. What: Type of crime it appears to be based on the initial review or discussion with first officer,
as well as the investigation/collection of evidence performed at the scene 3. Where: Location(s) of the crime 4. When: Approximate time the scene was discovered, time you arrived, time officers arrived,
time you completed investigation, time you completed your report 5. Why: It is not often the duty of the crime scene technician/investigator to determine why the
subject/perpetrator committed the crime; the CST/CSI collects and gathers the evidence so that the detectives can make the determination as to why it occurred.
For Part 1: Case Information, you will submit a brief police report detailing the elements of the crime. You have the option of filling out a report template, or reporting the information in APA-style paragraph format. Sample Case Information docs (report template and paragraph-style information sheet) are available in Doc Sharing. Part 2: Case References (Module 4) In Module 3, you provided case information for your BYOCS scene. You are now responsible for identifying references to bolster your discussion of the case, as well as any information that would support the evidence found at your scene. For example, if you find shoe impressions, the Hilderbrand article assigned in Module 3 will be useful. You will be responsible for locating at least four (4) reliable and scholarly references to support the information found in your BYOCS scene. Examples include your textbook, the readings assigned for this course, and scholarly journal articles (such as those in the Journal of Forensic Sciences, Journal of Forensic Identification, and Criminology) available in the Saint Leo Library. If you are having trouble finding scholarly references, contact a librarian to assist you (see the Policies and Information link under Course Home for more information). In addition, you can access reliable websites, such as the FBI (FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin) and other governmental websites. Finally, you will provide a one- to two-paragraph “summary” of each reference and explain how it relates to your case information. This is known in some academic circles as an “annotated” reference page. You will follow APA-style formatting for this part of the project. A sample Case References doc is available in Doc Sharing. Part 3: Case Report (Module 6) Once you have determined the initial information in Parts 1 and 2, you will compile it into a report detailing the elements of the crime, to include victim(s), suspect(s), location(s), weapon(s), evidence collected, items to be processed, as well as any other information you believe would be important to the detectives investigating the case. A sample Case Report is available in Doc Sharing. You will submit your Case Report to the Dropbox in Module 6, and attach it along with your Part 4: Case Presentation to the Discussion Board in Module 8.
Part 4: Case Presentation (Modules 7 and 8) Finally, you will create a PowerPoint presentation consisting of 10-15 photographs of your scene, each accompanied by a brief caption underneath as a “talking point” for the investigation. Remember to choose images that will convey details about the “case.” A sample student presentation is the focus of the Module 7 Audio-Visual Presentation (AVP). Be sure to view the AVP prior to submitting your Case Presentation. Make sure to review the investigation checklist below as your classmates will ask you questions about your investigation as part of the Module 8 Discussion activity. While you are not responsible for all aspects of the checklist (as some may be physically impossible for you to create for this course), it is a good guideline of the types of issues faced when conducting a crime scene investigation. Use it simply as a tool to help you develop the parts of your crime scene. You will submit BYOCS Part 4: Case Presentation to the Dropbox by the conclusion of Module 7. Additionally, you will post your Case Presentation and Case Report (Part 3) to the Discussion Board in Module 8 by the conclusion of Module 7. By Thursday of Module 8, review at least two classmates’ projects and post the following utilizing the grading rubric at the end of this document (see below).
1. General feedback and constructive comments (following proper discussion board etiquette) 2. At least one recommendation to enhance the student’s presentation 3. At least two questions that you would ask about the investigation if you were a fellow CSI/CST
reviewing the case Important: If a student has already received two responses, please select another until all students have received feedback. Respond to at least two of the classmates who left feedback by Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT. In your response, be sure to answer the CSI/CST questions (#3 above) from the initial posts.
Be creative! If you enjoy working on this project, it will show through to your classmates.
Tools Needed: Camera (digital or manual) Ruler for evidence photographs Props to create crime scene (weapons, victims, etc)
Investigation Checklist Before working the scene, determine:
How the search should be conducted What needs to be photographed Where are the possible sources of clues for evidence collection