You've now read about the first moments of a crime scene. You know that taking care of the injured is important and a primary task of the first responders. You've also learned that protecting the evidence is a big responsibility for all first responders, officers, investigators, and the forensic team.
In this assignment you'll get a chance to find evidence, identify the steps necessary to secure a crime scene, and organize the evidence to help a crime investigator solve a crime.
The Crime Scenario
The backdoor alarm went off at the residence of 979 West Valley Road at 11:27 pm. Alarm company tried to reach the customer at 11:28 pm with no response, so at 11:29 pm the police were notified and dispatched to the residence. The police arrived at 11:36 pm and both officers got out of the car to inspect the home. As they were walking toward the front door, they heard a cry for help. Both officers drew their guns and proceeded to walk around the home toward the back door. Once at the back door, which was ajar, officers entered announcing themselves loudly. They did see a hammer lying on the kitchen floor. As they continued through the room again calling out that they were the police, the only answering sound was from a woman calling for help. The officers went through the kitchen and entered the living room noticing the woman on the floor. As one officer, Dan Forte went to the woman, the other officer Max Crenn called for back-up and an ambulance. Officer Crenn then proceeded down the hallway toward the bedroom to examine it, and then toward an office which was completely in disarray. He noticed that the office window was open. Officer Crenn then continued to look into another bedroom, its closets, and the two bathrooms in order to secure the one story home. In the meantime, Officer Forte was busy assessing the woman’s condition. She was coherent enough to give the officer her name and to explain what had happened. The victim, Mrs. Karen Marta, explained to Officer Forte that she went to bed around 10:00 pm and was asleep until she was awakened by a noise coming from her office which was located next to her bedroom. She did glance at the clock which read 11:20 pm and got out of bed calling out “who is there” . She began walking in the hallway toward the office and was then hit in the head. She believes she blacked out for about five minutes. When she came to, she heard the perpetrator in the kitchen and eventually going out the backdoor which tripped the alarm. Unfortunately, she caught no glimpse of them. She heard the phone ring, which she knew was the alarm company but was too weak to move. She had no idea of the time or how long the perpetrator was in her home.
The ambulance arrived at 11:41 pm, and EMT Margo Limon and John Wyman entered the home to attend to Mrs. Marta. Two other officers arrived with the ambulance as did Investigator Carlos Gomez, and they began to secure the crime scene.
Mrs. Marta was transported by ambulance to the local hospital to get stitches for her head wound and to have an MRI to determine the extent of her injuries.
The forensic team arrived at 12:00 am and began taking pictures and bagging evidence.
Assignment Directions
Read through the crime scenario carefully, taking notes on the timeline of the crime.
Use the crime scenario to create presentation to organize the evidence to help Investigator Gomez solve the crime.
Assignment Guidelines
Use the following format to create the presentation:
Slide one: Title slide must indicate the purpose of the slide presentation, indicate the nature of the crime, and the location.
Slide two: Construct a timeline of the crime as given by the scenario.
Slide three: Explain three actions taken by the officers to secure the crime scene area.
Slide four: Describe the actions of the EMT’s and give at least one example of the techniques they should use to avoid contaminating the crime scene.
Slides five through nine: Five pieces of physical evidence should be obtained from the forensic team. Each slide should only contain one piece of physical evidence with is description, classification, and the location where it was found. Classification of the physical evidence should identify if it is trace, transient, conditional, indirect, circumstantial, individual, or class.
Slide ten and eleven: Interview with Mrs. Marta; Generate three questions that Investigator Gomez would ask Mrs. Marta about the crime. Use your imagination for her answers, but make sure the answers are logical.
Slide twelve and thirteen: Summarize all the five pieces of evidence, pertinent information the report from the EMT's, and the interview of Mrs. Marta. Identify two more actions that Investigator Gomez needs to take to help solve the crime.
Submission Requirements
For all assignments, remember to edit:
proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation,
use complete sentence structure and standard written English, no texting abbreviations or other shortcuts, and
ensure summary paragraphs have a minimum of six sentences.
Submit your presentation according to the format below :
Slide one: Title slide must indicate the purpose of the slide presentation, indicate the nature of the crime, and the location.
Slide two: Construct a timeline of the crime as given by the scenario.
Slide three: Explain three actions taken by the officers to secure the crime scene area.
Slide four: Describe the actions of the EMT’s and give at least one example of the techniques they should use to avoid contaminating the crime scene.
Slides five through nine: Five pieces of physical evidence should be obtained from the forensic team. Each slide should only contain one piece of physical evidence with is description, classification, and the location where it was found. Classification of the physical evidence should identify if it is trace, transient, conditional, indirect, circumstantial, individual, or class.
Slide ten and eleven: Interview with Mrs. Marta; Generate three questions that Investigator Gomez would ask Mrs. Marta about the crime. Use your imagination for her answers, but make sure the answers are logical.
Slide twelve and thirteen: Summarize all the five pieces of evidence, pertinent information the report from the EMT's, and the interview of Mrs. Marta. Identify two more actions that Investigator Gomez needs to take to help solve the crime.
For all assignments, remember to edit for:
proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation
use complete sentence structure and standard written English, no texting abbreviations or other shortcuts
ensure summary paragraphs have a minimum of six sentences
1 answer
Here’s a structured outline for your presentation on the crime scenario given, with guidance on the content for each slide:
Slide 1: Title Slide
Title: Protecting the Crime Scene and Evidence: The Burglary at 979 West Valley Road
Purpose: This presentation aims to present a comprehensive overview of the crime scene, actions taken by responders, evidence collected, and interviews conducted to assist in solving the crime.
Nature of Crime: Burglary and Assault
Location: 979 West Valley Road
Slide 2: Timeline of the Crime
| Time | Action |
|--------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 11:27 PM | Backdoor alarm goes off at 979 West Valley Road. |
| 11:28 PM | Alarm company tries to contact the homeowner but receives no response. |
| 11:29 PM | Police are notified and dispatched to the residence. |
| 11:36 PM | Police arrive at the scene and hear a cry for help. |
| 11:37 PM | Officers draw guns and enter through the backdoor, announcing their presence. |
| 11:41 PM | EMT arrives to assist the victim, Mrs. Karen Marta, while police secure the crime scene. |
| 12:00 AM | The forensic team starts taking pictures and bagging evidence. |
Slide 3: Actions Taken by the Officers
Announced their presence: Upon entering the home, officers loudly declared that they were the police, which helps clear any misunderstanding and reassures the victim.
Securing the Scene: Officer Max Crenn systematically checked the entire house to ensure it was safe and that no suspects were hiding inside, which is critical for the safety of all present.
Calling for Backup: Officer Crenn called for additional officers and an ambulance as soon as he assessed the situation, ensuring that medical help and extra support were on the way.
Slide 4: Actions of the EMT’s
EMT Margo Limon and John Wyman entered the home to provide medical attention to Mrs. Marta.
Techniques to Avoid Contamination:
Wearing Gloves: EMTs should wear gloves at all times while in the crime scene to prevent transfer of any bodily fluids or contaminants on to evidence.
Slide 5: Evidence Slide
Evidence 1: The Hammer
Description: A hammer with a wooden handle and metallic head found on the kitchen floor.
Classification: Conditional evidence (as it may have been used as the weapon in the assault).
Location Found: Kitchen, near the back door.
Slide 6: Evidence Slide
Evidence 2: Victim’s Clothing
Description: A white nightgown with blood stains on the area of the head.
Classification: Individual evidence (unique to the victim's injuries).
Location Found: On Mrs. Marta’s body when examined by EMTs.
Slide 7: Evidence Slide
Evidence 3: Window
Description: The office window was found open, suggesting forced entry could have occurred through this point.
Classification: Transient evidence (as it may change by weather or if someone exits through it).
Location Found: Office area.
Slide 8: Evidence Slide
Evidence 4: Footprint
Description: A distinct wet footprint near the back door leading outside.
Classification: Individual evidence (it can be linked to a specific shoe).
Location Found: Backdoor entrance area.
Slide 9: Evidence Slide
Evidence 5: Alarm System Printouts
Description: Printouts from the alarm system showing time of activation and any movements detected.
Classification: Circumstantial evidence (can indicate the presence of intruder).
Location Found: Alarm system's monitoring device.
Slide 10: Interview Questions with Mrs. Marta
Question: Can you describe the noise that woke you up?
Answer: It sounded like something heavy being moved around, maybe furniture or a drawer opening.
Question: Do you remember anything about the person who attacked you?
Answer: I didn't see anyone—everything happened so fast. I just remember feeling a blow to my head.
Question: Were there any doors or windows closed before you went to sleep?
Answer: Yes, I remember locking the backdoor and making sure all the windows were closed except for the office window, as it gets too stuffy sometimes.
Slide 11: Interview Questions with Mrs. Marta (Continued)
Question: What time do you think it was when you were attacked?
Answer: I looked at the clock before I got out of bed, and it said 11:20 PM.
Question: Did you notice anything unusual before falling asleep?
Answer: No, everything seemed normal. I didn’t hear anything strange outside.
Question: Did you hear any voices or see anyone after you regained consciousness?
Answer: Unfortunately, no. I was still dazed and just focused on getting help.
Slide 12: Summary of Evidence and EMT Report
Evidence Summary:
Hammer found in the kitchen.
Bloodied nightgown worn by Mrs. Marta.
Open window in the office suggesting forced entry.
Footprint near the back door.
Alarm system printouts aiding understanding of the timing.
EMT Report Summary:
Mrs. Marta suffered a head injury that necessitated stitches and monitoring at the hospital.
Next Steps for Investigator Gomez:
Interview neighbors to gather information about any suspicious individuals or activities around the time of the crime.
Review security camera footage from nearby homes or businesses to attempt to identify the perpetrator.
Slide 13: Final Thoughts and Conclusion
The evidence collected is crucial in piecing together the events leading to and during the crime. By ensuring thorough interviews and extending the investigation beyond the immediate scene, Investigator Gomez can gather additional information that may reveal the identity of the perpetrator. Collaboration with neighbors and digital evidence can greatly aid the investigation.
1 answer