While working through the first two lessons, you have been given some evidence about the crime scene on Willow Lane. You have also learned about the actions of the first responders and the CSI investigator during the first minutes of being at the crime scene. Certainly you have some ideas about what has happened and what the scene must look like. In this project, you will be participating in some of the CSI investigator's activities using the information supplied.

Question

Assignment Directions
Part 1: Planning a Systematic Investigation of the Willow Lane Crime Scene
Make sure you have watched this physical evidence presentation or located another of the many teachings regarding physical evidence found online.

Reflect on the types of evidence you expect to be found and collected from the Willow Lane crime scene. Make a list of the types of skills the technicians will need to help you process the crime.
Draw a simple diagram of the secured area, including known elements of the crime. Label areas where you want to direct the technician's attention and for what type of evidence. Make sure you indicate the outer boundaries established for the crime scene.
Start a "crime scene logbook," making some notes recording information you currently know about the crime and the crime scene.
Your response must:

List the types of evidence you have already identified or are pretty sure exists. Identify the specific skills that will be needed by the processing technician team.
Include a simple diagram of the crime scene and places to look for evidence.
Include some basic crime scene logbook notes containing names of those present at the scene and the events which have occurred so far.
Submission Requirements
Responses can be in the form of bulleted lists.
Logbook entries may be abbreviated and bulleted.
Question # 1
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Reflect on the types of evidence you expect to be found and collected from the Willow Lane crime scene, and make a list of the types of skills the technicians will need to help you process the crime.
Then, draw a simple diagram of the secured area, including known elements of the crime. Label areas where you want to direct the technician's attention and for what type of evidence. Make sure you indicate the outer boundaries established for the crime scene.
Finally, start a "crime scene logbook," making some notes recording information you currently know about the crime and the crime scene.

Submit your list, diagram, and logbook.

Answer 1

Part 1: Planning a Systematic Investigation of the Willow Lane Crime Scene

Types of Evidence Expected

• Physical Evidence

  • Fingerprints (on surfaces, objects)
  • Shoeprints or tire treads (on the ground or pavement)
  • Hair fibers (on clothing or nearby surfaces)
  • Blood or bodily fluids (in various locations)

• Forensic Evidence

  • Weapons (if any are present)
  • Bullets or shell casings (if gunplay is involved)
  • Trace evidence (such as paint or glass fragments)

• Digital Evidence

  • Surveillance video (from nearby cameras)
  • Mobile devices (if found)

• Scene Documentation

  • Photographs of the crime scene
  • Sketches of the area

Necessary Skills of the Processing Technician Team

• Photography Skills

  • Ability to capture clear, accurate photographs of the crime scene and evidence.

• Forensic Analysis Skills

  • Expertise in collecting and analyzing fingerprints, blood samples, and other biological evidence.

• Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Techniques

  • Skills in preserving and documenting evidence, including sketching and tape measurements.

• Evidence Collection Skills

  • Knowledgeable in the proper handling and storage of evidence to prevent contamination.

• Interviewing Skills

  • Ability to gather information from witnesses or first responders to gain context about the crime.

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Diagram of the Crime Scene

 ___________________________________
|                                   |
|            Crime Scene           |
|                                   |
|   A: Living Room (Possible Blood) |
|                                   |
|   B: Front Door (No signs of forced entry)|
|                                   |
|   C: Rear Window (Broken glass)   |
|                                   |
|   D: Driveway (Tire tracks)       |
|                                   |
|   E: Neighbor's House (Possible witness)|
|___________________________________|

• A: Direct attention for physical evidence (blood).
• B: Check for fingerprints and shoeprints.
• C: Collect glass shards for trace evidence.
• D: Examine tire tracks for vehicle identification.
• E: Interview potential witnesses.

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Crime Scene Logbook

Logbook Entry: Willow Lane Crime Scene

• Date & Time: [Insert Date/Time]

• Location: Willow Lane

• Present:

  • Lead Investigator: [Name]
  • Forensic Technicians: [Names]
  • First Responders: [Names]

• Events Recorded:

  • Arrival at the scene at [Insert Time].
  • Initial assessment shown blood in the living room (Location A).
  • Rear window found broken (Location C), possible point of entry/exit.
  • Tire tracks observed on driveway (Location D).
  • Neighbor contacted regarding security footage (Location E).

• Initial Observations:

  • No signs of forced entry at the front door.
  • Evidence of struggle in the living room; need to secure area for further investigation.

Feel free to modify the names, dates, and other specifics in the logbook with actual information as it becomes available.