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Crime Scene Investigator Network

Crime Scene Investigator Network Newsletter

NOVEMBER 2013
Welcome to the November 2013 Crime Scene Investigator Network Newsletter


Collection and Preservation of Evidence


George Schiro

Once the crime scene has been thoroughly documented and the locations of the evidence noted, then the collection process can begin. The collection process will usually start with the collection of the most fragile or most easily lost evidence. Special consideration can also be given to any evidence or objects which need to be moved. Collection can then continue along the crime scene trail or in some other logical manner. Photographs should also continue to be taken if the investigator is revealing layers of evidence which were not previously documented because they were hidden from sight.

Most items of evidence will be collected in paper containers such as packets, envelopes, and bags. Liquid items can be transported in non-breakable, leakproof containers. Arson evidence is usually collected in air-tight, clean metal cans. Only large quantities of dry powder should be collected and stored in plastic bags. Moist or wet evidence (blood, plants, etc.) from a crime scene can be collected in plastic containers at the scene and transported back to an evidence receiving area if the storage time in plastic is two hours or less and this is done to prevent contamination of other evidence. Once in a secure location, wet evidence, whether packaged in plastic or paper, must be removed and allowed to completely air dry. That evidence can then be repackaged in a new, dry paper container. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD EVIDENCE CONTAINING MOISTURE BE PACKAGED IN PLASTIC OR PAPER CONTAINERS FOR MORE THAN TWO HOURS. Moisture allows the growth of microorganisms which can destroy or alter evidence.

Any items which may cross contaminate each other must be packaged separately. The containers should be closed and secured to prevent the mixture of evidence during transportation. Each container should have: the collecting person's initials; the date and time it was collected; a complete description of the evidence and where it was found; and the investigating agency's name and their file number.

Each type of evidence has a specific value in an investigation. The value of evidence should be kept in mind by the investigator when doing a crime scene investigation. For example, when investigating a crime he or she should spend more time on collecting good fingerprints than trying to find fibers left by a suspect's clothing. The reason is that fingerprints can positively identify a person as having been at the scene of a crime, whereas fibers could have come from anyone wearing clothes made out of the same material. Of course if obvious or numerous fibers are found at the point of entry, on a victim's body, etc., then they should be collected in case no fingerprints of value are found. It is also wise to collect more evidence at a crime scene than not to collect enough evidence. An investigator usually only has one shot at a crime scene, so the most should be made of it.

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*Article submitted by the author

New CSI and Forensic Job Announcements

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Crime Scene Technician  |  Waterbury Police, CT
Final Filing Date: December 6, 2013
Salary: $23.57 - $31.37 per hour

Evaluates and physically secures crime scenes, using various types of equipment. Identifies, collects and prepares physical evidence for scientific evaluation and comparison. Establishes a permanent record describing the crime scene by writing detailed reports, preparing accurate sketches and diagrams, and by applying professional photographic techniques. Gives expert testimony in criminal court cases, regarding the results of analysis and examination of physical evidence. Maintains forensic field and laboratory supplies for the department.

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Crime Scene Analyst  |  Colorado Department of Public Safety, Lakewood
Final Filing Date: September 27, 2013
$5,593.00 - $8,115.00 per month

This position isolates and secures the crime scene, ensuring access is restricted to prevent contamination. Employs a step-by-step approach to processing the scene, including appropriately photographing and videotaping the scene. Possesses the knowledge of recognition, documentation and recovery of physical evidence. Follows evidence handling, collecting and packaging procedures as detailed in the Crime Scene Operations Manual and the Crime Scene Training Manual. Provides support to the investigation through blood spatter analysis, crime scene reconstruction analysis, ballistic and trajectory analysis and other specialized techniques. May be required to maintain qualification of a bureau issued firearm by successfully completing all mandatory training. Additionally, the CSA must be familiar with the general operation of a variety of weapons used in the crime. Performs measurements of evidence at crime scenes using a variety of manual, electronic and computerized measuring methods and devices. Complies with the technical requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. Obtains International Association Identification (IAI) Certification as a Crime Scene Analyst within one year of hire date. Utilizes the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to write crime scene report in a precise, accurate and timely manner. The CSA may be responsible for assisting in the preparation of affidavits for search warrants as well as the execution of these warrants.

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Computer Scientist  |  US Secret Service, Washington, DC
Final Filing Date: November 29, 2013
Salary: $74,872.00 - $115,742.00 per year
Serving as technical advisor to various investigative programs providing expertise on computer science projects associated with the hardware and software development lifecycle; and assisting and assessing project plans for investigative digital systems. Modifying and adapting cyber investigative tools and technologies to recover, restore, and retrieve data files or other pertinent information from computer hardware and peripheral devices to support criminal investigators. Assisting, monitoring and conducting forensic analysis in support of criminal investigations; testing, implementing, deploying, maintaining, and administering hardware and software for mission related systems; monitoring network and actively remediating unauthorized activities. Collecting digital evidence from computers, flash drives and cellular devices; and processing, analyzing, preserving and presenting the digital evidence.

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Forensic Scientist - Biology  |  Virginia Department of Forensic Science
Final Filing Date: December 1, 2013
Salary: $52,647 - $88,076 per year

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science is seeking qualified applicants to perform forensic examinations at our Northern Laboratory in Manassas. Duties of this grant-funded position include identification of blood and other body fluids, DNA PCR-based STR fluorescence imaging analysis and comparisons of genetic material on criminal evidence using state-of-the-art analytical methodologies, techniques, and instrumentation. Prepares reports of findings for use by the criminal justice system and testifies in court as an expert witness. Communicates with medical and legal officials on testing procedures, results and conclusions. Instructs law enforcement officials on the handling of evidence. Requires some travel.

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Evidence Technician  |  Nebraska State Patrol
Final Filing Date: November 27, 2013
Salary: $11.75 per hour

Under general to limited supervision, verify correctness, determine acceptability of, and record all incoming and outgoing evidence held for judicial/criminal justice action, as received from law enforcement agencies/officials. Record type, quantity, date and time evidence was checked in and name of submitting officer. Maintain physical security of evidence to ensure no person has access to evidence without approval and that fact being documented. Package evidence or property for return to other agencies or proper owners and notify persons of found property or evidence to be released. Package evidence and notify case officer of evidence to be disposed of and/or destroyed. Participate in the destruction of evidence when no longer needed. Testify in court as custodian of evidence regarding "chain of evidence" integrity being maintained. Communicate regularly with officers, county attorneys, judges, and members of the public. Attend training as required. Pick up and deliver documents to the Courthouse daily. Answer telephone and assist office staff with routine support duties. This position is subject to 24/7 call; bi-weekly in-state travel is required.

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Forensic Scientist 2 - Latent Print  |  New Mexico Department of Public Safety, Santa Fe
Final Filing Date: January 31, 2014
Salary: $20.93 - $37.20 per hour

Perform independent analyses of complex physical evidence obtained from criminal investigations, specifically latent prints evidence; Produce formal reports that accurately present the results, conclusions and opinions of scientific analysis; Testify the reported findings in courts of law throughout the State of New Mexico, as an expert witness; Perform QA/QC duties, continued training, and competency and proficiency testing as required, in order to assure quality analysis, evidence integrity and to maintain accreditation standards.

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CSI In The News

Forensic entomologist can play key investigative role
How long does it take for insects to set up camp in a person's body after death?
canada.com - By Cara McKenna - November 4, 2013

New forensic technique for identifying cloth fibers
In the new method, he and his colleagues used a well-known technique called X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) – but with a twist.
Science Codex - October 29, 2013

Traces of DNA exposed by twisted light
Structures that put a spin on light reveal tiny amounts of DNA with 50 times better sensitivity than the best current methods...
phys.org - October 28, 2013

The blood detectives: Scientific breakthrough in reading stains may help solve crimes
A camera that can detect and date blood traces is set to revolutionize the science of crime scene investigation.
The Independent - by Jonathan Brown - October 27, 2013

Preparing for the Digital Future With Forensics Education
The growing threat of cyber attacks and the increased need for mobile security has led to a boom in the cyber security and digital forensic industries.
Huffington Post - by Jonathan Rajewski - October 25, 2013

Read more CSI in the News

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