Crime Scene to Courtroom

1. Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity at Murdoch University

Murdoch University is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all staff and students, emphasizing a culture of belonging.

• The university actively supports and celebrates individuals who are sex, sexuality, and/or gender diverse, including those identifying as LGBTIQA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex, Queer, or Asexual).
• Discrimination and intolerance such as homophobia, transphobia, racism, and ableism are explicitly not tolerated within the university community.
• The Pride @ Murdoch initiative focuses on addressing systemic and cultural barriers to ensure that everyone can be their whole self in both study and work environments.

> Key point: Murdoch University fosters an inclusive culture that supports diversity and prohibits discrimination to ensure safety and belonging for all community members.

1. Crime Scene Life Cycle and Initial Response

The crime scene life cycle encompasses the sequential stages from the initial discovery of a crime scene to the final presentation of evidence in court. Each phase requires meticulous attention to preserve the integrity of evidence and ensure a successful prosecution.

a) Key Phases of the Crime Scene Life Cycle

b) Initial Response: Critical Actions

1. Safety First: Ensure the safety of all individuals at the scene, including victims, witnesses, responders, and bystanders.
2. Secure the Scene: Establish a perimeter using physical barriers (tape, cones) to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Preserve Evidence: Avoid disturbing the scene; do not move or alter items unless necessary for safety.
4. Provide Medical Aid: Attend to injured persons without compromising evidence.
5. Document Initial Observations: Record conditions, environmental factors, and any immediate evidence visible.
6. Identify and Separate Witnesses: Prevent collusion and preserve independent accounts.
7. Notify Specialists: Request forensic experts or additional resources as needed.

c) Principles to Uphold During Initial Response

• Minimize Contamination: Use gloves, avoid unnecessary contact, and control scene access.
• Chain of Custody: Begin documentation of who handles evidence from the moment of collection.
• Thoroughness: Even small or seemingly insignificant evidence can be crucial.
• Communication: Clear coordination among responders ensures efficient scene management.

> The integrity of the crime scene is paramount; initial response actions set the foundation for all subsequent forensic work and legal outcomes.

1. Scene Assessment and Walkthrough

Life Cycle of a Crime Scene
The crime scene investigation follows a structured sequence:

2. Key Concepts in Scene Assessment

• Preliminary Walkthrough: A critical step where the forensic team surveys the scene to understand the layout, identify potential evidence, and plan the collection strategy without disturbing the scene.

• Triage Process: Involves prioritizing evidence to ensure the most fragile or perishable items are collected first, optimizing resource allocation and preserving integrity.

3. Practical Considerations

• Investigators may encounter sensitive or graphic content (e.g., death, sexual assault). It is important to acknowledge the emotional impact and take breaks if necessary without judgment.

• Proper personal protective equipment (e.g., forensic coveralls) and tools (e.g., clipboard, 32GB SD card for digital evidence) are essential for effective scene processing.

> The preliminary walkthrough is essential to plan evidence collection without compromising the crime scene integrity.

1. Recording and Documentation of Crime Scenes

Key stages in crime scene management:

2. Briefing: Example Case Summary

• Date & Incident: Julie DEAN reported missing on Sunday 17th March.
• Initial Concern: Parents worried after Julie missed a family meal and husband Robert DEAN was unreachable.
• Robert DEAN’s Statement: Claims last saw Julie around 22:00; they had a good relationship.
• Additional Info: Friend Cathy McMANN reports Julie was unhappy and had recent arguments with Robert.
• Current Status: Robert DEAN is missing; investigation ongoing.

At briefing, forensic and investigative teams consolidate all known facts to guide the investigation.

3. Walkthrough Assessment

• Purpose: To assess the scene without altering or damaging evidence.
• Personnel: Only essential team members allowed to minimize contamination.
• Focus: Identify potential evidence, hazards, and plan evidence collection.

Effective crime scene documentation requires a structured process from initial briefing through controlled evidence collection to final case file management.

1. Priority Evidence

• Priority evidence is characterized by:
  • Likely to be lost if not collected immediately.
  • High value to the investigation.
  • Assists in expediting body removal or further scene processing.
• Preliminary observations during initial walkthrough should note:
  • Scene appearance.
  • Safety considerations.
  • Immediate forensic opportunities.

2. Recording of the Crime Scene

• Essential to create a permanent, contemporaneous record of the scene as first found.
• Methods include:
  • Videography and digital photography:
    • Overall scene photos.
    • Close-ups of items of interest/exhibits.
  • Sketching/mapping of the scene.
  • 3D scans for detailed spatial data.
  • Detailed notes on:
    • Doors/windows (open/locked).
    • Lights (on/off).
    • Smells.
    • Items removed or introduced.

3. Collection of Evidence

• Follow a strict process to maintain evidence integrity:
  1. Record evidence location and condition.
  2. Photograph, note, and log evidence in the exhibit log.
  3. Perform tests if necessary (e.g., blood, semen detection, fingerprinting, DNA sampling).
  4. Collect evidence carefully to minimize loss.
  5. Package, seal, and label each item properly.
  6. Secure evidence with a documented Chain of Custody (CoC).

4. Prioritising and Triage of Samples

• Prioritize evidence based on:
  • Risk of loss or contamination.
  • Relevance and probative value.
• Triage samples to ensure efficient processing and resource allocation.

5. Closing the Scene

• Ensure all evidence is collected, documented, and secured.
• Final walkthrough to confirm nothing is missed.
• Scene is officially closed for further investigation or release.

Key point: The integrity and documentation of evidence from collection to courtroom is critical to ensure admissibility and reliability in legal proceedings.