Crime Scene Evidence - Convictions Are Rare Without Physical Evidence From the Scene

Sensational homicides have populated the National news of late, and crime scene evidence seems to play a key part in many courtroom decisions. Numerous TV "Cop Shows" draw bigger and bigger audiences as the viewing public develops an insatiable appetite for the' blood and guts" of crime scene investigation.

Crime scene investigation (CSI) includes some basic methods that include forensic applications, photography, chemistry, physics, mathematics and just plain common sense. "How to Become a CSI" is a fast-growing industry among institutes of higher learning offering on-line diplomas and degrees in the discipline.

One fact is certain: No two crime scenes are very much alike.

Crime scene investigation must follow an orderly protocol-otherwise physical evidence may be misunderstood, mishandled, or missed altogether. The basics steps taught to crime scene investigators by many educational sources include, but are not limited to the following steps:

1. Protect Life and Property. The first responding officer(s) must take the steps necessary to protect life and property. First aid is rendered to the injured and aid in the form of emergency medical teams, crash-rescue units, fire departments and backup officers are summoned.

2. Secure the Scene. Officers must take steps to prevent damage to, or disruption (contamination) of the scene. Many experts in this field state that more harm is inflicted on crime scenes by the presence of law enforcement officers than from any other source. The first officers on the scene must make a quick determination of what constitutes the boundaries of the scene, and will then take steps to protect this area. This is where the inevitable "Yellow Crime Scene Tape" is introduced into the crime scene. Sentries must be placed at all possible points of entry and access will be denied to all not having a legitimate reason for entering the area.

3. Brief the Investigators. Except in very small law enforcement agencies-where the first responders may also wear the hats of crime scene investigators, the first responders will brief those on hand who will assume control of the scene and perform evidence search and collection. This briefing includes any observations made by initial officers and will relay statements made by by-standers, witnesses and victims.

4. Conduct a Walk-Thru. The walk-thru is a time spent making visual observations throughout the scene. Physical evidence can be in plain sight (weapons, spent-shell casings, blood, impression evidence (hand and footprints), etc. The investigator will make notes as potential crime scene evidence is revealed. The walk-thru skirts the perimeter of the areas where obvious physical evidence resides. All the while, the investigator is conscious of the fact that a great deal of evidence may be present that is not in plain view or is invisible in nature. Thus he must avoid walking through areas that may harbor footprints in dust, weak or invisible bloodstains or blood spatter and latent fingerprints.

5. Recording the Scene. Recording the scene most often begins with CSIs preparing a rough sketch of the area. Locations of furniture and other building contents are included as well as apparent items potentially useful as crime scene evidence. Outdoor scenes present different challenges so nearby vegetation, trees and similar fixed and moveable objects are sketched. Next comes photography. Overall, wide-angle photos record the scene prior to any efforts to locate physical evidence. Medium distance photos follow that show relative positions of evidential items with regard to each other, and then close-ups record specific items. Many agencies also use video to supplement still photographs. As far as human nature is involved, a jury's rapt attention is often stronger when videos are used to depict the scene. Video provides a sense of actually being at the scene for jurors.

6. Processing the Scene for Physical Evidence. This is the nitty-gritty phase of the investigation. Often, specialists skilled in locating and recovering dust impressions are joined by latent fingerprint technicians who will ply their expertise. In violent crime scenes, a blood spatter analyst will go to work.

7. Collecting the Physical Evidence. It is one thing to locate potential evidence, and it is another to gain the usefulness this evidence may possess. Collecting techniques may include an electrostatic dust print lifting system, superglue fuming of various items in order to reveal invisible latent fingerprints, and there is also a mix of physics and geometry when analyzing and recording blood spatter.

8. Packaging and Transporting Collected Evidence. Much of the evidence collected at a crime scene is very fragile in nature. This evidence may be damaged by handling and the packaging method, and it may deteriorate or "spoil" due to improper storage. Physiological fluids, and their potential for providing DNA profiles, are especially fragile and easily susceptible to damage or deterioration.

While some TV shows run through all of the above steps in just 45 minutes or so, it is apparent that investigating a crime scene can take many hours or even several days from start to finish.

The National Institute of Justice has performed in-depth research into the "CSI Effect." This is based on the premise that juries are being conditioned to expect to see the very same techniques used by TV actors to be employed by the real-life cadre of CSIs. What the general public expects to see are scientific principles and equipment resulting in "Slam-Dunk" prosecutions, while failing to comprehend that many of the techniques depicted on TV require extensive, virtually unlimited budgets to accomplish. See The NIJ video.

Most law enforcement CSIs are adapting to the budget crunch, and they are still able to bring the guilty to justice through their dedication and perseverance-despite the lack of sufficient funding.

Many law enforcement agencies have been forced to limit training and are coming to recognize that a great deal of specific crime scene training is available to them at no cost. The CSI Tech Blog offers specific training in Crime Scene Evidence disciplines, and it is a trusted source for learning the many techniques and procedures needed by today's crime scene teams. Visit CSI Tech Blog

Expert Author Don Penven is a freelance writer and professional photographer based in Raleigh and Morehead City, NC,

Focus on Physical Computer Crime - Not Just Cyber Crime

It isn't just computers but the integral components that thieves will focus upon. Computer crime is on of the UK's fastest growing crimes, according to the Association of British Insurers; in 1995 a third of all commercial claims were computer crime related. It isn't just the loss of a computer or related equipment that represents the biggest loss; it is the costs of business interruption and important or sensitive data loss.

There is a simple solution; prevent thieves from having access!

When budgeting for IT security we need to ensure the expenditure is appropriate to the value of the IT assets at risk, not just the replacement value but also other losses incurred.

A simple risk analysis can be deployed by calculating the harm to your business as a result of theft or damage to such assets. Create a 'what if' scenario and ensure you calculate every aspect from loss of business, interruption to services and compensation to clients including farming out work or bringing in other contractors for damage limitation.

Then take this figure and consider the real likelihood of it happening; taking on board prevailing threats and current climate.

This information shouldn't be taken lightly and should be used to build an IT Security Policy Document. So in the event of such an incident, there is a chain of command from top managers down the ranks, a contact list of 24 hour telephone numbers and individual responsibilities so that there is no room for 'I thought he was doing that!' Each individual on the IT Security Policy Team should have his or her own copy and a signed as read and understood copy filed.

There should be a list of suppliers and back up systems including all identification markings and asset control numbers. This can only be achieved through formal training.

This could be a good time to call in your local CPO (Crime Prevention Officer).

Commercial premises that maintain large numbers of computers clearly face a disproportionate risk from crime. If IT equipment is spread out or scattered throughout the premises, it is more difficult to establish a secure perimeter, than if the 'IT' area was concentrated in secure pockets.

Let's take a look at the physical security of the actual building.

No matter how good the locks are on Entry/Exit Doors, if the door and frame cannot withstand a violent attack, your premises are vulnerable.

Often Health & Safety and security don't mix, for example; Regulations state that when the building is occupied, fire exit doors must be able to be opened quickly in the direction of escape without the use of keys. A perfect escape rout for thieves too!

· Fire exit doors must not be overlooked. Regulations state that when the building is occupied, these doors must be able to be opened quickly in the direction of escape without the use of keys. Look at alarming these doors so they comply with regulations but notify the appropriate individuals that access has been made. Perhaps CCTV cameras could be fitted too. When the premises are empty, however, these doors can be secured like any other.

· If you occupy offices of multiple tenancies then the landlord and appropriate tenants should address the security of communal doors No one benefits if this area is deemed the responsibility of the other.

· Look out windows, check either side for potential access points, and look for flat roofs. Internal grilles should be considered for all accessible windows, don't overlook skylights.

· If there is no reason for goods lifts to be used after working hours they should be disabled at the end of the day. Perhaps taking them to the top and switching them off.

· Talk to your Crime Prevention Officer about installing an intruder alarm system linked to a central monitoring station. This should be fitted in accordance with Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) policy and Association of British Insurers (ABI) guidelines.

· Be mindful that nominated key holders must be able to get to the building within 20 minutes of being notified of alarm activation. This allows police to check the premise if a forced entry is not apparent. Consider using a reputable key-holding company if you cannot meet this requirement.

· Keep the number of people able to arm and disarm the alarm system to an absolute minimum and make sure that they are issued with individual 'pin' numbers that can be monitored and their activity is logged. This will facilitate better management of the system and minimise in-house mischief or activity from disgruntled ex-employees.

· If employees work during periods of reduced occupation, for example, overnight or weekends then personal attack buttons will need to be incorporated into the alarm system. In these circumstances, staff should never work alone always insure there is more than one person on the premises in order that someone can raise an alarm.

· Consider revising name signs that might advertise the presence of computers and never leave computer related boxes in public view. Empty or otherwise, these cartons inform all passers-by that you have new IT equipment on the premises..

Thieves rarely rely on guesswork when selecting a commercial building to break into. This isn't about 'walk-in' crime. Companies have had new computers stolen the very same day as they have been delivered, it not not pure coincidence or extreme bad luck! It is obvious that intelligence is gained before the event inside information or poor security measures. It cannot be over-stressed how important it is to control access during office hours as well as when closed.

If possible, restrict access to the building to one entrance/exit, with all other access points being controlled.

Is your front of house staff, whether it be security or receptionist, fully aware of staff that have left - voluntary or otherwise? All personnel should be identifiable. This begins at the reception point where a visitor should be registered and supervised by an authorised member of staff. It extends to the active vigilance of employees - fully aware of the defined procedure for challenging strangers.

If visitors sign in or are issued with security tags, does anyone check to see that they actually leave the premises? Is anyone tasked with an end of the day procedure for checking the building to ensure that no one is hiding in it?

We mentioned at the beginning about creating a perimeter for access control. If that perimeter is breached, look at the measures below will help to reduce your losses.

· House your IT equipment carefully, away from the perimeter and behind obstacles that slow and frustrate the intruder, in locked rooms for example.

· Mark property with your full postcode in a permanent and prominent way. Heat branding or chemical etching can do this.

· Anchor equipment to solid furniture and building fixtures with an enclosure unit designed to resist dismantling. Choose a product that has been certified to Loss Prevention Standard 1214.

· If an enclosure unit is not in use, special security screws are available that replace the standard back cover screws and help, to some extent, to prevent quick entry to the computer's interior.

· Safes and security cabinets can be obtained which allow the computers to be used during the day and locked away at night.

· Smoke generating devices, activated by the intruder alarm system, work to create conditions where intruder penetration is severely hampered.

· Computer alarms that detect tampering can be fitted to units. These are suitable for buildings either during office hours or when an on-site response can be generated at night.

· Lap-top computers need to be locked away when they are not being used. Security instructions should be issued to personnel for care of equipment when used away from the office.

· Key security - keys to security devices should be kept in the custody of authorised personnel only and either removed from the premises when they are left unattended or put in a locked safe.

· Asset control - make sure that an up-to-date inventory is in existence so that full details of any equipment that is stolen can be given to the police and insurance companies.

Digby Farquart is a leading UK security consultant and crime prevention advisor. He writes articles for top sites such as Computer Crime Prevention and UK Crime Prevention.

Is Physical Violence Considered White Collar Crime?

Oftentimes, people equate crimes with physical violence. Wherever a blood is shed, a crime must have been committed. This is the reason why most people are more shocked when people belonging to the high society and are holding respectable positions in companies are tagged as criminals. What makes it more unbelievable is the fact that the crimes they have committed were so cunningly done that most people did not notice it until it was too late.

Such cases are what is known as white collar crimes. Consequently, the people involved are called white collar criminals.

White collar crimes is the term given by Edwin Sutherland in order to describe those kinds of crimes committed by a person respected by everyone and of high social status during the course of his work. This oftentimes overlaps with corporate crimes and includes, but not limited to, fraud, bribery, embezzlement, internet crimes, identity theft, and forgery.

As opposed to white collar crimes, blue collar crimes are those that are committed by people who belong to the lower social class. Murder, arson, burglary, theft, assault, rape, and vandalism as well as physical violence are considered to be blue collar crimes. In contrast with white collar crimes, blue collar crimes tend to be reported immediately.

One white collar criminal who has achieved both fame and notoriety is Michael Sabo. He is currently working as a security fraud consultant and speaker, a position which he was able to secure because of his track record as a great impostor as well as a world-class stocks and bonds forger. During his crime spree, he was able to get his hands on about 5 million US dollars.

Currently, of all the white collar crimes, it is mortgage fraud that has proven to be prevalent. This was basically brought about by the financial meltdown that has impacted the real estate industry. Several laws have been enacted in order to put a rest to this kind of crime, one of which is the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009 (FERA). The said federal law was enacted in May 2009 and provided for, among others, additional funds to numerous government agencies. FERA has also increased the length of jail time for convicted mortgage fraud criminals to about 30 years with fines of up to a million dollars. It has also change the statute of limitations for mortgage fraud to five to ten years. Aside from FERA, each state also has its own set of penalties and fines for people charged with mortgage fraud.

Other penalties for mortgage fraud as well as other white collar crimes include asset forfeiture, restitution or repayment, and jail time of three to five years or more depending on the gravity of the case.

If ever you find yourself on the receiving end of a lawsuit concerning any type of crime while you are in Arizona, your best bet would be to find Arizona Criminal Attorney or a Phoenix Criminal Attorney, if you are within the said city. These lawyers and attorneys are more knowledgeable about the different state laws concerning your case.