Where are the possible sources of clues for evidence collection Beginning the crime scene investigation
CRM 230 – Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation
BYOCS (Bring Your Own Crime Scene) Guidelines
Learning Objective:
To further understand the details of crime scene investigation and how the pieces of a case fit together by
creating these elements for your very own crime scene.
Project Details:
Each student will create a crime scene based on the types described in the text and discussed in class.
The project consists of four deliverables (“parts”):
Part 1: Case Information (Module 3)
To begin, you should identify the major parts of the investigation. Consider this the “5 Ws” of the
investigation:
1. Who: Victim(s) and subject(s)
2. What: Type of crime it appears to be based on the initial review or discussion with first officer,
as well as the investigation/collection of evidence performed at the scene
3. Where: Location(s) of the crime
4. When: Approximate time the scene was discovered, time you arrived, time officers arrived,
time you completed investigation, time you completed your report
5. Why: It is not often the duty of the crime scene technician/investigator to determine why the
subject/perpetrator committed the crime; the CST/CSI collects and gathers the evidence so
that the detectives can make the determination as to why it occurred.
For Part 1: Case Information, you will submit a brief police report detailing the elements of the crime.
You have the option of filling out a report template, or reporting the information in APA-style paragraph
format. Sample Case Information docs (report template and paragraph-style information sheet) are
available in Doc Sharing.
Part 2: Case References (Module 4)
In Module 3, you provided case information for your BYOCS scene. You are now responsible for
identifying references to bolster your discussion of the case, as well as any information that would
support the evidence found at your scene. For example, if you find shoe impressions, the Hilderbrand
article assigned in Module 3 will be useful.
You will be responsible for locating at least four (4) reliable and scholarly references to support the
information found in your BYOCS scene. Examples include your textbook, the readings assigned for
this course, and scholarly journal articles (such as those in the Journal of Forensic Sciences, Journal of
Forensic Identification, and Criminology) available in the Saint Leo Library. If you are having trouble
finding scholarly references, contact a librarian to assist you (see the Policies and Information link
under Course Home for more information). In addition, you can access reliable websites, such as the
FBI (FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin) and other governmental websites.
Finally, you will provide a one- to two-paragraph “summary” of each reference and explain how it
relates to your case information. This is known in some academic circles as an “annotated” reference
page. You will follow APA-style formatting for this part of the project. A sample Case References doc is
available in Doc Sharing.
Part 3: Case Report (Module 6)
Once you have determined the initial information in Parts 1 and 2, you will compile it into a report
detailing the elements of the crime, to include victim(s), suspect(s), location(s), weapon(s), evidence
collected, items to be processed, as well as any other information you believe would be important to
the detectives investigating the case. A sample Case Report is available in Doc Sharing.
You will submit your Case Report to the Dropbox in Module 6, and attach it along with your Part 4:
Case Presentation to the Discussion Board in Module 8.
Part 4: Case Presentation (Modules 7 and 8)
Finally, you will create a PowerPoint presentation consisting of 10-15 photographs of your scene, each
accompanied by a brief caption underneath as a “talking point” for the investigation. Remember to
choose images that will convey details about the “case.” A sample student presentation is the focus
of the Module 7 Audio-Visual Presentation (AVP). Be sure to view the AVP prior to submitting
your Case Presentation.
Make sure to review the investigation checklist below as your classmates will ask you questions about
your investigation as part of the Module 8 Discussion activity. While you are not responsible for all
aspects of the checklist (as some may be physically impossible for you to create for this course), it is a
good guideline of the types of issues faced when conducting a crime scene investigation. Use it simply
as a tool to help you develop the parts of your crime scene.
You will submit BYOCS Part 4: Case Presentation to the Dropbox by the conclusion of Module 7.
Additionally, you will post your Case Presentation and Case Report (Part 3) to the Discussion Board in
Module 8 by the conclusion of Module 7. By Thursday of Module 8, review at least two classmates’
projects and post the following utilizing the grading rubric at the end of this document (see below).
1. General feedback and constructive comments (following proper discussion board etiquette)
2. At least one recommendation to enhance the student’s presentation
3. At least two questions that you would ask about the investigation if you were a fellow CSI/CST
reviewing the case
Important: If a student has already received two responses, please select another until all students
have received feedback.
Respond to at least two of the classmates who left feedback by Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT. In your
response, be sure to answer the CSI/CST questions (#3 above) from the initial posts.
Be creative! If you enjoy working on this project, it will show through to your classmates.
Tools Needed:
Camera (digital or manual)
Ruler for evidence photographs
Props to create crime scene (weapons, victims, etc)
Investigation Checklist
Before working the scene, determine:
How the search should be conducted
What needs to be photographed
Where are the possible sources of clues for evidence collection
Beginning the crime scene investigation:
Photography/videotaping (overall views)
The investigation of the crime scene proper
Sketching
Note taking
During the investigation:
Follow up on any witness information/statements
Has analysis begun on any evidence submitted to the lab?
Are additional photos of the scene needed?
Gather reports from other personnel (First Officer, M.E., other CST, etc)
Identify any “leads” and their relation to case information
BYOCS Part 4: Case Presentation Grading Criteria
A. Slide Layout:
Criteria Points
Possible Very Good Satisfactory Needs
Improvement
Colors and Contrast
(Text/background) 10 8 – 10 5 – 7 0 – 4
Lack of clutter 10 8 – 10 5 – 7 0 – 4
Logical organization of
slides/material 10 8 – 10 5 – 7 0 – 4
Strategic placement of
information 10 8 – 10 5 – 7 0 – 4
Comments:
B. Multimedia Features/Research Depth:
Criteria Points
Possible Very Good Satisfactory Needs
Improvement
Images are relevant to case
report information 20 18 – 20 13 – 17 0 – 12
References are listed at end of
presentation 5 4 – 5 2 – 3 0 – 1
Info & images in PPT are aligned
with case research 5 4 – 5 2 – 3 0 – 1
Comments:
C. Effective Fielding of Questions:
Criteria Points
Possible Very Good Satisfactory Needs
Improvement
Answer questions regarding case
from/respond to Peers 15 12 – 15 7 – 11 0 – 6
Answer questions regarding case
from/respond to Instructor 15 12 – 15 7 – 11 0 – 6
Comments:
TOTAL POINTS = _________/ 100 POINTS
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