Evidence Collection: Procedures
Lesson Overview
Media: Video (51 minutes)
Seat Time: 7 Classes | 350 minutes teaching
Goal:
To explain the types of evidence, search methods and collection procedures used at crime scenes.
Description:
This lesson will explain the terminology of evidence. the lesson also explains the proper approach for processing the crime scene and appropriate search methods. Lastly, the lesson explains the proper collection a packaging of various types of evidence.
Objectives:
1. To outline the chain of custody for evidence discovered in a crime scene.
2. To demonstrate proper techniques for collecting, packaging and preserving physical evidence found at a crime scene.
3. To research methodologies used to collect and analyze other body fluids.
4. To describe the techniques used to excavate bones from a crime scene.
5. To conduct a systematic search of a simulated crime scene.
6. To demonstrate procedures for marking and collecting evidence found in a crime scene.
Class 1
Class Overview:
Introduction to Evidence Collection Video Segment
Evidence Explained Video Segment
Action Plan
Vocabulary Handout
Key Concepts
Introduction to Evidence Collection Check for Understanding
Evidence Explained Check for Understanding
Where to Look Activity
Essential Questions:
1. What benefits can evidence provide?
2. How do officers collect evidence?
3. What are the types of evidence?
4. What does each type of evidence category consist of?
Step 1: Bell Ringer:
· Have students write everything they already know about the evidence collection process. Start a brief class discussion for students to share their thoughts.
Step 2: Distribute the Action Plan, Vocabulary Handout and Key Concepts.
· The Action Plan lays out a list of tasks for students to complete during the lesson.
· The Vocabulary Handout is a list of terms used throughout the lesson.
· The Key Concepts is an outline which identifies the main ideas presented in the lesson which students can fill in to aid in note taking during the lesson.
Step 3: Show the Introduction to Evidence Collection video segment.
· This video is five minutes long.
· Be sure to utilize the Key Concepts for this segment of the lesson.
Step 4: Administer the Introduction to Evidence Collection Check for Understanding.
· The Check for Understanding is a short review of the content presented in the segment.
Step 5: Show the Evidence Explained video segment.
· This video is six minutes long.
· Be sure to utilize the Key Concepts for this segment of the lesson.
Step 6: Administer the Evidence Explained Check for Understanding.
· The Check for Understanding is a short review of the content presented in the segment.
Step 7: Students should begin the Where to Look Activity.
· Students will read the following scenarios, note observations and describe which search method strategy they would use to look for evidence.
Step 8: Exit Ticket:
· Have students turn in their responses from the beginning of class.
Class 2
Class Overview:
Processing the Crime Scene Video Segment
Systematic Searches Video Segment
Action Plan
Key Concepts
Processing the Crime Scene Check for Understanding
Systematic Searches Check for Understanding
Where to Look Activity
Essential Questions:
1. How does one process a crime scene?
2. What is important to take notice of in a crime scene?
3. What should be done to ensure a crime scene is not compromised by other people?
4. What are the methods of searching a crime scene?
5. How does one effectively search a crime scene?
Step 1: Bell Ringer:
· Write two vocabulary terms on the board and have students define and use each word in a sentence to the best of their ability.
Step 2: Show the Processing the Crime Scene video segment.
· This video is seven minutes long.
· Be sure to utilize the Key Concepts for this segment of the lesson.
Step 3: Administer the Processing the Crime Scene Check for Understanding.
· The Check for Understanding is a short review of the content presented in the segment.
Step 4: Show the Systematic Searches video segment.
· This video is six minutes long.
· Be sure to utilize the Key Concepts for this segment of the lesson.
Step 5: Administer the Systematic Searches Check for Understanding.
· The Check for Understanding is a short review of the content presented in the segment.
Step 6: Students should begin the Where to Look Activity.
· Students will read the following scenarios, note observations and describe which search method strategy they would use to look for evidence.
Step 7: Exit Ticket:
· Have students turn in their activity and their responses from the beginning of class.
Class 3
Class Overview:
Packaging & Protecting the Evidence Video Segment
Biological Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Video Segment
Action Plan
Key Concepts
Packaging & Protecting the Evidence Check for Understanding
Biological Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Check for Understanding
Evidence Collection Procedures Project
Essential Questions:
1. How does one package and process evidence?
2. How does one properly collect evidence?
3. How does one avoid contamination?
4. What is chain of custody?
5. What are the different types of evidence?
6. How does one secure evidence?
7. How does one properly package and handle evidence?
Step 1: Bell Ringer:
· Have a rapid-fire list of questions ready to ask students and give them a limited amount of time to write down their answer. Ask three to five questions about today’s lesson content and have students write their answers to gauge their prior knowledge.
Step 2: Show the Packaging & Protecting the Evidence video segment.
· This video is eight minutes long.
· Be sure to utilize the Key Concepts for this segment of the lesson.
Step 3: Administer the Packaging & Protecting the Evidence Check for Understanding.
· The Check for Understanding is a short review of the content presented in the segment.
Step 4: Show the Biological Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission video segment.
· This video is three minutes long.
· Be sure to utilize the Key Concepts for this segment of the lesson.
Step 5: Administer the Biological Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Check for Understanding.
· The Check for Understanding is a short review of the content presented in the segment.
Step 6: Students should begin the Evidence Collection Procedures Project.
· With a partner, students will be creating a step-by-step guide of evidence collection procedures in their state.
Step 7: Exit Ticket:
· Have students review their answers from the beginning of class, update their answers and turn in their work.
Class 4
Class Overview:
Anthropological Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Video Segment
Trace Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Video Segment
Firearms & Ballistic Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Video Segment
Action Plan
Key Concepts
Anthropological Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Check for Understanding
Trace Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Check for Understanding
Firearms & Ballistic Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Check for Understanding
Evidence Collection Procedures Project
Essential Questions:
1. What is anthropological evidence?
2. How does one collect anthropological evidence?
3. What is trace evidence?
4. How does one properly collect trace evidence?
5. What can the different types of trace evidence tell investigators?
6. What are the proper procedures surrounding firearm and ballistic evidence collection?
7. How does one properly package a firearm and ballistic evidence?
Step 1: Bell Ringer:
· Present the students with an image of a fictional crime scene with fictional suspects and discuss key details of the case with the students.
Step 2: Show the Anthropological Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission video segment.
· This video is three minutes long.
· Be sure to utilize the Key Concepts for this segment of the lesson.
Step 3: Administer the Anthropological Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Check for Understanding.
· The Check for Understanding is a short review of the content presented in the segment.
Step 4: Show the Trace Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission video segment.
· This video is five minutes long.
· Be sure to utilize the Key Concepts for this segment of the lesson.
Step 5: Administer the Trace Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Check for Understanding.
· The Check for Understanding is a short review of the content presented in the segment.
Step 6: Show the Firearms & Ballistic Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission video segment.
· This video is one minute long.
· Be sure to utilize the Key Concepts for this segment of the lesson.
Step 7: Administer the Firearms & Ballistic Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Check for Understanding.
· The Check for Understanding is a short review of the content presented in the segment.
Step 8: Students should continue the Evidence Collection Procedures Project.
· With a partner, students will be creating a step-by-step guide of evidence collection procedures in their state.
Step 9: Exit Ticket:
· Return to the fictional crime scene from the beginning of class and have students give their final answer as to what happened and which suspect committed the crime.
Class 5
Class Overview:
Latent Print & Impression Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Video Segment
Narcotic & Controlled Substances Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Video Segment
Toxicological Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Video Segment
Action Plan
Key Concepts
Latent Print & Impression Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Check for Understanding
Narcotic & Controlled Substances Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Check for Understanding
Toxicological Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Check for Understanding
Evidence Collection Procedures Project
Essential Questions:
1. How are prints collected?
2. What surfaces can fingerprints be left on?
3. How important are fingerprints in criminal investigations?
4. What are narcotics?
5. How does one properly package and submit narcotics?
6. What should one do in the event of a bulk seizure?
7. What is toxicological evidence?
8. How does one collect toxicological evidence?
Step 1: Bell Ringer:
· Ask students one of the Essential Questions and have them do their best to answer. Have a few students share their responses.
Step 2: Show the Latent Print & Impression Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission video segment.
· This video is two minutes long.
· Be sure to utilize the Key Concepts for this segment of the lesson.
Step 3: Administer the Latent Print & Impression Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Check for Understanding.
· The Check for Understanding is a short review of the content presented in the segment.
Step 4: Show the Narcotic & Controlled Substances Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission video segment.
· This video is three minutes long.
· Be sure to utilize the Key Concepts for this segment of the lesson.
Step 5: Administer the Narcotic & Controlled Substances Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Check for Understanding.
· The Check for Understanding is a short review of the content presented in the segment.
Step 6: Show the Toxicological Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission video segment.
· This video is two minutes long.
· Be sure to utilize the Key Concepts for this segment of the lesson.
Step 7: Administer the Toxicological Evidence Collection, Packaging & Submission Check for Understanding.
· The Check for Understanding is a short review of the content presented in the segment.
Step 8: Students should complete the Evidence Collection Procedures Project.
· With a partner, students will be creating a step-by-step guide of evidence collection procedures in their state.
Step 9: Exit Ticket:
· Have students turn in their project.
Class 6
Class Overview:
Action Plan
Evidence Collection at a Crime Scene
Step 1: Students should begin the Evidence Collection at a Crime Scene.
· In groups, students will search for, collect and label evidence on a crime scene and participate in a class discussion.
Step 2: Exit Ticket:
· Have students provide a progress update on their project.
Class 7
Class Overview:
Action Plan
Evidence Collection: Procedures Final Assessment
Evidence Collection at a Crime Scene
Step 1: Bell Ringer:
· Allow students time to review notes before the assessment.
Step 2: Administer the Evidence Collection: Procedures Final Assessment.
· The Final Assessment is a comprehensive assessment covering material throughout the entire lesson.
Step 3: Students should complete the Evidence Collection at a Crime Scene.
· In groups, students will search for, collect and label evidence on a crime scene and participate in a class discussion.
Step 4: Exit Ticket:
· Have students turn in their projects.
Activity Overview
Where to Look
Students will read the following scenarios, note observations and describe which search method strategy they would use to look for evidence.
Accommodations:
Students may receive reading and comprehension assistance from the instructor.
Modifications:
Students may work in pairs.
Extension:
Students will create their own crime scene scenario and then pair up with another student to swap scenarios and solve them as instructed in this activity.
Project Overview
Evidence Collection at a Crime Scene
In groups, students will search for, collect and label evidence on a crime scene and participate in a class discussion.
Supplies List:
“Evidence” (Fake blood, hair, shoes, glass, torn fabric)
Accommodations:
Students should check in with the teacher to make sure they are on course to completing the project.
Modifications:
Provide students with hints or directions as to what to do at each station.
Extension:
Students will write a four-paragraph response to the project. The response should detail what investigative strategies were used, what the student’s initial thoughts were, what they found out through the course of the investigation and how the crime was solved.
Evidence Collection Procedures
With a partner, students will be creating a step-by-step guide of evidence collection procedures in their state.
Supplies List:
Research material, books or internet
Accommodations:
Provide students with reading and comprehension assistance from the instructor.
Modifications:
Provide students a handout which details the evidence collection procedures in your state with key details highlighted.
Extension:
Students will compare their states procedures with another state of their choosing.
Career & Technical Student Organizations
Skills USA
Crime Scene Investigation
Criminal Justice
Career Connections
Using the Career Connections Activity allows students to explore careers associated with this lesson by viewing career interviews with various industry professionals. The career interviews are located in the Select Media drop-down menu on the lesson page. See the Career Connections Activity for more details.
William “Bill” Hensley, Forensics, Blackman Detective Services
Raymond Grunch, Computer Forensics Tech, Blackman Detective Services
