Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Field Guide is a convenient and handy reference guide ideally suited for use in the field by crime scene investigators, both sworn and civilian. This guide can be used on the job, in the classroom or part of formal training.
The CSI Field Guide is in bullet point format for quick reference and covers information for troubleshooting photographs, evidence collection, evidence values, and checklists to ensure all necessary actions are taken.
You will find a variety of procedural options to help fit your unique scenario and budget. This is a reliable reference to confirm steps, reference a chemical field test, or verify the equipment required; the Crime Scene Investigator Field Guide serves as an invaluable on-scene tool to any new or seasoned CSI professional.
You will find lists of equipment you may need in the field for reference in Chapter 1:
Scales/Rulers—Regularly Verify with NIST Traceable Ruler or Calibrate Equipment
• ABFO #2 L scale—good for trace evidence, bite marks, bullet defects
• 300 mm L scale—good for damage, footwear, tire mark
• 6” scale of various colors, with angle corrector—gray good for color metering, color chart good for injury photographs[i]
• Handheld measuring tape, retractable 50 and 100 ft
[i] https://arrowheadforensics.com/plastic-photo-documentation-scale—gray-with-color-chart/.
You will find decomposition changes to watch for on scene:
Hair Changes
Postmortem Root Band—Discoloration of Root That Occurs during Decomposition Process
• Appearance—dark “band” section near root, occurs in humans and animals
• Collect hairs and allow laboratory to determine presence
• Delayed by water/freezing conditions, hastened by hot conditions
Body Position Changes
Cadaveric Spasm—Agonal Grasp, Dying Grasp
• Usually occurs in deaths with great panic or tension
• Body goes into instant rigor and the item in the hand at time of death stays clenched in the hand
• Examples: Clenched fist holding last items such as grass, hair, sheets, and handgun
• Not re-creatable, not stageable
You will find lists of evidence values:
BONES
· DNA for identification
· Sex/race/age of deceased
· Tool marks used from destruction
BOOKS
· Fingerprints from cover and pages
· Content can show you preferences and interests
· Pages with handwriting/markings can have locations, numbers, dates, etc.
You will find information on Entomology samples, land and water:
AQUATIC ACTIVITY
FACTS TO CONSIDER FOR AQUATIC INSECTS AND WILDLIFE
· Collect LIVE and DEAD samples if collecting samples
· Aquatic insects don’t always feed on body, often use for habitat which can still give indication of timeline, locations body traveled, location of dump, etc.
· Sea snakes, jellyfish and Man-o-war can be found with bodies in ocean water. They can make marks resembling trauma to the body. Blood worms can appear as fibers or hair.
· Larvae can be found on body underneath the algae and residue left on skin after removal from water
You will find checklists for processing:
CHECKLIST - VEHICLE ACCIDENT SCENE PHOTOGRAPHS
¨ Camera settings accurate – date/time, new file, settings, normal lens (50mm), detachable flash, additional lighting
¨ Cover page
SCENE PHOTOS
¨ Show approach for all parties and viewpoint from all witness locations
¨ Fixed location – intersection signs/utility pole with number/hydrant with number
¨ Series moving along path of travel from approach to impact for all vehicles/pedestrians
¨ Resting location of vehicle in scene - show from more than 1 angle
¨ All points of impact to roadway and/or vehicles