Overview

In the week 2 activity, you described important elements of an effective crime scene investigation. In this assignment, you report the findings from your preliminary investigation into a homicide.

Preparation

1. Review principles regarding searches, evidence, and documenting a crime scene in your weeks 2 and 3 readings.
2. Download the Week 3 Assignment Template Download Week 3 Assignment Templateand use it to complete this assignment.

Scenario

(Continued from Week 2) . . . you arrive at the call location and learn that a patrol officer was summoned to conduct a welfare check in response to a 911 call from the property landlord. The landlord stated that after receiving no response to repeated phone calls to his tenant, he decided to drive to the property. The landlord stated that upon his arrival, there was a foul smell coming from the apartment and that he observed piled-up mail and what appeared to be blood on the doorknob.

You are then briefed by the patrol officer that responded to the caller who reported that he knocked and announced, but that no one answered the door. Based on the circumstances and concern for the tenant's well-being, the landlord unlocked the door for the officer to gain entry. The officer tells you that "Upon entry, I observed the apartment in disarray with chairs scattered about, a broken kitchen table, smashed dishes on the floor, and a tipped-over shelving unit. The officer says, "Oh …and there is a corpse in the back bedroom." The officer continues, "I found an ID of a Mathew R. Brewster on the dresser. It appears like he's the victim."

You enter and notice bloody shoe prints on the kitchen floor, a turned-over recliner in the living room, and other items consistent with the officer's description. Walking through the apartment, you notice blood on the living room carpet, with drops leading to the back bedroom. The bedroom fan is still running, and the bathroom light is on. You carefully push the bedroom door open to find a body face-down on the bed with what appears to be a gunshot wound to the back of the head. After making these initial observations, you conduct your investigation. No weapon is in sight.

Once back in the office, the lieutenant on duty asks you to fill out a Progress Report. It contains the following questions:

• What 3 steps did you follow to preserve the crime scene?
• I heard you interviewed one of the victim's neighbors. What are the 3 most important questions, beyond contact data, that you asked that person in an attempt to gather information about the crime? Why were they important?
• What methods and procedures did you use to document the scene?
• What approach did you take to identify and collect potential evidence?
• Did you immediately complete a thorough search of the apartment? Or did you first get a warrant? Justify your response.

Instructions

Consider the scenario and fully complete the Week 3 Assignment Template Download Week 3 Assignment Template.

This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The library is your home for SWS assistance, including citations and formatting. Please refer to the Library site for all support. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

• Conduct criminal investigation activities according to established guidelines and procedures or best practices.
• Analyze legal elements and issues associated with criminal investigation activities.