Crime Scene Investigation : From the Perspective of the First Responder, the Crime Scene Examiner and the Crime Investigator

Product Details:
Author(s):
Lochner, H
Year Published:
2025
Edition
2nd Edition
Type:
Print | Soft Cover
Language:
English
About this publication
Crime Scene Investigation: from the Perspective of the First Responder, Crime Scene Examiner and Crime Investigator is the second edition that follows on Crime Scene Investigation (Lochner & Zinn; 2015). The subtitle has been added to make provision for some of the instructions as prescribed in National Instruction 1 of 2015 Crime Scene Management. Certain aspects of this instruction are analysed and there are also comments on the instruction. 
For this edition interviews were conducted with former crime scene examiners and investigation officers of serious and violent crimes. Where applicable, the information obtained from them has been included in the text of the book. Furthermore, some of the important information obtained from the interviews has been added to the book as an annexure with the necessary permission of those involved. 
The layout of the chapters of this book has not only been adapted to improve the flow of the discussions but also to make provision for the first responder to the crime scene of the offence or transgression. The role of the first responder and crime scene examiner is discussed in depth and their responsibilities are explained. 
The first responder at a scene can be a ranger of the Kruger National Park or a security guard of a security company or even a traffic officer on patrol. In many cases it is even a member of the public. The aim of the book is to make them aware of the intrigues that are unfolding and playing out at a scene and of the importance of the fact that a crime scene is crucial to the successful solving of a crime. The aim is not to train the first responder but to equip them with the necessary knowledge to prevent the contamination of evidence and crime scenes.
Three of the chapters are new – their focus is on the collection of evidence and the scientific methods used to collect evidence. The aim of the new chapters is also to empower the first responder, crime scene examiner and investigating officer with relevant new knowledge. 
In Chapter 7 the focus is on the collection of certain trace evidence such as buttons and cable ties; this has never before been included in any South African literature.
The investigation of a scene and crime, offence or transgression is presented in Chapter 3 by way of a practical portrayal. This will enable the reader to better understand the interaction between an investigation of a crime and of a scene. 
At all times in the discussion, emphasis is placed on the golden rules for crime scene investigation: protection of a crime scene, identification of evidence, marking of the evidence, documentation of evidence, collection of evidence, packaging of the evidence and the transporting of evidence.
No investigation of crime or of a scene can be considered to be complete if contamination, continuity of possession and the documenting of a scene is not discussed in full. In Chapter 4 these important aspects are discussed and there are many references to other places in the book where these important aspects are addressed and explained. 
The composition of Chapter 9 is also unique in that it comprises a comprehensive discussion and thorough analysis of the two most important aspects of evidence currently used in court: DNA and cell phone data analyses. In the case of cellphone investigation the collection of information, the analysis of the cellphone record and the extraction of information from a cellphone are investigated. The discussion also emphasises the qualities and personalities of cellphone data analysts. At the end of the chapter practical examples are added to the book as annexures. 
The content and layout of the book enhance its potential to be used as training material.
 
Content
Chapter 1:    Phases in An Investigation of a Scene
Chapter 2:    The Investigation of Crime
Chapter 3:    Crime Scene Investigation
Chapter 4:    Documentation of the Scene of Incident
Chapter 5:    Crime Scene Evidence
Chapter 6:    Permanent Records: Notes, Sketches and Photographs
Chapter 7:    Collection and Packaging of Certain Trace Evidence
Chapter 8:    Investigation Aids
Chapter 9:    DNA and Cell-Phone Data Analysis
Chapter 10:  Managing Extraordinary Scenes of Incident
 
Interest / Benefit to
Undergraduates studying evidence and criminal procedure
SAPS Officials
Detectives in training
Investigators
Security Officials
Forensic Services
First Responders, Crime Scene Examiners and Crime Investigators