ABSTRACT
Crime scene investigation may occur as a result of relatively minor offenses such as property crimes or thefts to very violent crimes such as rape, torture, and murder. Crime scenes may be classified in several ways: type of crime, location, behavioral, size and site of first alleged criminal activity. The first responder(s) will be the only individual(s) to observe a scene in its most pristine state, and their observations are critical. The crime scene investigator (CSI) is the "gatekeeper" to the criminal justice system. Crime scene investigation procedures are based upon Edmond Locard's exchange principle, it is of utmost importance to establish scene security so as to avoid unnecessary contamination by nonessential personnel. The only individuals who should be included in the walk-through are the first responder, CSI, and case detective. The three types of fingerprints generally found at crime scenes and/or on pieces of evidence are as follows: patent, latent and plastic.
