A crime scene investigator who is legally present at a crime scene may collect any evidence he or she believes is pertinent to the incident under investigation. However, the crime scene official needs to ensure that the following four legal requirements for collecting physical evidence are met:
• Physical evidence should be searched and seized legally.
• The crime scene and the collection of evidence should be documented completely and properly.
• Each item of evidence collected should be properly packaged and have sufficient identification information.
• Each item of evidence should have a proper chain of custody established and maintained.
Based on your reading material and individual research;
Discuss the legal aspects of a search and subsequent seizure of property that may or may not be related to a criminal incident.
Define why the exclusionary rule has been created and how it is to be applied to the practical investigation of a crime scene.
What is the basic premise of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution?
When may a police officer carry out actions that may violate the individual rights detailed under this amendment?
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