FIR 4314, Crime Scene, Forensics, and Evidence Collection 3

Unit IV Essay
Read the following article:
Burnette, G. E. (n.d.). Spoliation of evidence: A fire scene dilemma. Retrieved from
http://www.interfire.org/res_file/spoliatn.asp
Additionally, use the Internet and the CSU Online Library to search for articles and case citations (such as those found on
page 218, Table 4-4) related to NFPA 921 and ASTM E860 on spoliation. Respond to the following questions, and
reference at least one article from the CSU Online Library in your response:
FIR 4314, Crime Scene, Forensics, and Evidence Collection 3
1. Define spoliation.
2. Compare and contrast when evidence should be secured in place and when it should be removed from the scene.
3. Discuss how to document the area prior to removing a piece of evidence.
4. What specific guidelines would you recommend implementing in order to improve the effectiveness of scene
documentation?
Your response should be a minimum of two pages in length. You are required to use at least your textbook and one article
from the CSU Online Library as source materials for your response. All sources used, including the textbook, must be
referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations. All references and citations used must
be in APA style.

SAMPLE SOLUTION

Spoliation refers to the act or an instant of despoiling or plundering. From a legal perspective, spoliation is used in relation to evidence whereby it denotes the deliberate, reckless, or negligent altering, hiding, fabricating, destroying or withholding of crucial piece of information tha…is a party that intentionally declines to present evidence which is in their control or possession. Spoliation of evidence is of particular importance in the field of fire administration (Burnette, 2017). It is a practice that is commonly used by the perpetrators of fire-related crimes.

When to Secure and When to Remove Evidence The stage/phase of the investigation process determines when evidence should be secured and when it should be removed from the scene. First and foremost, evidence should remain secured until experts in evidence collection arrive…