Final answer:
The four basic principles of crime scene analysis are collecting and preserving evidence, establishing a chain of custody, documenting the scene, and formulating hypotheses based on evidence. Geographic profiling aids in prediction based on criminals' spatial behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The four basic principles that guide crime scene analysis are:
- Collecting and preserving evidence
- Establishing a chain of custody for the evidence
- Systematically documenting the crime scene (photographs, sketches, and notes)
- Formulating and testing hypotheses based on the evidence collected
These principles serve as the foundation for methodical and accurate analysis of crime scenes, which is crucial for identifying perpetrators and for the judicial process. Understanding patterns of criminal behaviour and applying techniques like geographic profiling, which uses spatial patterns in criminal behaviour to predict future crimes and possible offender residences, can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of crime scene investigations.