12/8/2011 1 Stages of Processing the Crime Scene & Responsibilities The following are general guidelines and will vary depending on the seriousness and type of crime scene. Not all procedures will be used at every scene. Approach the Scene Personal safety and emergency care must come first Check/re-check scene for suspects or other danger Render first aid and request emergency services Strive to preserve the scene and any possible evidence Make others aware of evidence to minimize disruption Make initial observations and be prepared to take control of the scene, especially if you will be processing the scene Briefly interview first responding officer or complainant Be alert for discarded evidence or a secondary scene Make pertinent notes Secure and Protect the Scene Identify the boundaries of the scene and safety issues Establish adequate security and an entry/exit point Use personnel, police tape or barricades Start with a larger boundary and reduce as necessary Control and limit access to the scene to only necessary personnel Keep out family members, neighbors, curious officers, etc Identify and document all individuals at the scene Victims, Witnesses, EMS, other Officers, etc Create a crime scene entry log Secure and Protect the Scene - continued Identify and protect transient evidence Body fluids or footwear impressions outside from weather conditions If a victim’s body or other evidence is moved or collected because of necessity, document it, but don’t put it back At the scene, do not Smoke, chew tobacco, eat, drink or spit Use the phone, toilet or touch anything before processing Alter anything before it’s documented and photographed Conduct a Preliminary Survey Obtain additional details from the first responding officer or the complainant Conduct a cautious walk-through Determine the extent of the search area Exterior, interior, specific rooms Evaluate search and seizure issues Use personal protective equipment for officer safety and to minimize contamination issues Sanitize collection equipment or use single use items Conduct a Preliminary Survey – continued Determine equipment and personnel needs Photographic, DNA collection, latent processing, lighting Specialized personnel or just extra help Document your observations and actions Conditions of scene and evidence such as lights on or off, door forced, lock broken, blood appeared wet/dry, etc If it catches your attention, document it Continue documentation as you progress through the scene and investigation Photographs and diagrams supplement the notes but they all work together
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12/8/2011
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Stages of Processing the Crime Scene & Responsibilities
The following are general guidelines and will vary depending on the seriousness and type of crime scene. Not all procedures will be used at every scene.
Approach the Scene Personal safety and emergency care must come first
Check/re-check scene for suspects or other danger
Render first aid and request emergency services
Strive to preserve the scene and any possible evidence
Make others aware of evidence to minimize disruption
Make initial observations and be prepared to take control of the scene, especially if you will be processing the scene
Briefly interview first responding officer or complainant
Be alert for discarded evidence or a secondary scene
Make pertinent notes
Secure and Protect the Scene Identify the boundaries of the scene and safety issues
Establish adequate security and an entry/exit point
Use personnel, police tape or barricades
Start with a larger boundary and reduce as necessary
Control and limit access to the scene to only necessary personnel
Keep out family members, neighbors, curious officers, etc
Identify and document all individuals at the scene
Victims, Witnesses, EMS, other Officers, etc
Create a crime scene entry log
Secure and Protect the Scene - continued
Identify and protect transient evidence
Body fluids or footwear impressions outside from weather conditions
If a victim’s body or other evidence is moved or collected because of necessity, document it, but don’t put it back
At the scene, do not
Smoke, chew tobacco, eat, drink or spit
Use the phone, toilet or touch anything before processing
Alter anything before it’s documented and photographed
Conduct a Preliminary Survey Obtain additional details from the first responding officer
or the complainant
Conduct a cautious walk-through
Determine the extent of the search area
Exterior, interior, specific rooms
Evaluate search and seizure issues
Use personal protective equipment for officer safety and to minimize contamination issues
Sanitize collection equipment or use single use items
Conduct a Preliminary Survey –
continued
Determine equipment and personnel needs Photographic, DNA collection, latent processing, lighting
Specialized personnel or just extra help
Document your observations and actions Conditions of scene and evidence such as lights on or off,
door forced, lock broken, blood appeared wet/dry, etc
If it catches your attention, document it
Continue documentation as you progress through the scene and investigation
Photographs and diagrams supplement the notes but they all work together
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Photograph the Scene Shoot scene ASAP
As you find it before items are moved
Overall, medium, close-up (Rule of 3) of all evidence
Relate items to location & condition
Evidence both without and also with accurate scale & identifiers
Photography is inexpensive,
Video can supplement still photography
Prepare a Diagram (if necessary) Supplements your photos
Should Include Location
Date
Case Number
Preparer’s name
Compass orientation (north)
Legend
Method of measurement Baseline, triangulation, etc.
Indicate “Reference Points”
“Not to scale”
Conduct a Detailed Search Best search options are typically most time
consuming and difficult
Choose a method that will be productive and efficient
Strip, Double Strip or Grid, Spiral, Point to Point, etc.
Two basic search approaches (in order):
Thorough search of visible/accessible areas
Cautious search of difficult/concealed areas
Remember search warrants may be necessary
Collect/process most transient evidence first
Process & Collect Evidence Photograph items PRIOR TO processing/collection
Indicate items on your sketch & evidence log
Maintain a “Chain of Custody” record
Process evidence at scene or package properly for later processing Prevent loss of latent impressions & cross-contamination
Do not handle excessively after recovery Wear protective gear such as gloves
Physical evidence can make or break a case Physical evidence doesn’t lie
Juries like physical evidence
Conduct a Final Survey at Scene Review all responsibilities/ tasks of the scene
Discuss findings with scene personnel/Officer in charge
Double-check documentation to avoid errors
Account for all evidence & equipment
Conduct a final walkthrough
Have you given the scene the appropriate amount of effort and attention within your time constraints?
Release the Crime Scene After completion of final survey
Once released, re-entry will most likely require a search warrant
Release with the idea that there is only one chance to perform job correctly and completely
Returning at a later date can’t ensure the integrity of the scene
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