Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003 WMD HAZMAT Evidence Collection Course CBRNE/HAZMAT Evidence Collection Steps 5-8
Apr 01, 2015
Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003
WMD HAZMAT Evidence Collection Course
CBRNE/HAZMAT Evidence Collection Steps 5-8
Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003
ObjectivesDiscuss the three types of evidence and material or items encountered at a crime scene to be collected and used as evidence
Discuss the information included in the narrative description of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, or Explosive (CBRNE) crime scene
Discuss the processes used to obtain useful photographs of a crime scene
Identify the information included in the sketch of a crime scene
Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003
Physical Evidence
Physical evidence can be any item or substance that can be inspected, collected, and examined
May be substantial and long lasting such as building materials or metal parts or or transient such as gases or vapors
Physical EvidenceCourtesy of CDP
Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003
Testimonial Evidence
Testimonial evidence consists of witness statements offered to prove the matter asserted
Witnesses usually testify in person, but may testify by written statement under some circumstances
If a witness can provide information relating to case in any way, it should be collected and thoroughly documented
Witness Preparing to Give Testimony
Courtesy of CDP
Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003
Documentary Evidence
Documentary evidence is that evidence submitted in written form
It may consists of witness statements under oath; photographs; printed or written material; sketches; or even electronic media, such as tapes, computer memory, CDs, or DVDs
It may consist of legal documents such as deeds or other ownership documents
Warranty Deed, Title to Car
Courtesy of CDP
Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003
Prepare the Narrative Description
The narrative description is a record of observations of the crime scene
The narration begins with a general impression of the condition of the scene and proceeds to detailed observations
Narration takes into account what is observed at the scene and any items normally present but are absent
Narration can be supplemented with photographs, sketches, or other recordings
Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003
Prepare the Narrative Description (continued)The narrative description should include the following:
Case identifier or number
Date and time
Location (address or information that specifically identifies the scene)
Identity of the person who prepared the narration
Weather conditions at the time responders arrived at the scene
Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003
Prepare the Narrative Description (continued) Lighting conditions at the scene at the time responders arrived
Observations regarding the crime scene in general
Times and contents of important telephone calls and messages
Victims’ locations at the scene
Items of potential evidence, including description and narration
Routes of narrator’s movement through the site
Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003
Photographing the CBRNE Crime SceneUse photography to document the crime scene as it existed at the time of the operation
Photographs must show the scene as it was found, without any investigators or other responders in the photo, and no equipment showing
Photographs must be completely documented
Crime Scene PhotographerPhoto courtesy of FBI
Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003
Plan for Taking Photographs
Photographs should be taken before any action is taken that would change the scene
Prepare a plan showing the order in which photographs will be taken, items to be photographed, locations from which to take photos, and types of equipment to be used
Maintain perspective
At least one photo of each item of evidence should show scale
Tips for Taking Photographs
Use at least three positions or views—distant, medium range, and close-up view of evidence
Three Views of EvidenceCourtesy of CDP
Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003
Use of Digital Photography as EvidenceDigital photographs are not photographs in the true sense, but prints recreated from stored electronic data
Improvements in digital imaging have brought about improvements in ability to manipulate the content of images
Whether digital images can be admitted as evidence is a matter of court rule. Jurisdictions planning to use digital crime scene photography should understand local limitations on such
Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003
Prepare a Crime Scene SketchThe crime scene sketch should show the general layout and relative positions of key scene elements
The sketch is a rough drawing and not an artistic production
Document each object with distances, a legend to identify any item represented by symbol
Must be protected to withstand decontamination Crime Scene Sketch
Photo Courtesy CDP
Prepare a Crime Scene Sketch (continued)Sketch is a rough drawing and may be followed up with a more detailed diagram when circumstances permit
Positions of evidence should be shown in relation to other objects
Sketch should be annotated with information about the scene, conditions, date/time, scale or disclaimer, and measurements
Crime Scene SketchCourtesy of CDP
Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003
ConclusionDiscuss the three types of evidence and material or items encountered at a crime scene to be collected and used as evidence
Discuss the information included in the narrative description of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, or Explosive (CBRNE) crime scene
Discuss the processes used to obtain useful photographs of a crime scene
Identify the information included in the sketch of a crime scene
Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003
CBRNE/HAZMAT Evidence Collection Steps 5-8—End of Module
WMD HAZMAT Evidence Collection Course