Secure weapons, but only if they are a threat or danger to you or someone else. If not, let them stay where they are, untouched. Establish one way in and one way out.
This will eliminate unnecessary tracking all over your scene. Only allow those inside the crime scene who have a need to be there and a right to be there. Remove victims and witnesses and maintain a secure, uncontaminated scene as soon as possible and for as long as necessary. Start a crime scene log and maintain it.
No one enters the crime scene without signing the log. This can be very important later in the investigation. Note who was in the scene when you got there, where they were and what they were doing. Note any alterations to the scene that may have occurred from firefighters, EMTs, other officers, etc.
Note lights on or off, television on or off, air conditioner or heater on or off, windows open or closed, etc. These details can be very important. Think about the possibility of a second scene. Is it secure? By who Never add anything to the scene unless absolutely necessary. Resist your urge to mark evidence unless absolutely necessary.
Never cover a body with a blanket or other object that may introduce trace evidence into your scene or onto the body. In most cases officers and investigators are not allowed to touch the body. Covering it will only delay the process for evidence recovery while waiting on the coroner. This applies to you as well.
Is there any perishable evidence, such as impressions, loose paper money, etc.? Always wear gloves and be careful talking inside the crime scene. Databases are full of unknown fingerprints and DNA belonging to first responders. Observe the scene and conditions.
Use your sense of smell, hearing and eyesight. Pay attention to the details, understand what you are seeing and make notes as you go.
Think about where DNA could be. Even smeared fingerprints still leave good DNA evidence. Think outside the box. Never use the telephone, bathroom or trash cans inside a crime scene.
Never eat, drink or smoke inside a crime scene. Always do a final walk-through. Has everything been done, did you leave anything behind?
Discuss details, secure the scene, tear down the crime scene tape and never leave your trash. Take your crime scene tape with you to avoid having to go back when a call comes in that your yellow barrier tape is all over the neighborhood. Paul Kirk, considered the father of modern forensic science, said it best: Where he steps, whatever he touches, whatever he leaves, even unconsciously, will serve as silent evidence against him. More Posts. Previous Post Next Post. Related Posts. November 5, Andrew Birozy.
Read More. October 27, Rex Scism. October 26, Ken Wallentine. The officer should keep notes on the significant times involved in responding to the crime scene time dispatched to scene, time left for scene, time arrived at scene, time left scene, etc.
An effort must be made to disturb things as little as possible in assessing the situation. Particular attention should be paid to the floor since this is the most common repository for evidence and it poses the greatest potential for contamination. Notes should also be taken if the officer has to alter something in the investigation.
Some things the officer should note include: the condition of the doors, windows, and lighting both natural and manmade ; if there are any odors present; if there are any signs of activity; how EMS or fire personnel have altered the scene; anything essential about the suspect description, statements, physical condition, mental condition, intoxication, etc.
Once the scene has been stabilized, the scene and any other areas which may yield valuable evidence driveways, surrounding yards, pathways, etc. Investigators and other necessary personnel should be contacted and dispatched to the scene, however, under no circumstances should the telephone at the scene be used. Once the officer has secured the scene, he or she could do the following: record witness names and others who may have entered or been at the scene; separate witnesses and suspect s ; do not discuss the events or the crime with witnesses or bystanders or let the witnesses discuss these events; listen attentively but discreetly; and protect evidence which may be in danger of being destroyed.
Any actions taken should be reported to the investigators. Many times the arrival of additional personnel can cause problems in protecting the scene.
Only those people responsible for the immediate investigation of the crime, the securing of the crime scene, and the processing of the crime scene should be present.
Non-essential police officers, district attorney investigators, federal agents, politicians, etc. An officer can be placed here with a notebook to take the names of all of the people entering the crime scene. This will sometimes discourage non-essential personnel from entering the crime scene. The officer can also stop unwanted visitors from entering the restricted areas. If extraneous people do have to enter the scene, then make sure that they are escorted by someone who is working the scene.
This is to make sure that they will not inadvertently destroy any valuable evidence or leave any worthless evidence. Eating, drinking, or smoking should never be allowed at a crime scene. Not only can this wreck a crime scene but it can also be a health hazard. A command post should be set up for such purposes. The post is to be set up somewhere outside the restricted areas.
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