Module 3&4
Module 3&4
The initial responding officer/s, upon arrival shall assess the scene and treat the incident as a crime scene. They shall promptly,
yet cautiously, approach and enter the crime scene, remaining observant of any persons, vehicles, events, potential evidence, and
environmental conditions.
a. Note or log dispatch information (e.g.. address/location, time ,date, type of calls, parties involved
b. Be aware of any persons or vehicles leaving the crime scene
c. Approach the scene cautiously, scan the entire area to thoroughly assess the scene, and note any possible secondary crime
scenes
d. Be aware of any persons and vehicles in the vicinity that may be related to the crime
e. Make initial observations (look,listen,smell) to assess the scene and ensure officer safety before proceeding
f. Remain alert and attentive
g. Treat the location as a crime scene until assessed and determined to be otherwise.
h. Safely direct additional responding units into the area.
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Safety of the Responding Team: The safety and physical well-being of officers and other individuals, in and around the
crime scene, are the initials responding officer(s’) first priority.
The initial responding officer(s) arriving at the scene shall identify and control any dangerous situations or persons.They should;
a. Ensure that there is no immediate threat to other responders ; scan area for sights, sounds, and smells that may present
danger to personnel (e.g., gas). If the situation involves a clandestine drug laboratory, biological weapons, or radiological or
chemical threats the appropriate personnel/ agency should be contacted prior to entering the scene.
b.Approach the scene in a manner designed to reduce risk of harm to officer(s) while maximizing the safety of victims,
witnesses, and others in the area.
C. Survey the scene for dangerous persons and control the situation.
D.Notify supervisory personnel and call for assistance/ backup.
Emergency Care: After controlling any dangerous situations or persons, the initial responding officer(s’) next responsibility is
to ensure that medical attention is provided to injured persons while minimizing contamination of the scene.
The initial responding officer(s) shall ensure that medical attention is provided with minimal contamination of the scene.
a. Assess the victim(s) for signs of life and medical need and provide immediate medical attention.
b. Call for medical personnel.
c. Guide medical personnel to the victim to minimize contamination/ alteration of the crime scene.
d. Point out potential physical evidence to medical personnel, instruct them to minimize contact with such evidence (e.g., ensure that
medical personnel preserve all clothing and personal effects without cutting through bullet holes, knife tears), and document movement of
persons or items by medical personnel.
e. Instruct medical personnel not to “ clean up” the scene and to avoid removal or alteration of items originating from the scene.
f. If medical personnel arrived first, obtain the name, unit, and telephone number of attending personnel, and the name and the location
of the medical facility where the victim is to be taken.
g. If there is a chance the victim may die, attempt to obtain “ dying declaration”. In some instances, fingerprint and shoe impressions of
medical personnel may need to be taken for elimination purposes.
h. Document any statements/ comments made by victims, suspects, or witnesses at the scene.
i. If the victim or suspect is transported to a medical facility, send a law enforcement official with the victim or suspect to document any
comments made and preserve evidence. ( If no officers are available to accompany the victim/ suspect, stay preserve evidence and
document any comments made by the victims or suspect).
Remember: Assisting, guiding, and instructing medical personnel during the care and removal of injured persons will diminish the risk of
contamination and loss of evidence. Safeguard evidence, such as a weapon, that is taken into custody. Follow chain-of-custody
procedures as soon as the evidence is collected.
Controlling, identifying and removing persons at the crime scene, and limiting the number of persons who enter the crime scene and the
movement of such persons is an important function of the initial responding officer(s) in protecting the crime scene.
a. Control all individuals at the scene-prevent individuals from altering/destroying physical evidence by restricting movement, location
and the activity while ensuring and maintaining safety at the scene.
b. Identify all individuals at the scene, such as:
Suspects: Secure and separate.
Witnesses: Secure and separate.
Bystanders: Determine whether witness, if so treat as above; if not, remove from the scene.
Victims/ family/ friends: Control while showing compassion.
Law Enforcement, Medical and other assisting personnel.
Exclude unauthorized and nonessential personnel from the scene (e.g., law enforcement officials not working the case,
politicians,media).
Remember: Controlling the movement of persons at the crime scene and limiting the number of persons who enter the crime scene is
essential to maintaining scene integrity, safeguarding evidence and minimizing contamination.
Defining and controlling boundaries provide a means for protecting and securing the crime scene(s). The number of crime scenes
and their boundaries are determined by their location(s) and the type of crime. Boundaries are established beyond the initial scope of the
crime scene(s) with the understanding that the boundaries can be reduced in size if necessary but cannot be as easily expanded.
a. Establish boundaries of the scene(s), starting at the focal point and extending outward to include:
Where the crime occurred.
Potential points and paths of exit and entry of suspects and witnesses.
Places where the victims/ evidence may have been moved (be aware of trace and impression evidence while assessing the
scene).
b. Secure the scene. Set up physical barriers (e.g., ropes, cones, crime scene barrier tape, available vehicles,personnel, other
equipment) or use existing boundaries (e.g., doors, walls, gates).
c, Document the entry/ exit of all people entering and leaving the scene, once boundaries have been established.
d, Protect the scene. Control the flow of personnel and animals entering and leaving the scene to maintain integrity of the scene.
Remember: Establishing boundaries is a critical aspect in controlling the integrity of evidentiary material.
Fundamental Principle: Briefing the investigator(s) taking charges assists in controlling the crime scene, helps establish further
investigative responsibilities and assists with the managing of resources.
As a Rule: The initial responding officer(s) at the scene shall provide a detailed crime scene briefing to the investigator(s) in charge of
the scene.
The initial responding officer(s) should:
a. Brief the investigator(s) taking charge.
b. Assist in controlling the scene
c. Turn over responsibility for the documentation of entry/exit.
d. Remain at the scene until relieved of duty.
Document Actions and Observations. All activities conducted and observations made at the crime scene must be documented as
soon as possible after the event to preserve information.
As a Rule: The initial responding officer (s) shall maintain documentation as a permanent record.
a. Observations of the crime scene, including the location of persons and items within the crime scene and the appearance and
condition of the scene upon arrival.
b. Conditions upon arrival (e.g., lights on/ off; shades up/down,open/closed; doors and windows open/ closed; smells;ice liquids;
movable furniture; weather; temperature; and personal items.)
c. Personal information from witnesses, victims, suspects and any statements or comments made.
d. Their own actions and actions of others.
Setting up a location where crime scene investigation activities can be coordinated, media meetings can be held, and team
meetings can occur is very valuable. This command post provides a central location for crime scene investigation activities and
assessment of resources.The establishment of Command Post is critical to the communications among the crime scene responders.
Manage a witness
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As a rule: The investigator(s) in charge shall identify and secure witnesses to crimes, interview them at the scene, if applicable,
and process them according to the department regulations.
A. Interview any witnesses at the scene separately. Obtain written/recorded statements from each witness at the Police Station.
B. Transport each witness to the police station separately from other witnesses or suspects.
Assessment of the scene by the investigator(s) in charge allows for the determination of the type of incident to be investigated
and the level of investigation to be conducted.
The investigator(s) in charge shall identify specific responsibilities, share preliminary information, and develop investigative
plans in accordance plans in accordance with the office policy.
Remember: Scene assessment allows for the development of a plan for the coordinated identification, collection, and preservation of
physical evidence and identification of witnesses. It also allows for the exchange of information among law enforcement personnel and
the development of investigative strategies.
The scene “walk-through” provides an overview of the entire scene. Identifies any threats to scene integrity, and ensures
protection of physical evidence. Written and photographic documentation provides a permanent record.
A “walk-through” should only be completed if there will be no disturbing of evidence. There may be the need for the immediate
documentation and collection of evidence prior to the walk through.
As a rule: The investigator(s) in charge shall conduct a walk-through of the scene. The walk-through shall be conducted with individuals
responsible for processing the scene.
Remember: Conducting a scene walk-through provides the investigator(s) in charge with an overview of the entire scene. The walk-
through provides the first opportunity to identify valuable and/or fragile evidence and determine initial investigative procedures,
providing for a systematic examination and documentation records the condition of the scene as first observed, providing a permanent
record.
Detailed entry/exit logs should be created.An entry/exit log is used to document the people who come to and go from a crime
scene during the investigation. People who were at the crime scene before the investigation began are also noted in this log.
The officer monitoring the log, the “Log Officer,” is assigned the task by Supervising Officer and is responsible for completing
this task and monitoring the log at all times. The Log Officer is responsible for ensuring that the log is filled out thoroughly and anyone
entering the scene has a stated purpose there.
a. Position the log so that it is clearly visible. Set up the log for people to use when arriving to and departing from the scene. Record the
following information about the crime scene:
Crime scene location
Name of witnesses
Name of victims
Name of persons taken into custody
Name of first responders and approximate arrival times
Name of Supervising Officer and approximate arrival time ( approximate time should be used if arrival time was
before the log was established)
b. Record the information below for each person at the scene. If not using an official log book or forms, leave spaces where this
information can be recorded:
Arrival date
Time of arrival
Name
Identification and Unit numbers
Organization (if not with the investigating department)
Reason for being at the scene Log information should include:
The arrival and departure times of all personnel at the crime scene, including the Medical Examiner, crime scene
technician and State’s Attorney.
Information about: who is at the crime scene and why they are their; incident number;first responder names, Log
Officer and Supervising Officer names, shield numbers, Unit numbers;location of crime scene; name of victim(s).
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Before making it available to crime scene visitors, record logistical data (time,crime visitors, location, names of
victims and witnesses, etc.) in the entry/exit log.
Ensure that the departure time for any person departing from the scene is recorded prior that person actually leaving.
If someone exits the scene without reporting to the Log Officer, that officer can enter an estimated departure time
along with a note stating the rationale for it being estimated.
Store the log in a secure location and as mandated by departmental regulations.
Remember: Note-taking and an entry/exit log records the persons present at a crime scene for investigative and prosecutorial purposes.
Team Composition
Fundamental Principle: it is essential to a successful investigation to select a team of trained personnel to perform scene processing, based
on the type of incident and complexity of the scene.
As a rule: The investigator(s) in charge shall assess the scene to determine team composition and specialized resources required.
Procedure: Following the walk-through, investigator(s) in charge should:
a. Assess the need for additional personnel. They should be aware of the need for additional personnel in cases involving multiple
scenes, multiple victims, numerous witnesses or unique circumstances.
b. Assess forensic need and call forensic specialists to the scene for expertise and/or equipment.
c. Ensure that scene security and the entry/exit documentation are continued.
d. Select qualified person to perform specialized task (e.g., photography, sketch, latent prints evidence collection)
e. Document team members and assignments..
Remember: The assessment of the scene(s)determines the number of personnel and how responsibilities will be assigned.
Contamination Control
Contamination control and preventing cross contamination at single or multiple scenes is essential to maintaining the safety of
personnel and the integrity of evidence
As a rule:The investigator in charge shall require all personnel to follow procedures to ensure scene safety and evidence integrity.
Documentation
An assessment of the scene determines what kind of documentation is needed (e.g., photography,video,sketches,measurements,
notes).
Significance of Sketch:
A sketch of a crime scene is required when spatial relationships or proportional measurements are needed. Use spatial
relationships to relate evidence to other objects. Use proportional measurements to calculate such things as bullet trajectory
angles or to reconstruct accident details.
The rough sketch is the first sketch drawn at the scene; multiple rough sketches may be required depending on the crime. The
sketch includes scene outline with the location of objects and evidence clearly marked. A finished sketch is derived from the
rough sketch.
Draw the rough sketch before anything is moved or destroyed, and after photographs are taken. Do not alter the scene.
Depending on the crime, draw one or all of these types of sketches: a sketch showing the surrounding areas, a sketch showing
only measurements, and a sketch showing locations of objects, such as the locations of evidence, victim(s),etc.
Measurements should be accurate to within 1/4”. Include, outside of the drawn crime scene, measurements for dimensions of
rooms, furniture, doors and windows, and distances between objects, entrances and exits, bodies and persons. Draw details, such
as object size, proportionally in a rough sketch.
Draw the rough sketch before anything is moved or destroyed, and after photographs are taken. Do not alter the scene.
Determine the scale to use for all sketches. The usual scale for outdoor scenes is on inch equals twenty feet. The usual scale for
indoor scenes is one eight inch equals one foot. Select which standard units of measurement will be used whether it be: metric (meters,
centimeters) or English (feet,inches). An important consideration when determining the scale is fitting the scene to the sketch paper.
Categories of Sketches:
There are four categories of sketches:
Perspective- A perspective sketch contains a vanishing point and depicts objects of evidence as they would appear to the eye reference
to relative distance and depth.
Projection- A projection sketch usually contains only one viewpoint and depicts objects on one plane. The overview sketch (of the
horizontal plane) is the most common type of sketch and is usually done from a bird’s eye view; it shows the floor plan. Less common is
the elevation sketch (of the vertical plane), which shows a side view typically of landscapes or buildings.
Schematic- The schematic sketch is used when it is desirable to represent a sequence of events such as following the trajectory of a bullet
through ac rime scene location.
Detailed- The detailed sketch is used when describing a small area that is not easily incorporated into the overall drawing due to the scale
chosen for the rough or finished scale drawing. This is especially useful for large crime scenes.
Four (4) Techniques used to obtain accurate measurements for the sketch
There are four measuring techniques used to obtain accurate measurements for the sketch:
Triangulation Method- The triangulation method utilizes two fixed permanent objects within the crime scene. Measurements are taken
from each fixed point to each piece of evidence.
Rectangular Coordinate Method- The rectangular coordinate method is used when measuring the distance to an object from two
mutually perpendicular objects, such as walls that meet at 90-degree angle.
Polar Coordinate Method- The polar coordinate method is more appropriate for an outdoor scene in which only a single fixed or
reference point is present. Measure both the distance and direction (angle) an object is from a known reference point. The angle can be
measured with either a large protractor or an optical device.
Photography
Common crime scene investigation photography is an important part of the documentation of a crime scene. Photographs are
typically taken based upon the perspective of the camera to the target.
a. Overall
b. Midrange
c. Close-up
Impressions on Glass:
When the impression is on glass and when possible:
Impressions on a Mirror:
When the impression is on a mirror, hold the flash to the side (oblique lighting); use a tripod to avoid being in the photograph.
Dust Impressions: When photographing a dust impression or an impression in an impression in a soft material *e.g., wax or putty), use
reflective lighting (also known oblique lighting).When using reflective lighting, if detail does not appear sufficiently, block the ambient
light and then experiment with positioning the light or flash in other locations until the desired result is achieved.
Impressions on a Porous Surface:
When the impression is on a porous surface, position the light or flash wherever the best results or contrast can be achieved, such
as at a 90-degree angle from the impression.Photograph bloodstains or other bodily fluid stains using color film or digital camera.
Carefully place the camera plane perpendicular plane of the stain and ruler. Stay alert to the location of the bloodstains, so equipment
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touched to the stain.
Collection of Evidence
Fundamental Principle: The collection of evidence must be prioritized to prevent loss, destruction, or contamination. The investigator(s)
in charge and team members shall determine the order in which evidence is collected.
Fundamental Principle: The thorough search of a crime scene helps ensure that all relevant evidence will be
recognized,documented and collected. The investigator(s) in charge shall consider different search strategies for crime scenes
depending upon locale and the number of officials available to aid in searching.
Lane or Strip Searches are accomplished by the searchers walking in parallel along defined lanes in the same direction.
A Grid Search is a lane search that is conducted by completing a lane search in one direction and then completing a lane search in
a perpendicular direction. While it takes twice as long as a lane search, it provides a more thorough search of an area.
`` A Zone Search involves dividing the area to be searched into adjacent zones. The smaller the size of the zone, the more
methodical the search can be. Zone searches may be done by multiple searchers per zone.
Spiral search involves a spiral into (inward) or out from (outward) a crime scene. A practical disadvantages with outward spiral
searches is the evidence may be destroyed as the searchers move to the center of the crime scene area to begin their outward search.
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QUIZ
Name:___________________________________________________________________Course/Year:__________
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2. Grid Search
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Zone Search
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Spiral Search
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
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