ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

I. INTRODUCTION TO THE CRIME SCENE AND THE CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR RESPONSIBILITIES

A.The purpose of crime scene investigation: 1.To help establish what happened (crime scene reconstruction). 2.To identify the responsible person.

3.Carefully documenting the conditionsat a crime scene and recognizing allrelevant physical evidence.

a. Critical to both solving and prosecuting violent crimes.

4.Protecting and searching a crime scene plays a critical role in determining whether physical evidence will be used in solving or prosecuting crimes.

B.Crime scene investigation is a difficult and time-consuming job.

1.Officers must exercise a careful and thoughtful approach.

2.Investigators must not leap to an immediate conclusionas to whathappened.

3.A good investigator will usually generate several different theories of the crime. a. Inferences about what happened are produced from the scene appearance upon arrival andinformation gathered from witnesses.

b.These theories will help guide the investigator to:

(1) document specific conditions. (2) recognize valuable evidence.

C. Locating evidence and documenting crime scene conditions include: 1.Immediately recording transient details such as lighting:

a.Where they on or off?

b.Where drapes open or closed?

c.What were the weather conditions?

d.Was furniture moved by medical teams?

2. Handle shoeprints or gunshot residue evidence with care. a.Very fragile and if not collected immediately can easily be destroyed or lost.

3.The investigation also includes consideration of arguments that may dispute the investigators theory and documenting conditions which would support or refute these arguments.

4.The investigator must be able to recognize what should be present at a scene.

a. He must look for objects whichappear to be out of place andmight have been left by thesuspect.

b.It is important to determine the fullextent of a crime scene. (1) The scene is not merely theimmediate area where a bodyis located or the suspectconcentrated his activities.

(2)A crime scene can alsoencompass a vehicle or theaccess and escape routes.

5.There are some common items that are frequently collected as evidence. a.fingerprints b.shoeprints

c. bloodstains

6.Any object can potentially become physical evidence. a.If something can be used to connect a victim to a suspect or a suspect to a victim or the crime scene is relevant physical evidence.

7.Weapons and burglar tools are easily recognized as significant physical evidence and frequently destroyed by the perpetrator.

a. Microscopic evidence consisting of hairs, fibers, or other small traces the assailant unknowingly leaves behind or takes with him may be the only physical evidence to find.

II.PERSONNEL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES A.There are certain personnel duties and responsibilities that are necessary in almost every major search operation.

1. Investigators should concentrate on the duties that are typically crucial to ensure that search efforts are conducted in an organized and methodical fashion.

2.It may not be feasible to have one person assigned to each duty. a. It is common for one person to accomplish two or more duties at a crime scene.

b.Interest and attitude of investigating personnel are paramount concerns. (1) Training and experience will best be used when potential team members possess a positive attitude.

(2) Long hours and attention to detail are often required of investigation personnel.

B.Team Leader - responsibilities 1.Assume control - ensure safety of personnel and security at scene. a. Ensure personnel use appropriate protective equipment.

b.Ensure personnel follow standard procedures to protect themselves from any health hazards such as blood or other human body fluid.

2. Conduct an initial walk-through of the crime scene: a. to make a preliminary survey.

b. to evaluate potential evidence.

c. to prepare a rough sketch of the scene.

3. Determine search patterns, and make appropriate assignments for team members.

4. Designate command post location and coordinate the exchange of information between search and investigative personnel. 5.Coordinate efforts with other law enforcement agencies involved and make sure a cooperative spirit is maintained.

6. Ensure that sufficient supplies and equipment are available for personnel. 7.Monitor access in and out of the crime scene and designate personnel to log everyone into the scene.

8.Constantly be evaluating the efficiency of search during the operation.9.Release the scene following a final survey and inventory to ensure all evidence has been located, collected and properly documented.

C. Photographer and photographic log recorder responsibilities 1.Photograph the entire area and crime scene before it is entered.

2.Photograph victims involved, the crowd, and all vehicles in area. 3.Photograph entire scenewith overall, medium and close-up coverage, using measurement scale when appropriate.

4.Photograph major evidence items before they are moved; co-ordinate this effort with the person designated to prepare the sketch. 5.Photograph all latent fingerprints and other impression evidence before lifting and casting are accomplished.

6.Prepare photographic log and photographic sketch.

D.Sketch preparer responsibilities 1.Diagram the immediate area of the incident scene. 2.Note location of significant items of evidence on sketch.

3.Take accurate measurements of scene and evidence.4.Record measurements on sketch. 5.Ensure necessary information, such as scale disclaimer (not drawn to scale), is recorded on the sketch.

E.Evidence recorder/custodian - responsibilities 1.Have significant evidence photographed before collection.

2.Describe evidence and the locationit was found on appropriate collection bag or envelope.

3.Sign and date evidence containers.(a)Maintain proper chain of custody. Case #:______________Date:________________Time:_______________Officer:______________Location:____________Signature:___________

4.Properly collect and package evidence prior to movement in order to maximize evidence integrity.5.Maintain an evidence log.

6.Use appropriate protective equipment (gloves) and adhere to approved methods when collecting evidence.

F.Forensic, scientific, and other specialists. 1. It is sometimes necessary to bring in expertise from an outside agency. (a) The field of forensic science is so broad today that few agencies will have every form of specialty service available from among its ranks.

2. Typically, specialists are brought in from industry, the academic community, private scientific laboratories, and similar concerns.

3.When dealing with outside specialists some pertinent aspects to consider are: a.the competence and reliability of the specialist.

b.the ability of the specialist to work at a scene within law enforcement guidelines.

c.the role of the specialist in presenting expert testimony in court.

4.Specialists should be identified before they are needed in an actual case. a. A current list should be maintained, if possible.

5.The following list provides examples of specialty assistance to be considered: a. Anthropologist one who studies the science of mankind

b. Blood Pattern Analyst expertin identifying blood types and causes of blood spatters.

c. Bomb Technician expert in the field of bomb identification and disposal.

d.Criminalist studies the science of crime.

e. Engineer person skilled in the principals and practice of engineering (construction).

f. Medical Examiner doctor who determines cause of death. g.Odontologist deals with science of teeth.

h.Surveyor determines boundaries, extent, and position of objects and natural features.

III.ORGANIZATION AND PROCEDURES FOR SEARCH OPERATIONSA. Preparation for a search of the crime scene. 1. Evaluate the current legalramifications of crime scene searches (e.g., obtaining of search warrants).

2.Discuss upcoming search with involved personnel before arrival at scene, if possible.

3. When feasible, select a person-in-charge prior to arrival at scene.

4. Consider the safety and comfort of search personnel, do not be caught unprepared when encountering a potentially dangerous scene or inclement weather.

a. Considerations should include:

(1) Clothing (2)Communication (3)Lighting assistance (4) Shelter (5)Medical assistance (6) Scene security (7) Equipment

5. Organize communication with services of a supplementary nature.

a. Medical examiner

b. Prosecuting attorney

(1) In order that questions which surface during crime scene search may be resolved.

6. Take steps to organize a "command post" headquarters for communication, decision-making, etc., in major or complicated investigations.

B. Basic stages in conducting a crime scene search.1.Approaching the crime or incident scene.

a.Be alert for discarded evidence.

b. Make pertinent notes as to possible approach and escape routes.

2. Secure and protect the scene.

a.Take control of scene on arrival.

b. Determine extent to which scene has thus far been protected.

c.Ensure adequate scene security.

d.Obtain information from personnelwho have entered the scene and have knowledge relative to its original conditions.

(1)Document who has been at scene. e. Take extensive notes - do not rely onmemory.

f. Keep out unauthorized personnel. (1)Begin recording the namesand agencies of people who enter and leave.

3.Initiate preliminary survey of the crime scene and determine boundaries.

a. The survey is an organizational stage to plan for the entire search of the crime scene.

b. A cautious walk-through of the scene is accomplished to get an overview. c. Person-in-charge maintains definite administrative and emotional control.

d. Select appropriate narrative description technique. e. Acquire preliminary photographs.

f. Mark the extent of the search area - usually expands beyond the initial perimeter.

g. Organize methods and procedures needed recognize special problemareas.

h. Determine personnel and equipment needs make specific assignments.

i. Identify and protect physical evidence.

j. Develop a general theory of the crime.k. Make extensive notes to documentscene physical and environmental conditions, assignments, movement of personnel, etc.

4.Evaluate physical evidence possibilities.

a.Determine what types of evidence may be present.

b. Concentrate on the most transient evidence and work to the least transient forms of this evidence.

c.Focus first on the easily accessible areas in open view and progress eventually to possible out-of-view locations - look for purposely hidden items.d.Consider whether the evidenceappears to have been movedinadvertently.

e. Evaluate whether or not the scene and evidence appears intentionally "contrived".

Staged traffic collisions

5. Prepare a narrative description of thescene. a. The purpose of this step is to provide an ongoing narrative of the conditions at the crime scene.

(1)Consider what should be present at a scene (victim's purse or vehicle) and what is out of place (ski mask).

b. Describe the scene in a "general to specific" manner.

(1)Consider situational factors:

lights on or off, heat on or off, newspaper on driveway or in house, drapes pulled, open or shut.

c. The narrative description should be organized in a logical sequence of events as they are completed.(1)It is recommended that evidence not be collected at this point unless necessary to prevent its loss or destruction.

d. Methods of completing a narrative description: (1) Written document.

(2) Audio tape. (3) Video tape.

6. Photographing the crime scene.a. Begin taking photographs as soon as possible.

(1) Plan where shots need to be taken before photographing.

b. Document where each photo is taken with a photographic log. c. Insure that a series of views beginning with an overall, medium and close-up views of the scene are established.

d. Photograph evidence where it is found before it is collected and packaged. e.Photograph areas adjacent to the crime scene that may be important.

(1)Points of entry, exits, windows, attics, etc.

f. Consider use of aerial photography if helpful.

g. Use photographs of items, places, etc., to corroborate the statements of witnesses, victims, suspects.

h. Take photographs from eye-level, when possible, to represent scene as it would be observed by normal view.I. Do not hesitate to photograph something which has no apparent significance at that time - it may later prove to be a key element in the investigation.

j.Prior to lifting latent fingerprints, photographs should be taken.

7.Prepare a diagram and sketch of scene. a.The diagram establishes a permanent record of items, conditions, and distance or size relationships found at the crime scene.

(1)Diagrams supplement photographs.

b. A rough sketch is drawn at thescene (normally it is not drawn to scale) and is used as a model for the finished sketch.

c.Typical information to include on the rough sketch: (1)Location of scene, date andtime.

(2)Case identifier and person preparing.

(3)Weather conditions and lighting conditions.

(4)Scale or scale disclaimer andcompass orientation. (5)Where evidence was found. (6)Measurements and a key or legend.

d. Numbers used to designate items on the sketch can be coordinated with the same number designations used on the evidence log in many instances.

e. Things to consider in developing sketches: (1)Lay out the basic perimeter of crime scene.

(2)Identify fixed objects, furniture, etc.

(3)Record location and position of evidence.

(4)Record appropriatemeasurements.

(5)Include key/legend, compassorientation, etc.

8.Conduct detailed search, record, and collect physical evidence. a. Accomplish search based on previous evaluation of evidence possibilities.

b. Conduct search in a general manner and work to the specifics regarding evidence items. c. Use of specialized search patterns (e.g., grid, strip) are recommended when possible.

d. Photograph all items before collection and enter appropriatecomments in photographic log. e. Mark evidence locations on diagram/sketch f. Complete evidence log with appropriate notations for each item of evidence.

g. Make certain that evidence or thecontainer of evidence is initialed by investigator collecting theevidence. h. Do not handle evidence unnecessarily after recovery. i. Seal all evidence containers at the crime scene.

j. Do not guess on packaging requirements of evidence. k. Inspect entrance and exit areas at scene for potential evidence.

l.Four basic premises of collectionof evidence: (1)The best search options aretypically the most difficult and time consuming.

(2)You cannot "over-document the physical evidence. (3)There is only one chance to perform the job properly.

(4)There are two basic search approaches, in this order:

(a)A "cautious" search of visible areas, taking steps to avoid evidence loss or contamination.

(b)After the "cautious search, a vigorous search for hidden and concealed areas.

9.Conduct a final survey of the scene. a. This survey is a critical review of all aspects of the search. b. Discuss the search jointly with all personnel for completeness.

c. Double check documentation todetect inadvertent errors.d. Check to ensure all evidence is accounted for before departing scene.

e.Ensure all equipment used in the search is gathered. f.Make sure possible hiding places of difficult access areas have not been overlooked in detailed search.

g. Critical issues:

(1) Have you gone far enough in the search for evidence? (2)Have you documented allessential things?

(3) Have you made no assumptions which may prove to be incorrect in the future?

10.Releasing the crime scene. a. Release is accomplished only after completion of the final survey.

b. At minimum, documentation should be made of: (1)Time and date scene is released.

(2)To whom has the scene been released?

(3) Who released the scene?

c. Once the scene has been formally released, reentry may require a warrant.d. Only the person-in-charge should have the authority to release the scene.

IV.DOCUMENTATION PROCEDURES A.Many law enforcement agencies use a variety of preprinted documents or forms.

1. Forms are designed to record certain aspects of crime scene investigation.

a.The purpose and goals behind using report forms are usually identical from one agency to another.

2. Report forms serve only as remindersof the minimum pertinent informationneeded to perform a task. a. Each scene usually requires some kind of deviation from the normal procedure.

(1) Changes are based on thecomplexities at hand.

b.Forms are not substitutes for thinking. (1)They are merely tools to assist personnel to fully exercise training and experience to meet the needs of a given situation.

B.There are six important categories of documentation that are considered necessary to any search.

1.Administrative worksheets. a. Used to document major events, times and movements relating to the search efforts.

b.Used to document initial and continuing steps that are taken to insure that an organized search is accomplished.

2. Narrative description.a.Documentation of the generalappearance of the scene as firstobserved.

b. Expanded detail regarding evidence or actual collection of evidence beyond the scope of the initial Narrative Description.

3. Photographic log.

a.Documentation of the process of scene photography which records the overall, medium, and close-up views of the scene.

b.A log is produced representing the technical and descriptive information concerning the photographing of the scene.

4. Diagram and sketch.

a.Used to document physical evidence locations, as well as measurements showing pertinent size and distance relationships in the crime scene area.

5. Evidence recovery log.

a.Used to document the recognition, collection, marking, and packaging of physical evidence.

(1) Important for administrative and chain of custody purposes.

6.Latent finger print lift log. a.Used to document the recognition, collection, marking, and packaging of lifts made of latent finger prints discovered at the scene.

this concludes

Crime Scene Investigation

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