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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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