INTERMEDIATE CRIME SCENE SEARCH TCOLE Course 2106 32

INTERMEDIATE CRIME SCENE SEARCH TCOLE Course # 2106 32 to 40 hours AND BCCO PCT #4 Power. Point UNIT THREE

Learning Objectives Learning Objective 3. 1 The student will be able to summarize major issues of crime scene investigation. Learning Objective 3. 1. 1 The student will be able to list a basic guideline for conducting a crime scene search. Learning Objective 3. 1. 2 The student will be able to identify the methods of conducting a preliminary investigation. Learning Objective 3. 1. 3 The student will be able to explain the importance for establishing a “chain of custody

Learning Objective 3. 1. 4 The student will be able to explain the importance for conducting a final survey of the crime scene. Learning Objective 3. 1. 5 The student will be able to explain the importance for debriefing the search team. Learning Objective 3. 1. 6 The student will be able to explain the importance for maintaining a case file. Learning Objective 3. 1. 7 The student will be able to explain the importance for conducting a followup investigation

3. 0 Investigating a Crime Scene

3. 1 Major Crime Scene Investigation Issues

3. 1. 1 Guidelines for Conducting Crime Scene Search A. The basic steps of which a crime scene search normally progresses are as follows: 1. Approach scene 2. Secure and protect 3. Preliminary survey

Continued: 3. 1. 1 4. Evaluate the possibilities of physical evidence. 5. Establish a “chain of custody. ” custody 6. Narrative description 7. Photograph scene. 8. Sketch scene. 9. Fingerprints/Latent prints. 10. Identify, collect mark, mark and preserve evidence

11. Evaluation of DNA evidence. 3. 1. 1 12. Detailed search 13. Evaluation of actual physical evidence 14. Collection, recording, marking and preservation of evidence 15. Final survey to ensure conditions of the crime scene have been documented as thoroughly as possible.

Continued: 3. 1. 1 16. Release scene after to ensure that all evidence is appropriately collected, marked for identification, and properly documented. 17. Debriefing. 18. Notify next of kin 19. Transport evidence, evidence body, etc. 20. Create case file.

SEARCH TEAMS DE-BRIEFING

Continued: 3. 1. 1 21. Lab results, autopsy, etc. 22. Press release or news conference. 23. Follow-up investigation Note: Refer to Agency policy, procedures and protocol for particular order of steps

3. 1. 2 Preliminary Investigation Methods A. Basic steps of a preliminary investigation. 1. Upon arrival at the scene, determine if a crime has been committed. (The specific crime and elements of the offense. )

Continued: 2. Cautiously approach and enter the 3. 1. 2 crime scene, scene perform a “walk through, ” through remaining observant of any person, vehicles, events, potential evidence, and environmental conditions. 3. Provide first aid to injured persons and request emergency medical attention, if necessary. 4. Determine if a weapon is involved and secure it.

5. Locate and interview victims and 3. 1. 2 witnesses. Keep witnesses separated Be aware of any persons or vehicles attempting to leave the scene. 6. Obtain identification of witnesses’ witnesses name, date of birth, address, residential telephone number, place of employment, and work phone number and other important information. 7. Document specific information in “field notes” notes regarding the crime scene.

3. 1. 2 8. Identify and arrest the person responsible, if possible. Determine whether a "fresh pursuit" pursuit would be of value (if the suspect is still in the vicinity). 9. Conduct a “neighborhood or door-todoor canvass, ” if necessary. 10. Remain alert and attentive 11. Follow Agency policy, procedures and protocols.

3. 1. 2 (B. ) Field Notes 1. Good report-writing skills and style are necessary.

2. Develop a note taking system, such as using initials instead of complete names. However, do not make it difficult for others to interpret your notes. DOCUMENT AND DOCUMENT

3. 1. 2 (B. ) 3. Use spiral notebooks, notebooks interview field (IF) cards, tape recorders, recorders or other. 4. Obtain and record the following information: a. WHO b. WHAT d. WHERE e. WHY c. WHEN f. HOW

3. 1. 2 (B. ) • • WHO observed the crime? Saw the suspects? Committed the crime? Had a motive for committing the crime? • Accompanied the suspect? • Called the police? • Is/was the victim?

3. 1. 2 (B. ) WHAT • crime was committed? • Was stolen, damaged, or otherwise affected? • Evidence has been located? • Statements were made? • Additional information is needed?

3. 1. 2 (B. ) • • • WHEN Was the crime reported? reported Did the crime occur? (TIME) TIME Were the police notified? When did you arrive on scene? Was any evidence located? TIMES are essential to your case.

3. 1. 2 (B. ) WHERE • Did the crime occur? (Location) Location • Was the evidence located? • Do the suspects live? live • Do the witnesses live? • Was marks on victim found?

3. 1. 2 (B. ) WHY • Was the crime committed? • Was that victim chosen? • Was that location chosen? • Was that specific property taken?

3. 1. 2 (B. ) HOW • Did the suspects get in? • Was the crime committed? • Was evidence discovered? • Was victim found? (In what physical and/or mental condition)

3. 1. 2 (C. ) Crime Scene Protection 1. Protect the crime scene from destruction, destruction contamination, or removal of evidence and loss of property. 2. If necessary, use street barricades, ropes, "police line" line tape, or additional personnel around the perimeter to keep unauthorized persons out.

3. 1. 2 (D. ) Potential Evidence 1. Once evidence has been located, remind personnel not to touch, touch move, move or handle the items, in any way, until the evidence has been: a. Photographed b. Sketched. c. Documented d. Ready to be collected, collected marked, marked and preserved

3. 1. 3 Chain of Custody A. A record of all individuals who handle the evidence, as well as any details of events. B. Documentation should begin during the preliminary investigation. C. Ensure that evidence tags are created

YOU WILL USE These forms for YOUR PRACTICAL EXCERISES EVIDENCE Agency: ____________ Case #: _____________ Officer: _______ Printed Last Name Printed First Name Badge #: _____ Initials _____ Date: ____/____ Time: ____ Location: ____________ City Physical address item recovered __________ State Zip Brief Description of Evidence:

Continued: 3. 1. 3 D. Each time the evidence exchanges possession from one person to another, or moves from one location to another, the investigator must record this transaction. E. It is critical to record all pertinent information possible and maintain the chain of custody. F. Always follow department policy & procedures SOP and protocol

3. 1. 4 Final Survey of the Crime Scene A. Consists of a final “walk through” through of the crime scene. B. Ensures that all evidence has been collected and scene has been processed prior to release. IMPORTANT

Continued: 3. 1. 4 C. Ensures that evidence, evidence equipment, or materials are not inadvertently left behind and dangerous materials or conditions have been reported and addressed. D. During the walk through, through the following should be ensured: 1. Each area identified as part of the crime scene is visually inspected

3. 1. 4 D. 2. All evidence collected at the scene is accounted for. D. 3. All equipment and materials generated by the investigation are removed D. 4. Any dangerous materials or conditions are reported and addressed. D. 5. Crime scene is released in accordance to department policy

3. 1. 5 Debriefing Search Team A. Usually established and conducted by investigator (s) who are in charge of the search. B. Conducted after the final survey is completed.

Continued: 3. 1. 5 C. Enables law enforcement personnel and other responders to share information regarding particular scene findings prior to releasing the scene.

Continued: 3. 1. 5 D. Provides an opportunity for input regarding future follow-up investigation, special requests for assistance, and the establishment and verification of post-scene responsibilities (Body identification, notification, press relations, and evidence transportation).

Continued: 3. 1. 5 E. Determines/identify the need for a specialist (e. g. crime laboratory technicians, social services, entomologists, OSHA ). . F. Communicate with the pathologist about responding to the scene or to schedule an autopsy, if necessary.

Continued: 3. 1. 5 G. Share investigative data (if collaborating with other law enforcement agencies/jurisdictions).

Continued: 3. 1. 5 H. Helps in following ways: 1. Determine what evidence was collected 2. Discuss preliminary scene findings with team members. 3. Discuss potential technical forensic testing, crime laboratory, storage facility, and the sequence of tests to be performed.

Continued: 3. 1. 5 I. Good opportunity for investigators and other responders to ensure that the crime scene search is complete J. Allows law enforcement officials to prepare a press release or public news conference, if necessary Remember the “MEDIA” can help you find perpetrators !

Continued: 3. 1. 5 K. Allows the investigator (s) in charge make special requests and to remind all responders of maintaining confidentiality of case. L. Follow agency policy and protocol. ALWAYS

3. 1. 6 Case File A. Reports and other documents are compiled into a case file by the investigator(s) in charge of the search. B. The file is a record of all actions taken and evidence collected at the scene

Continued: 3. 1. 6 C. This documentation allows for independent review of the work conducted, or if preparing a case for prosecution. D. A case file contains the following information: 1. Initial responding officer (s) documentation. 2. Emergency medical personnel documentation.

Continued: 3. 1. 6. D. 3. Entry/exit documentation 4. Photographs/ Photographs videos 5. Crime scene sketches & diagrams 6. Evidence documentation/copies of tags.

Continued: 3. 1. 6. D. 7. Other responder’s documentation. 8. Record/copy of consent form or search warrant. 9. Forensic reports, reports as they become available.

NEW Continued: 3. 1. 6. D. 10. Case Reading File. a. Time/date activity log. b. Chronological order from oldest to newest entry. c. Short summary of what you do concerning this case. d. Ready reference tells you what you need to do and by when.

3. 1. 7 Follow-Up Investigation A. Reasons for conducting a follow -up investigation. 1. Conducted to follow-up on leads pertinent to the case once the preliminary investigation has been concluded.

Continued: 3. 1. 7. A 2. Should be based on what is discovered or learned during the preliminary investigation. 3. Consists of double checking on addresses, possible escape routes, and other leads that may provide important new information.

Continued: 3. 1. 7 B. Tasks performed in a follow-up investigation include the following: 1. Analyzing reports and documents to ensure accuracy 2. Reviewing official departmental records and files for more evidence. 3. Gathering information on friends and associates of suspect (s).

Continued: 3. 1. 7. B 4. Examining the victim’s background. 5. Checking police intelligence files to develop potential suspect (s). 6. Organizing police actions, actions such as neighborhood canvassing, raids, and search warrants.

RESOURCES Intermediate Crime Scene Search Participant Handout TEXAS COMMISSION ON LAW ENFORCEMENT Course # 2106 TRAINING SUPPLEMENT Hosted By: Bexar County Constable Office PCT#4

Questions?

TAKE a 15 -MINUTE BREAK

SOURCES • DOJ Research Report, Death Investigation: A Guide for the Scene Investigator, November 1999. • DOJ Research Report, Eyewitness Evidence: A Guide for Law Enforcement, October 1999.

THANK YOU STAY SAFE & STAY VILIGANT This Power. Point and all associated lesson materials herein are the property of BCCO PCT#4