Searching the Crime Scene Basic Steps to searching

Searching the Crime Scene

Basic Steps to searching crime scenes v Approach v Be scene alert for discarded evidence v Make pertinent notes as to possible approach or escape routes

Secure and Protect Scene v Take control of scene of arrival v First officer on scene will have already cleared the area and roped off scene Determine extent to which scene has thus far been protected-usually scene needs to be twice what the arriving officer has secured Ensure adequate scene security

v Obtain information from personnel who have entered scene and have knowledge relative to its original conditions-document who has been at the crime scene v Take extensive notes-DO NOT RELY ON MEMORY v Keep out unauthorized personnel- begin recording who enters and leaves

Start Preliminary Survey v This survey is an organizational stage to plan of the entire search v A cautious walk-through of the scene is done v Acquire preliminary photographs v Develop general theory of the crime v Make extensive notes to document scene physical and environmental conditions

Evaluate Physical Evidence Possibilities v Based on what is known from preliminary surveydetermine what evidence is LIKELY to be present v Concentrate on the most transient evidence and work back to the least transient forms of material v Focus on the easily accessible areas in open view and progress to the “hidden” items

v Consider what evidence appears to have been moved inadvertently v Evaluate whether or not the scene appears intentionally “set up”

Prepare Narrative Description (written, audio, video) v The purpose of this step is to provide a running narrative of the conditions at the crime sceneconsider what should be present at a scene(victim’s purse or vehicle), is not present, and what is out of place v Represent scene in general to specific schemeconsider lights on/off, newspaper in drive, drapes pulled, and heat off/on

Photograph Scene v Begin photography as soon as possible-plan before shooting v Document each photo using a photo log v Make sure the overall, medium and close up views are taken v Use a scale for size- lay a ruler beside items v Make sure to photograph all evidence in place before collection and packaging

v Be observant of and photograph areas adjacent to the crime scene –ex- points of entry, exits, windows, attics, etc v Photograph items, places to corroborate the statements of witnesses, victims, and suspects v Take at eye level to represent scene at normal view v Photograph all fingerprints prior to lifting

Prepare diagram/sketch of scene v The diagram establishes permanent record of items, conditions, and size/distance relationships to supplement photos v Rough sketch is drawn at scene to use as a model for finished sketch v Number designations on sketch can be coordinated with same on evidence log

Things that should be included on diagram Location v Date v Time v Case number v Preparer v Weather conditions v Lighting conditions v Scale or scale disclaimer v Compass orientation v Evidence v Measurements v Key or legend v

v General progression of sketches lay out basic perimeter set forth fixed objects record position of evidence record appropriate measurements make key/legend insert compass

Best practices for searching crime scenes The best search options are typically the most difficult and time consuming v You cannot “over document” the physical evidence v There is only one chance to do the job v A cautious search of visible areas-take steps to avoid loss or contamination v After cautious search, a vigorous search for hidden areas v

Conduct final survey Critical to all aspects of the search v Discuss the search with all personnel v Double check documentation v Make sure you leave scene with all collected evidence v Make sure possible hiding places have not been overlooked v Critical issues- have you gone far enough in search for evidence, documented all things and made no assumptions that could prove to be false? v

Release the Scene Only after final survey is done v Make note of time and date, who released the scene, and whom it was released to v Give an inventory to the person who scene released to –for legal reasons v Once scene is released a warrant will be required to reentry v Consider calling specialists –blood pattern analysts, medical examiner before releasing v

Conduct detailed search, record, and collect evidence v Use the preliminary survey as a guide v Start in a general manner and progress to specific v Use specialized search pattern- grid, strip, spiral, etc v Photograph, sketch, and record all items into evidence log before removing

v Make sure containers holding evidence are labeled with initials of collecting investigator v Seal all packages at crime scene v Obtain known standards for comparisons (fiber samples from carpet) v Check and double check all paperwork