Preservation and Collection of a Crime Scene By Mike Wiehe

 The student will › Explain steps for crime scene preparation › Identify the purpose and operational structure of a crime scene unit › Describe the basic six team positions of a crime scene unit Crime Scene Admin and Management 2

 The student will › Identify the 12 stages involved in evaluating a crime scene › List basic equipment required to process a crime scene › Describe basic safety considerations › Describe methods of controlling crime scene contamination Crime Scene Admin and Management 3

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7 Evidence teams need to be equipped with necessary vehicles and other resources to assist with crime scene searches

 Accumulate › packaging/collection of materials necessary for typical crime scenes › Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)  Monitor crime scene vehicle to be sure that it is properly packed out at all times  Liaison with specialists Crime Scene Admin and Management 8

 Clothing  Communication  Lighting assistance  Shelter  PPE  Food and liquids  Medical assistance  Scene security  Equipment  Specialty Tools Crime Scene Admin and Management 9

 Team Leader  Photographer  Sketch Preparer  Evidence Recorder/Custodian  Evidence Recovery Personnel  Specialists Crime Scene Admin and Management 10

 In charge of crime scene  Ensure safety of personnel  Prepare administrative log  Prepare narrative description  Conduct preliminary survey 11 Crime Scene Admin and Management

 Monitor search process  Make team assignments  Responsible for scene security  Conduct final survey  Release scene Crime Scene Admin and Management 12

Crime Scene Admin and Management 13 Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

 Take entry and exit photographs  Photograph entire scene: general, overall, medium and close-up (with/without a scale)  Photograph important evidence, latent fingerprints, impressions  Prepare photography log for a record 14 Crime Scene Admin and Management

15 Who? When? Where?

Crime Scene Admin and Management 16 How? What?

 Make the sketch/diagram  Designate and label areas  Document where items of evidence were found on the sketch  Take appropriate measurements  Place administrative information on the sketch › Case number, date, location, preparer › Indicate north › Not to scale › Key or legend Crime Scene Admin and Management 17

Crime Scene Admin and Management 18 Who? What? When? Where? This sketch is not to scale

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 Prepare the evidence log  Receive and record all evidence  Coordinate evidence packaging, preservation  Function as the evidence custodian 21 Crime Scene Admin and Management

22 Who?What?Where? Y/ND/I Paper Plastic Box Can Overpack Valuable Drug Firearm Bio- Hazard HazMat Explosive Wet

 Locate and collect evidence  Have significant evidence photographed before it is collected  Initial and date all evidence and turn it over to the evidence recorder/custodian Crime Scene Admin and Management 23

Crime Scene Admin and Management 24  Consider which specialists may be needed to assist with processing crime scene  anthropologists, entomologists, botanists, geologists, fingerprint specialists, bomb technicians, HAZMAT personnel, cadaver dogs, etc.

 Preparation  Approach scene  Secure and protect scene  Initiate preliminary survey  Evaluate physical evidence possibilities  Prepare narrative description Crime Scene Admin and Management 25

 Depict scene photographically  Prepare diagram/sketch of scene  Conduct detailed search  Record and collect physical evidence  Conduct final survey  Release scene Crime Scene Admin and Management 26

 Assign tasks › Team leader, photographer, sketcher, search personnel  Acquire equipment and supplies › Paperwork, packaging materials, PPE  Evaluate legal ramifications › Has a search warrant been obtained Crime Scene Admin and Management 27

 Consider comforts of personnel › Food, water, shifts  Determine need for specialized assistance › Bomb techs, HAZMAT, CART, cadaver dogs Crime Scene Admin and Management 28

 Careful approach › Avoid destroying evidence › Be aware of transient evidence, foot and tire impressions, hairs and fibers  Make pertinent notes concerning observations Crime Scene Admin and Management 29

 Consider personal safety › PPE  Establish Perimeter › Outdoor: larger perimeter › Indoor: more self contained Crime Scene Admin and Management 30

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 Determine extent of scene protection  Check for adequate scene security  Obtain information regarding the original condition of the crime scene  Take extensive notes; do not rely on memory Crime Scene Admin and Management 33

 Keep out unauthorized personnel  Record who enters and leaves scene  Protect outdoor locations from weather 34 Crime Scene Admin and Management

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