1. Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003 WMD HAZMAT Evidence Collection Course CBRNE/HAZMAT Evidence Collection Steps 5-8

2. Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003 Objectives Discuss 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

3. 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 Evidence Courtesy of CDP

4. Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003 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

5. Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003 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

6. Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003 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

7. Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003 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

8. Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003 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

9. Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003 Photographing the CBRNE Crime Scene Use 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 Photographer Photo courtesy of FBI

10. Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003 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

11. Tips for Taking Photographs Use at least three positions or views—distant, medium range, and close-up view of evidence Three Views of Evidence Courtesy of CDP

12. Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003 Use of Digital Photography as Evidence Digital 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

13. Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003 Prepare a Crime Scene Sketch The 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

14. 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 Sketch Courtesy of CDP

15. Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003 Conclusion Discuss 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

16. Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003 CBRNE/HAZMAT Evidence Collection Steps 5-8—End of Module WMD HAZMAT Evidence Collection Course