General Crime Scene General Crime Scene ProceduresProcedures

Securing the sceneSecuring the scene

DocumentationDocumentation

Collection of EvidenceCollection of Evidence

First Responding OfficersFirst Responding Officers

Usually consist of police, fire department, Usually consist of police, fire department, and emergency/medical personneland emergency/medical personnel

First concern: SAFETY of the victimsFirst concern: SAFETY of the victims 2) Then, search for and arrest suspect if 2) Then, search for and arrest suspect if

still on the scene.still on the scene. 3) Detain all witnesses, and keep them 3) Detain all witnesses, and keep them

separated to preserve their objectivity.separated to preserve their objectivity. 4) Protect the scene 4) Protect the scene

Protecting the SceneProtecting the Scene

Begin by using barrier Begin by using barrier tape.tape.

Establish a crime Establish a crime scene security log to scene security log to record the names of record the names of ALL people who enter ALL people who enter or exit the scene.or exit the scene.

Do not contaminate Do not contaminate the scene or let the scene or let unauthorized unauthorized personnel to enter.personnel to enter.

Note all movements Note all movements and alterations to the and alterations to the original scene, by original scene, by police and emergency police and emergency personnel.personnel.

Survey of the SceneSurvey of the Scene

Performed when the Performed when the crime scene crime scene investigator has investigator has arrived.arrived.

A ‘walk-through’ is A ‘walk-through’ is performed in which performed in which instant photography is instant photography is taken. taken.

Evidence that needs Evidence that needs to be immediately to be immediately processed is noted.processed is noted.

Points of entry and Points of entry and exit and travel paths exit and travel paths are noted.are noted.

Weather conditions Weather conditions may require quick may require quick processing or processing or precautionary precautionary measures.measures.

DocumentationDocumentation

There is a specific sequence to follow:There is a specific sequence to follow: Taking notesTaking notes, written notes provide a , written notes provide a

record of all crime scene activities. Notes record of all crime scene activities. Notes include arrival information, scene and include arrival information, scene and victim description.victim description.

VideotapingVideotaping has become routine due to its has become routine due to its ability to capture the scene in 3-D and its ability to capture the scene in 3-D and its acceptability to juries.acceptability to juries.

DocumentationDocumentation Photography provides an accurate picture Photography provides an accurate picture

of the physical evidence present at the of the physical evidence present at the crime scene.crime scene.

It is best to photograph from general to It is best to photograph from general to specific. Take wide view shots of the entire specific. Take wide view shots of the entire crime scene. Then, take close-up pictures crime scene. Then, take close-up pictures of the scene documenting physical of the scene documenting physical evidence.evidence.

Sketch of the SceneSketch of the Scene

Based on identifying Based on identifying two fixed starting two fixed starting points, and all of the points, and all of the other subsequent other subsequent measurements are in measurements are in relation to those relation to those points.points.