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 4 5 6 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 Crime Scene Admin and Management 19 Crime Scene Admin and Management 20 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 Crime Scene Admin and Management 31 Crime Scene Admin and Management 32 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 35