Management of Crime Scenes

Transcription

1 Management of Crime Scenes When the Call comes Document date, time, information received, and your actions and responses Prepare yourself Be calm Be safe Think Upon Arrival Duty to render aid Duty to protect public Officer Safety 4th Amendment issues (if there are no exigent circumstances and scene is swept for safety you need consent or a search warrant to search further) Protect and preserve scene Remember there is no crime scene exception to the exclusionary rule (seek legal guidance when needed) Five Major Components When You Arrive at the Crime Scene Control the scene. Stabilize, secure, and set a perimeter surrounding the scene Make order from chaos. Obtain the best and most accurate information possible. Specific facts Assemble teams and delegate responsibilities to address issues. Be clear with what you expect others to do in support of your efforts. Provide objective, articulable, and factual briefings to supervisors. Verification "of all facts possible Establish sound communication linkage with your supervisor and responding investigators. There is wisdom, not weakness in asking for advise, guidance and counsel Communication, cooperation, and coordination is critical

2 Preliminary information is Almost Always inaccurate. Establish a basis of knowledge in witnesses (ask the question to all witnesses and officers how do you know ) Demand specifics from everyone in all interviews to ensure you gather reliable, thorough and complete information CORROBORATE ALL INFORMATION you can through other sources Develop Situational Awareness Observe in everything in detail Actively listen Use all your senses Objectively evaluate all facts and circumstances Prevent tunnel vision or remaining boxed into paradigms. Be open minded, look from the outside in. If you have to choose between two hypotheses, choose the simplest. Factor into the overall equation history, culture, political issues, and environment. Take specific and timely notes (Document well) Define and Describe the Situation What do the facts support? What does the scene require? List priorities Forecast probable issues or consequences Facts versus fiction issue. Stress verification through basis of knowledge establishment with everyone Assess any and all safety issues Ensure your command is briefed on all issues Bad news don t get better with age Factor Into Decision Making Process Policy and Procedure Training and experience Exemplary communications Sound advice and credible information In combination with your specific knowledge.

3 Identify witnesses and/or persons with specific or background information Conduct preliminary interview Document/record statement Obtain identifying data (Name, DOB, Address and phone number) Separate and insulate them through ethical suggestion/you need their consent if you lack reasonable suspicion or probable cause Observe clothing, shoes, exposed body portions etc. for evidence Seek Consensual inspections and searches if appropriate to facts and circumstances Compare and contrast to others accounts and evidence for consistency or inconsistency If you arrest a suspect Secure (safety first) Physically examine person, secure any evidence (Belongings, cell phones etc.) Determine if you will begin the inquiry or hold the suspect until investigators begin preliminary questions If you begin you must read Miranda and document waiver Record any statements photograph any evidence on person If you Identify Suspects (If you do not have reasonable suspicion or probable Cause to detain or arrest use Consent) Conduct preliminary inquiry, document responses and any statements Obtain identifying data Insulate/separate from scene and others (use voluntary means) Constant monitoring/presence Observe clothing, shoes, exposed body portions etc. Consensual searches/inspections Compare and contrast stories to others accounts and evidence Legally Secure (through consent if possible) any technology (Smart phone, Tablet etc.) in suspects possession or under their control.

4 Use Exemplary Interpersonal Skills Understand people s emotions in crisis De-escalate situation (don t let things speed up slow them down.) Bring calm dialogue into all interviews Demonstrate care and concern for issues brought forth Listen Preach intent for justice, truth, and fairness to all Extend olive branches You catch more flies with sugar than vinegar Establish such relationships with people to document consensual actions from statements, movements, waiting, remaining near scenes, accompanying the police to the police station etc. for later use in court to demonstrate voluntariness and cooperation in the event of false claims of loss of freedom and involuntary police control and custody. Follow Sound Fact Finding Procedure Specificity Credibility/reliability Establish basis of knowledge Corroborate/verify information Document information Stabilize, Secure, and Preserve the Scene Your first priority is human life. Render aid if possible. Obligations to public safety Safety to fellow officers Central to the success of crime scene investigators is the scene integrity through preservation and protection. Balance the requirements of clearing/sweeping the scene with careful/deliberate efforts to protect and not contaminate.

5 EG: Not touching or walking where there is no exigent requirement necessary. Do not enter unless required. Clear the largest area possible. The scene can be narrowed later Establish an outer and inner perimeter Inner perimeter protects entire scene Outer perimeter provides a buffer for other officers, public safety personnel, equipment etc. A third perimeter may be required for additional insulation from media or officer safety Secure scenes with physical barriers such as crime scene tape Then place officers on station to protect those barriers and to provide security The crime scene must be protected from unnecessary entry so that there is no danger of evidence being altered, moved, contaminated, or destroyed. Keep accurate notes Establish a log of those who were required to enter scene for investigators Document entry method, path and course through scene Document anything done at scene Note gloves, shoe tread design etc. Consider All Factors that Could Endanger Evidence Watch where you drive, park your car, and walk and ensure others do as well. From weather to environment, ensure a plan is available to ensure scene protection. Establish communication with crime scene investigators for advice and guidance. Document those things that will be destroyed or deteriorate by photograph, measurement, and marking

6 Preserve surroundings with a nexus to scene. EG: Vehicles, tire tracks, footprints, and other materials in close proximity to the scene. Such can be accomplished by documentation and/or photography. If circumstances require immediate seizure of evidence ensure the following: Be sensitive to trace and latent finger print evidence. Handle, package, and store appropriately Seek expertise with all digital evidence Photograph, measure, and document if practicable Document all circumstances Identify through proper marking Protect chain of custody by documentation, handling and storage. List/document all public safety involved at scene before investigators arrival. EG: EMT s and fire fighters. Record their agency, what they did, full names, shifts, phone numbers, etc. Types of shoes and tread design may be important as well for use by investigators. At Fresh Crime Scenes Consider the Utility of Tracking Dogs Ensure officers encircle or set up a perimeter around a large enough geographical area to limit a suspect s escape routes. (factor in time element) Limit foot traffic and protect the area where flight occurred. Dogs can not only locate suspects, but identify a path or course of travel where valuable evidence was discarded. Take legible, articulate, and specific statements signed or digitally recorded by interviewee after reading or having statement read to him or her. Ensure all statements are freely and voluntarily given absent any coercion or promises. Complete accurate, specific, and professional reports. Document timely, specific, thorough and complete notes as you work. Complete your 1st draft of your report as soon as practicable

7 Evidence Information Must Be Linked to Investigative Reports For: Legal foundation for collection or seizure of the evidence Logical explanation and connection of evidence Prove the theory in case Evidence nexus with observations and statements by witnesses Integrity of evidence (chain of custody) The Quality of your work will serve as the foundation for the investigators to build; and later blue print for the District Attorney to construct the case in order for justice to prevail.