Initial Response “The initial response is crucial to the success of an investigation….Cases are [not] won or lost in court [but] during the first hour of an investigation.

First comes the notification Communication from police dispatcher Patrol officer sees suspicious action or person

Police officers go to crime scene rapidly but safely. Suspect may be at or near scene. Injured person many need emergency care. Witnesses may still be at scene.

Dying person may have a confession or other pertinent information to give. Weather conditions may change or destroy evidence Someone may attempt to alter the crime scene.

Police officers go to crime scene rapidly but safely. Consider: –Lights/siren –Traffic Congestion –Possible escape routes of suspect

Police officers determine on way to crime scene: Who will record descriptions of people and vehicles leaving the crime scene. If tape recorders will be used. If escape route will be covered by others Plan of action based on the type of crime.

At the crime scene Emergencies may dictate procedure –You are being shot at by a suspect and there is a gravely injured person present. –A suspect is running away and a victim is drowning.

Do you interrogate a suspect? Depends on department policy. Depends on situation –Dying declaration –Spontaneous confession (A more formal declaration can be taken later).

You remove the suspect Minimize destruction of evidence The less the suspect can observe

What would you do in the following crime scenes?