4 Steps of Preserving a Crime Scene
Arrival at the crime scene – Step 1 Responding officer Who's responsible? For what? Time Date Notes Securing the Scene Dispatched Responded Arrived Left Weather Lighting Odor Victim/Suspect Set up crime scene tape Month/day/year
Documentation – Step 2 4 Types of methods Written Notes Photography Sketching Videography
Searching the Crime Scene – Step 3 Depends on _____ and _____ of crime and _number of individuals participating Who's chooses? Lead Detective size type
Searching the Crime Scene – Step 3 Types of Search Methods Spiral Grid Quadrant Strip or Line Circular pattern towards a fixed point in center of room Segments for individual searching - more than 1 person involved One direction Horizontal and Vertical
Searching the Crime Scene – Step 3 Always wear gloves and protective clothing and always collect a known sample (_exemplar_)
Chain of Custody Form – Step 4 Requires... Proper Packaging Proper Labeling Examples include: Blood or semen - air dry and place in paper bag. Charred debris - new paint can or tightly sealed jar
Chain of Custody Form – Step 4 Begins at the initial collection of evidence Authenticity and Integrity Accountability 1 form per piece of evidence