Investigative Applications 29.6 To increase the students' understanding of, respect for, and actual application of the tasks required in conducting a criminal investigation. This lesson deals with your actions upon and shortly after arrival at the scene. You are the first responding officer and you have decisions to make and actions to take. These decisions and actions can prove vital to the successful conclusion of the investigation and subsequent prosecution as appropriate.

29.6.1 List and describe procedures to be taken upon arrival at the scene Plan your possible actions while enroute to the scene. Type of incident and possible consequences you will encounter. Think about it

Arrival If suspect(s) are at or near scene by observing unusual activity, persons, vehicles Appropriate tactical action if suspect is at scene and offense is in progress weapon(s) involved Number of suspects Is a backup request appropriate? If there is a possibility of suspects, did you notice anything while approaching? Where are you going to park your unit? How will you approach the scene on foot? Is there a need for backup to be enroute?

What could you be getting yourself into What could you be getting yourself into? Are you mentally and physically prepared?

Arrival Search perimeter of building for open doors (windows) Apply verbal skills to determine who is the victim, witness and complainant and to locate who reported offense. Solicit information from persons in immediate area, appear through media, informants. Separate witnesses so they don't influence others by statements. Prior to making contact get a look at the layout and see what is involved. Calm the people down and use verbal/nonverbal skills to determine what is going on Talk to everyone and pay attention Separate witnesses, if homicide have them transported to the station for interviews

Situations are going to vary and your approach to getting information will also

Obtain identification Name D.O.B. Address Home/work phone number Place of employment. Other data to ID later Driver’s license number License plate number Vital to obtain ID and next of kin, occupation, etc. for future contacts

29.6.2 Describe procedures for identifying victim in case of serious injury or death Various methods to ID – scars tattoos prints teeth DNA relatives and driver’s licenses along with other documents

ID - Serious Bodily Injury If person is alive and conscious, obtain identification and information about next of kin. Don’t hesitate to ID and obtain data

ID – Death Officers may locate any source of identification such as driver’s license, military ID, social security card, tattoos, amputation or unusual scars, only after obtaining permission from the medical examiner or justice of the peace to move or disturb the body See CCP 49.25 (8), CCP 49.05 Important to work with ME and id the body quickly

29.6.3 Identify the available special units which may be called to the scene You can’t do it all – you may have to call in the calvary or reinforcements

Special units EMS For Injuries Medical Examiner/Coroner/J.P. For Homicides. Bomb Squad Fire Department Military Narcotics Visit/Task Force Other L.E. Agencies For Assistance Technicians Supervisor Detectives Discuss use of each

29.6.4 Identify information which should be made known to other officers Sharing of information is vital to quickly resolving the incident

Identify any known information describing suspect(s) vehicles description physical description of suspect weapons used direction or travel fruits of crime Details on each

29.6.5 Discuss the legal authority to protect the crime scene and establish the perimeters Not all scenes do you have the right – may need a warrant

Legal Authority For Crime Scene Peace officer to prevent injury - CCP 6.06 Conduct of peace officer - CCP 6.07 Duties performed by medical examiner - CCP 49.25 Removal of body & property from place of death - CCP 49.05 Sealing premises of deceased by medical examiner - CCP 49.22 Discuss each

Crime Scene Location Visually inspect to determine perimeters. Any area affected by commission of an offense. May be more than a single location. Ensure area is secure for all the possible evidence – easier to bring in the tape than to try and expand it later

29.6.6 Describe procedures for securing the crime scene Sometimes you need to go to extremes

Securing the Scene Protect from contamination. Prevent removal of evidence. Key to successful resolution and prosecution – photo and sketch before moving – watch your packaging – paper is best

Securing the Scene Use rope or tape, officers, other personnel or barricades to guard perimeter Owner gives verbal authority to keep out unauthorized persons Responsibilities of the officer in charge Local departmental policy See PC 30.05, 37.09, 38.15, CCP 49.05, and 49.06 Discuss each item in detail

Summary Procedures upon arrival Identifying victim of serious injury/death Special units available Information which should be made available to other officers Legal authority to protect scene Securing the scene

Questions