First Responder at a Death Scene Investigator Duane L. Hiers, Jr. Riverdale Police Department Criminal Investigations Division Phone: (770) 909 - 5430 Email: dhiers@riverdalega.gov

Terminal Performance Objective During an emergency response to a location where a death has occurred, the First Responder will identify, secure and work the crime scene in accordance with departmental policies.

Enabling Objectives Identify the different types of death investigations. Safety and preservation of the crime scene. Describe the purpose of preserving the crime scene. Define and prepare a Crime Scene Log.

Enabling Objectives (contd) Define and prepare a Crime Scene Sketch. Demonstrate the collection and preservation of evidence. Prepare a Case Briefing Sheet in accordance with departmental policies.

Identify the Different Death Scenes Natural - Illness, old age, SIDs Accidental - Hey, Look at this! Automobile accidents #1

Identify the Different Death Scenes (contd) Suicide - Depressed about feelings and finances Murder – Illegally taking the life of another.

Safety and Preservation of Crime Scene Safety sweep. Backup may be needed Mental notes Where is the victim? Children? Suspects? Anyone else home?

Purpose of Preserving the Crime Scene Establish the boundaries. Mental notes Perishable evidence Missing link Chain of custody Airtight, might be the case solver

Define and Prepare Crime Scene Log When a person enters and exit they take evidence with them Logs are chiefly used for major crimes Homicides, rapes, and robberies. Establish a perimeter

Define and prepare a Crime Scene Log (contd) Every person shall be entered into the log Use the crime scene log that has been approved by the department and is contained in the departmental policies. Every individual that enters the scene should be documented on the log at the time of entry and exit.

Prepare a Crime Scene Log (contd) EVERY individual, regardless of rank Even Chief of Police This can be problematic for the inexperienced officer when instructing superiors on scene security. Superior officer’s should recognize that inexperience and act accordingly.

Define and prepare Crime Scene Sketch The real picture and permanent record Overall layout and relationship of the evidence Shows path of entrance and exit Remember the legend, most important part

Define and prepare a Crime Scene Sketch (contd) Upon entry to the scene make a mental note of the layout. Note where any evidence might be located Always put not to scale on the sketch. Officers move weapons to make them safe. Sketch may be only true picture of weapon location

Demonstrate the Collection and Preservation of Evidence Physical evidence encompass any and all objects that a crime has been committed and might provide a link to the perpetrator. FR should document any evidence that is readily or quickly disseminating. Document, Document, Document

Prepare a Case Briefing Sheet Date / Time Incident Number Incident location Victim(s) Type of Crime Injuries Officer involved shootings

Prepare a Case Briefing Sheet (contd) Suspect Who, What, Basic Description Witness Identify for later interviews Synopsis Tell the story of what happened

Enabling Objectives Identify the different types of death investigations. Safety and preservation of the crime scene. Describe the purpose of preserving the crime scene. Define and prepare a Crime Scene Log.

Enabling Objectives (contd) Define and prepare a Crime Scene Sketch. Demonstrate the collection and preservation of evidence. Prepare a Case Briefing Sheet in accordance with departmental policies.

Questions????