1. Searching the Crime Scene

2. Basic Steps to searching crime scenes
Approach scene
Be alert for discarded evidence
Make pertinent notes as to possible approach or escape routes

3. Secure and Protect Scene
Take control of scene of arrival
First officer on scene will have already cleared the area and roped off scene
Determine extent to which scene has thus far been protected-usually scene needs to be twice what the arriving officer has secured
Ensure adequate scene security

4. Obtain information from personnel who have entered scene and have knowledge relative to its original conditions-document who has been at the crime scene
Take extensive notes-DO NOT RELY ON MEMORY
Keep out unauthorized personnel- begin recording who enters and leaves

5. Start Preliminary Survey
This survey is an organizational stage to plan of the entire search
A cautious walk-through of the scene is done
Acquire preliminary photographs
Develop general theory of the crime
Make extensive notes to document scene physical and environmental conditions

6. Evaluate Physical Evidence Possibilities
Based on what is known from preliminary survey-determine what evidence is LIKELY to be present
Concentrate on the most transient evidence and work back to the least transient forms of material
Focus on the easily accessible areas in open view and progress to the “hidden” items

7. Consider what evidence appears to have been moved inadvertently
Evaluate whether or not the scene appears intentionally “set up”

8. Prepare Narrative Description (written, audio, video)
The purpose of this step is to provide a running narrative of the conditions at the crime scene- consider what should be present at a scene(victim’s purse or vehicle), is not present, and what is out of place
Represent scene in general to specific scheme-consider lights on/off, newspaper in drive,drapes pulled, and heat off/on

9. Photograph Scene
Begin photography as soon as possible-plan before shooting
Document each photo using a photo log
Make sure the overall, medium and close up views are taken
Use a scale for size- lay a ruler beside items
Make sure to photograph all evidence in place before collection and packaging

10. Be observant of and photograph areas adjacent to the crime scene –ex- points of entry, exits, windows, attics, etc
Photograph items, places to corroborate the statements of witnesses, victims, and suspects
Take at eye level to represent scene at normal view
Photograph all fingerprints prior to lifting

11. Prepare diagram/sketch of scene
The diagram establishes permanent record of items, conditions, and size/distance relationships to supplement photos
Rough sketch is drawn at scene to use as a model for finished sketch
Number designations on sketch can be coordinated with same on evidence log

12. Things that should be included on diagram
Location
Date
Time
Case number
Preparer
Weather conditions
Lighting conditions
Scale or scale disclaimer
Compass orientation
Evidence
Measurements
Key or legend

13. General progression of sketches
lay out basic perimeter
set forth fixed objects
record position of evidence
record appropriate measurements
make key/legend
insert compass

14. Best practices for searching crime scenes
The best search options are typically the most difficult and time consuming
You cannot “over document” the physical evidence
There is only one chance to do the job
A cautious search of visible areas-take steps to avoid loss or contamination
After cautious search, a vigorous search for hidden areas

15. Conduct final survey Critical to all aspects of the search
Discuss the search with all personnel
Double check documentation
Make sure you leave scene with all collected evidence
Make sure possible hiding places have not been overlooked
Critical issues- have you gone far enough in search for evidence, documented all things and made no assumptions that could prove to be false?

16. Release the Scene Only after final survey is done
Make note of time and date, who released the scene, and whom it was released to
Give an inventory to the person who scene released to –for legal reasons
Once scene is released a warrant will be required to reentry
Consider calling specialists –blood pattern analysts, medical examiner before releasing

17. Conduct detailed search, record, and collect evidence
Use the preliminary survey as a guide
Start in a general manner and progress to specific
Use specialized search pattern- grid,strip,spiral, etc
Photograph, sketch,and record all items into evidence log before removing

18. Make sure containers holding evidence are labeled with initials of collecting investigator
Seal all packages at crime scene
Obtain known standards for comparisons (fiber samples from carpet)
Check and double check all paperwork