1. First Responder at a Death Scene
Investigator Duane L. Hiers, Jr.
Riverdale Police Department
Criminal Investigations Division
Phone: (770)

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

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

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

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

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

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

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

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. Questions????