1. Crime Scene Operations Temple College EMS Professions

2. Evidence Preservation The most important part of evidence collection is protecting the crime scene

3. Evidence n Anything that can be used to connect: –A victim to a suspect –A suspect to a victim –A suspect to a crime scene

4. The Fundamental Principle n It is impossible to be on a crime scene without: –Leaving evidence of yourself on scene! –Taking evidence of scene with you!

5. Evidence n Fingerprints n Bite Marks n Broken Fingernails n Documents n Blood/Body fluids n Blood Splatters n Firearms n Tool Marks n Fracture matches n Hair n Fibers n Paint n Glass

6. Crime Scene n Location where any part of criminal act was committed n All entry/exit routes from area where crime was committed

7. Evidence Preservation Patient care is FIRST priority of ALL responding agencies

8. Initial Approach n Minimum number of people necessary (one) n Minimum amount of equipment necessary n Minimum amount of contact required One person approaches and determines course of action. Rest of team stays back.

9. Evidence Preservation A crime scene is no place for a crowd!

10. Evidence Preservation n Don’t disturb scene any more than necessary during assessment n Watch where you step n Pay attention to the floor n Avoid kicking anything lying on the floor

11. Evidence Preservation n Note transient details of scene as you approach patient –Lighting (on/off) –Drapes (open/closed) –TVs, radios (on/off) –Furniture position –Evidence of forced entry

12. Evidence Preservation n Wear gloves n If you must move something to get to patient or do assessment –Tell police –Note it in your report n If you move a DOA, note it in your report, tell police

13. Evidence Preservation n If you are there before police: –Safeguard scene –Seal off entire area –Record names of all people who came into contact with scene

14. Evidence Preservation n If you are there before police: –Try to hold all witnesses at scene –Limit conversation between them

15. Evidence Preservation n If you are there before police: –Record “first” statements by victim –Note who victim made statement to –Note statements by witnesses –Report to police; record in report in quotes

16. Evidence Preservation n Do NOT: –Smoke –Eat –Drink –Leave wrappers –Use bathroom

17. Evidence Preservation n Never cut through bullet hole, stab wound n Do NOT shake or turn clothing inside out n Bag or otherwise secure clothing so police can recover it at the hospital n If you try IV and miss, mark site and note in report n Be conscious of debris you leave on scene-- needles, bandage packages, etc.

18. Evidence Preservation n Avoid handling bullets, bullet fragments n Place in plastic container n Turn over to police

19. Evidence Preservation n Leave firearms in exact position found n Assume ALL weapons are loaded n If firearm must be moved, only one person should handle n Outline weapon before moving if possible

20. Evidence Preservation n Do NOT handle weapon any way except by grips n Do NOT attempt to clear, unload weapon n NEVER place anything in gun’s barrel or inside trigger guard

21. Evidence Preservation n If victim reports scratching assailant, cover victim’s hands with paper bags; tape loosely at wrists

22. Evidence Preservation n Wet clothing should be placed in paper (not plastic) bag, turned over to police. n Wet clothing should not be allowed to stay in ANY kind of bag for >two hours.

23. Evidence Preservation n Victims of alleged sexual assault should not wash or use restroom until they are examined at hospital

24. Evidence Preservation n Do NOT let evidence leave your custody until it passes directly to a peace officer n Note in your report that you handled evidence and to whom you passed it n Provide your name, unit number to officer to include in his/her report

25. Evidence Preservation If chain of custody on a piece of evidence is broken, it becomes inadmissible in court!