Crime Scene Flashcards
What is Locard’s Theory of Transference?
“Every contact leaves a trace”
No matter where a criminal goes or what a criminal does, they will leave something at the scene of the crime and take something with them. This theory dictates that when two objects come into contact with one another, each will take something from the other object or leave something behind.
When are crime scenes established?
-Where we reasonably suspect that a criminal offence or serious incident has been committed
-And evidence may be obtained to help prove elements of an offence or identify the person/s responsible
-Can be established in a private or public space.
What is a Primary Crime Scene
The location where the actual offence/incident took place
What is a Secondary Crime Scene
Any premises where additional evidence may be found related to the offence/incident.
There can be more than one secondary location.
What is the Inner Perimeter
-Established by cordoning off the crime scene by using crime scene tape
-Purpose: to protect the evidence
-50% larger than the apparent area of the scene
-Only those personnel with specific tasks to perform inside the primary or secondary crime scene areas are permitted to enter (e.g., forensic scientists, detectives
What is the outer Perimeter
-Established by cordoning off an area some distance away from the inner perimeter using crime scene tape.
-A ‘buffer zone’ to establish a command post and conduct briefings.
This is effectively an exclusion zone to keep the media and public away from the crime scene.
-Purpose: manage who has access and/or who can view the scene.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF FIRST RESPONDERS AT CRIME SCENES
*Assess hazards including Officer Safety considerations
*Check for signs of life
*Render or arrange first aid
*Determine the nature and size of the scene
*Determine an entry point for the crime scene
*Remove all people from the crime scene
*Record witness particulars (separate them, record their details and ask them to remain if they can, but let them go if they can’t).
*Provide VKG with a Situation Report (SITREP)
*What incident has taken place
*Crime scene established
*Update on the welfare of parties involved, injuries if any,
*Description of any offenders/vehicles, etc., as known at that time
*Any further resources you think you will need such as an ambulance, dog unit, or Polair
*Ask for the supervisor to attend
*Identify any relevant hazard (gas, chemicals, etc)
*Alert if any streets need to be blocked off
*Other details relevant to the job
*Call a supervisor
What do you do with witnesses at a crime scene?
-Separate them - so they don’t contaminate each other’s recollection of events
-Record their details
-Remain - they do not have to remain (we don’t have any powers for this)
What Part is crime scene powers
Part 7
Crime Scene Warrants
LEPRA 2002, s94
One warrant can cover more than one crime scene (e.g. secondary crime scenes)
Crime scene powers may be exercised if police officer lawfully on premises
LEPRA 2002, s88
- Invitation
- Consent (lawful occupier)
- Emergency (Part 9 LEPRA)
- Arrest/detain (Section 10 LEPRA)
- Unbroken pursuit
- Implied consent (open door)
- Crime scene warrant/other warrant
Crime scene can be established on premises or a public place
LEPRA 2002, s89
Police do not need a crime scene warrant to exercise crime scene powers in a public place (all section 95 powers are allowed)
In a public place, you may exercise some crime scene powers on vehicles however if you need to seize, detain or search need a warrant
Crime Scene Powers
LEPRA 2002, s95
-Direct a person to leave a crime scene or remove a vehicle
-Remove the crime scene a person who fails to comply with direction
-Direct a person not to enter the crime scene
-Prevent a person from entering the crime scene
-Prevent a person from removing evidence or interfering (allowed to detain and search person)
-Remove an obstruction from a crime scene
-Search crime scene and inspect anything in it to obtain evidence
-Conduct any examination or process
-Open anything at the crime scene that is locked
-Take electricity, gas or any other utility, for use at the crime scene
-Direct the occupier of the premises or a person apparently involved in the management or control of the premises to maintain a continuous supply of electricity
-Photograph or record the crime scene and anything in it
When crime scene can be established
LEPRA 2002, s90
1.
(a) An offence committed related to a traffic accident causing a death/serious injury
(b) Serious indictable offence (5 years or more imprisonment)
(c) Secondary crime scene
- Crime scene warrant
- Serious indictable offence outside of NSW
Notice a Senior Police officer where warrant not required
LEPRA 2002, s93
If you establish a crime scene without a warrant, notify a senior police officer (inspector or above)
period of 4 hours or less or for a period of 6 hours or less in the case of a rural
