Crime scene Examination and Initial Action Flashcards
What must a crime scene examination plan cover?
Placement of Zones
Likelihood of evidence deteriorating and ensuring it can be examined quickly
Any specialists required
Need for protection methods for ensuring no contamination
Clear individual tasks and responsibilities for each staff member.
Offenders entry point a likely starting place
Exhibit handling process
Recording system for exhibits, schedules/Job sheets/inventories
Search method; logical and systematic.
Discuss what must be considered for guarding a scene
Appoint a scene Guard. Use civilians if necessary Safe Assembly and arrival area. use Rolls of emergency tape. Define boundaries clearly. GUARD
With regard to initial action what are the steps for when a suspect is on scene
record Suspects appearance, demeanor, condition.
identify the route Used to and from the scene.
consider Searching and powers to do so under S and S.
consider Preliminary interview and return to station if appropriate.
Ensure suspect remains at scene, ask or arrest if ground exist and caution if necessary.
record any Comments made
SUSPECT
what are steps to minimise contamination risks?
Correctly package, seal, label and secure exhibits
Obtain elimination shoe/fingerprints
New and clean packaging
The use of stepping plates and zones
Avoid examining associated scenes with the same staff.
Movement logs
Include records of scene activtity and chain of evidence
Need to preserve and control the scene
Ensure protective clothing worn
with regard to initial action discuss steps involved in Controlling the scene
Clear the scene and direct witnesses to assemble nearby
Order people leaving scene not to take anything.
Not to discuss events with each other.
Take witnesses back to station for interview.
Rival parties to be kept apart.
Obtain full particulars of witnesses and conduct prelim interviews to ascertain what has happened.
Establish who left the area.
CONTROL
What does freezing a scene mean?
Stopping all movement to and From the scene.
Remove wandering animals
Ensure activity inside scene is ceased.
Ensure scene is kept in its original state
protect Exhibits
keep scene log or register.
What are the objectives of a crime scene search?
Offence committed (establish).
Back up or exclude other evidence located relating to offence.
Exclude possible defences.
Corroborate or contest witnesses and victims accounts.
The innocent can be exonerated.
Identify other people associated to offence.
Verify possible confessions and admissions.
Establish the offences key elements and provide facts for the basis for enquiry.
Suspect identification and contact with victim/scene.
What are the four steps of initial action for the first CIB officer
Gain information.
Ensure all required action taken.
Make a reconnaissance.
Make an appreciation and take immediate action.
What is the purpose of a reconnaissance?
1) to allow you to get an overall picture of the scene w/o disturbing evidence
2) Allows you to formulate a:
* preliminary reconstruction.
* An appreciation.
* A plan of action.
What are the OC Scenes responsibilities
Oversee and co-ordinate scene examination.
Communication link with OC investigation.
To inspect uplift and deliver exhibits to exhibit recorder.
Have to prove relevant exhibits in court.
Ensure scene is photographed and fingerprinted by an specialists prior to search.
Strategy planning for forensic examination.
Control freeze preserve the scene and ensuring it is safe.
Establish CAP used from cordon to focal point.
Need to brief staff on their duties / roles.
Ensure reconnaissance completed to gain an overall picture of scene and test reconstructions.
What are the steps to take on initial action when the victim shows no sign of life
Call 111 and commence CPR
Obtain life extinct unless death obvious
Record exhibits, body position, lividity, injuries, clothing.
establish Persons identity.
Sketch and take photos
Early sitrep to comms and OC investigations
Do not move the body and record previous movements.
CORPSED
Explain scene guard duties
Maintain register including name, authority, purpose and times. Record movements in and out. Secure scene from unauthorized access. Communicate with O/C. Ensure no disturbance by yourself. No discussions with bystanders. Ensure CAP used. Guard and protect scene from contamination. Use courtesy. Advise CO of actions undertaken Relief staff briefing Duty until relieved. MR SCENE GUARD
What are the steps in making a reconnaissance?
1) gather all information available
2) create a CAP and look over the whole scene, consider stepping stones and protective clothing requirements, Look for;
* points of entry and exit and seat of activity.
* extensions to the scene
* obvious evidence
3) Sketch the scene and note anything of significance.
4) Note and be prepared for anything that might damage evidence.
5) Reconsider boundaries
6) consider placement of hot/warm/cold zones.
What actions should be taken prior to attending the scene for a scene examination?
Additional OC’s appointed
Contact made with necessary specialists
The necessary equipment has been arranged
Prepare and assign sufficient staff to assist
Roadblock and cordons have been set up
identify any legal requirements (4X)
Relevant staff members briefed.
What are the Scene co-ordinators responsibilities?
- assemble scene team.
- brief the team.
- formulate examination plan.
- make record of examination plan.
- chair all team meetings.
- ensure compliance with plan
- Brief scene guard.
- Ensure logistical provisions arranged.
