Initial Action To Preserve A Scene

Question 1

What factors may influence your decisions about initial actions and priorities when preserving a scene?

Answer 1

Weather
Temperature 
Public activity 
Animals 
Time

Question 2

Initial Action to preserve scene checklist.

Answer 2

Identify 
Secure
Preserve 
Consider
Record

Question 3

Identify

Answer 3

• Gather information/initial assessment
• Consider S&S warrantless powers to deal with evidential material.
• Establish Crime scene, extend parameters wide beyond where body found.
• Consider approach paths and establish Common Approach Path.
• Consider related crime scenes
• Note what is happening and who is in scene, Record observations.
• Establish scene headquarters and SFP.
• Provide Sitrep/SFP to comms

Question 4

Secure

Answer 4

• Exercise powers to secure scene where necessary
• Effect removal of all persons
• Establish cordoned parameters using police tape
• Arrange and brief scene guards.
• Arrange Crime scene logs
• Prevent unauthorized entry or exit from scene
• Prevent further loss or damage to evidence

Question 5

Preserve

Answer 5

• Consider best path into the scene
• Record movement/actions at scene
• Preserve and leave in situ, touch/move nothing.
• Consider stepping plates if no immediate life at risk.
• Be prepared to take immediate action to preserve evidence.

Question 6

Consider

Answer 6

Initial photos of scene and persons present

Question 7

Record

Answer 7

• Establish and maintain Crime scene log of movements, names, times and reasons for entry and exit.
• Observe and record precise details of the scene send location of victim.
• Sketch scene
• Photograph scene, consider video recording.
• Identity anything moved and note original and eventual positions.
  Report movements to OC investigation at early stage.

Question 8

What is Recorded in a crime scene log?

Answer 8

The details, time and purpose of all persons who enter, attempt to enter, or leave the crime scene.
Also any other activity around the scene that the guard thinks relevant to the case.

Question 9

What is the purpose of a scene log?

Answer 9

To ensure;

• No unauthorized entry
• Integrity of evidence
• Intelligence opportunities
• Contamination issues managed

Question 10

Scene guard duties?

Answer 10

• Secure scene/deny access
• Record details
• Control movements
• Record movements
• Brief others
• Avoid disturbance
• Protect scene
• Brief replacement
• Respect security
• Demonstrate curtesy
• Inform others (report to OC)

Question 11

What details should the scene guard record for every person enteringscene?

Answer 11

• Name and designation
• Authority to enter scene
• Purpose of the visit
• Time of entry and exit