INITIAL RESPONSE TO HOMICIDE OR SERIOUS CRIME - Part 2 - Initial Action to Preserve a Scene

Question 1

Initial Action to Preserve a Scene - Identity?

Answer 1

• Gather INFO and INITIAL assessment of scene
• Warrantless power to deal with evidential material @ scene (S&S2012) Sec 116
• Consider CAP into / out of scene avoiding possible route by suspects or victims
• Note record obs

Question 2

Initial Action to Preserve a Scene - Secure?

Answer 2

• Secure Scene under S&S2012 (Sec 116)
• Removal of all persons within the scene
• Cordon off scene parameters (using Police Emergency Tape)
• Arrange and brief Scene Guards (duties)

Question 3

Initial Action to Preserve a Scene - Preserve?

Answer 3

• PRESERVE what is there and leave in SITU, nothing touched or moved
• RECORD movements / action taken @ scene
• NO immediate RISK consider stepping plates.
• CAP into / out of scene

Question 4

Initial Action to Preserve a Scene - Consider?

Answer 4

• Photos of scene / person present

Question 5

Initial Action to Preserve a Scene - Record?

Answer 5

• Crime scene log of movements – integrity of scene
• Details / description of scene
• Sketch scene
• Photos / video recordings of scene

Question 6

Initial Action to Preserve a Scene - Crime Scene Logs?

Answer 6

Records the details:

• Time and purpose of all persons who enter
• Attempt to enter
• Or leave the crime scene
• As well as any other activity around the crime scene which the scene guard perceives to be relevant to the case.

Question 7

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A SCENE GUARD WHY MAINTAIN A LOG?

Answer 7

A scene guard and the log maintained by that person, is employed in order to ensure:

• There is no unauthorized entry into the scene
• Integrity of evidence or potential evidence is secured
• Intelligence opportunities are maximized
• Contamination issues are managed.
• Log is used to reduce foot traffic going in and out of the scene to protect the integrity of the scene.

Question 8

BULLY * In relation to preserving the scene what actions should police take upon arrival?

Answer 8

1. Consider best path into the scene
2. Record any movements / actions taken in the scene
3. Preserve what is there and leave in-situ.
4. If no immediate life is at risk, consider using stepping plates
5. Be prepared to take immediate action to preserve and / or record evidence

Question 9

Explain what a common approach path is used for?

Answer 9

o A CAP is an approach path for all movements into and out of the scene.
o Using a path which avoids any route possibly taken to or from the scene by the suspect or victim

Question 10

What are the Scene Guard duties?

Answer 10

• Secure Scene – Deny any person entering the scene unless they have authorization.
• Record Details – Have a crime scene log e.g.
  -Name and designation
  -Authority to enter the scene
  -Purpose of visit
  -Time of entry / exit
• Control movements – People entering to use CAP
• Record movements – Record all movements & veh details
• Brief others – Any relevant info received from OC Scene / Crime Scene Coordinator

Question 11

Scenario: OBTAINING FORENSIC EVIDENCE FROM A WITNESS AT A SCENE

Some witnesses may have been so proximate to events, that it is likely evidence was transferred to the witness, from the victim, suspect or from the scene itself.

Before the witness being interviewed, a plan must be prepared to preserve and recover all available physical evidence from the witness - What should be obtained/consider?

Answer 11

• Fibres
• Footwear
• Body fluids
• Glass or other material
• Fingerprints
• DNA
• Clothing

Question 12

TO PRESERVE AND RECOVER EVIDENCE FROM A FORENSICALLY IMPORTANT WITNESS - WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER?

Answer 12

• Immediate DNA swabs of any areas of the witness that the suspect may have touched.
• Immediate DNA swabs of any blood present on the witness.
• Immediate swabs of any other relevant stains present on the witness.
• Forensic medical examination, i.e. fingernail scrapings, hair combing etc.
• Seizure of clothing and footwear.
• Seizure of any items of property touched by the suspect

Question 13

What else should you consider when preserving a scene?

Answer 13

• Avoid possible cross contamination, separate them , transport in separate vehicles and interview rooms
• Photograph witnesses at scene for future ID e.g. to assist with CCTV enquiries
• Photographs of witnesses INJURIES

Question 14

The OC Investigation will expect a briefing from the officer in initial charge of the incident, as to?

Answer 14

• What has occurred?
• What action has been taken?
• What has not been done?
• What needs to be done?