L9: crime vehicle processing Flashcards
if a vehicle is abandoned on or near a highway, do you have lawful authority to seize it without warrant
yes under the highway traffic act [HTA]
if a vehicle is used in a pursuit or a fail to remain, do you have lawful authority to seize and search it
yes under the criminal code
when is a warrant not required
if a vehicle is considered to be a ‘thing’, a warrant is not required, and the vehicle can be lawfully seized and searched without penalty
when is a warrant required
- if the vehicle is considered a ‘place’ [i.e. where a crime took place - ex. sexual assault occurred inside vehicle]
- if taking the vehicle from a person, or private property [ex. garage of someone’s house]
describe a full vehicle examination process [exterior, interior]
exterior exam:
- ID photo, followed by overall, and identifier photographs [may be taken at scene prior to towing vehicle, and again once in secure location prior to beginning exam]
- treat vehicle as the ‘scene’ and photograph: [going from least intrusive to most intrusive] 4 corners, damage, seals, vehicle markers, impound sheet, licence plate and VIN
- notes/documentation: is there any damage? are all of the seals in tact? vehicle markers, occurrence and impound info, are the windows open? are the keys with thee vehicle? is the vehicle unlocked
- examine for prints
interior exam:
- overall photographs of interior
- document/note – create an inventory of items inside vehicle
- collect items for DNA and swab – DNA is always collected first as to not contaminate item with fingerprint powder and degrade samples
- fingerprint
- final search – don’t want to muss evidence or dangerous weapons
exterior vehicle examination process
- ID photo, followed by overall, and identifier photographs [may be taken at scene prior to towing vehicle, and again once in secure location prior to beginning exam]
- treat vehicle as the ‘scene’ and photograph: [going from least intrusive to most intrusive] 4 corners, damage, seals, vehicle markers, impound sheet, licence plate and VIN
- notes/documentation: is there any damage? are all of the seals in tact? vehicle markers, occurrence and impound info, are the windows open? are the keys with thee vehicle? is the vehicle unlocked
- examine for prints
interior vehicle examination process
- overall photographs of interior
- document/note – create an inventory of items inside vehicle
- collect items for DNA and swab – DNA is always collected first as to not contaminate item with fingerprint powder and degrade samples
- fingerprint
- final search – don’t want to muss evidence or dangerous weapons
[exterior] areas to examine for f.prints
- windows
- door handles
- along the roof edge
- trunk
- gas cap
- hood
[interior] areas to examine for f.prints
- windows
- rearview mirror
- door handles and gear shifter [chrome surfaces]
- visor mirror
- interior door frames
- potential items of evidentiary value within vehicle
how do taxicab vehicle examinations differ from regular vehicle examinations
- processed in same manner as other vehicles, but there are extra recording devices in taxicabs and extra things to check for
taxicabs must have:
- taxi license number
- disclaimer that occupants are being recorded
- emergency light
- fully operational recording device
- all taxicabs equipped with recording devices [24/7 or VerifEye]
what is the VerifEye system in a taxicab
a recording device designed for driver risk management and safety
- records in black and white as a result of IR technology
- produces still images, no video, no audio component
- requires special programming to be viewed
- captures images at 2fps, if sensors are triggered the fps increases [ex. doors open, meter starts running, emergency button is pushed]
how do taxicab recording devices help in a case
- helps to corroborate stories
- helps to identify suspects
explain IR lighting in taxicab recording devices
- produces black and white images
- offers clear images in pitch black environments, or poorly lit vehicles
- dark clothing reflects IR [appears light in image]
- light/white clothing absorbs IR [appears dark in image]
- blood absorbs IR – good for seeing blood on dark clothes
what happens if taxicab images are unable to be retrieved?
the full compact flash card must be removed from the black box
considerations for vehicle processing
- location where vehicle is examined – best practice is in a police garage
