Secure, Control, & Process a Crime Scene Flashcards
Responsible for investigating major criminal offenses (punishable by more than 1 year).
- Rape, murder, aggravated assault, larceny, terrorist acts, etc.
NCIS
Work at command level and investigate cases not handled by NCIS.
- Assault, house breaking, indecent exposure, etc.
Command Investigator
Note-Taking
- Mandatory
- Taken to remember details
- Written in ink
- Use short meaningful phrases
- Start when you receive the call room dispatch
- Notes are property of Navy
Crime Scene Process
- Objectives are to observe/record evidence
- Be aware of suspects leaving scene and of possible escape routes that need to be blocked.
Arriving at Scene
- Notify dispatch
- Check for signs of life
- Assist injured persons & safeguard crime scene
- Always stay alert, suspect could come back or still be on scene.
- Note all alterations to crime scene to safeguard evidence
- Weapons used
Secondary Actions
- Using crime scene entry log to control flow of traffic
- Notify proper agencies
- Prevent unauthorized persons from entering
- Prevent victim(s) and/or witnesses from leaving
- Prevent evidence from damage or contamination
- Conduct preliminary questioning to determine what happened.
- Be ready to read rights to any person suspected.
- Avoid unnecessary touching at crime scene
Investigative Awareness
- Details to be noted include: > Doors > Windows > Lights > Blinds > Odors
Supplement notes and sketches, clarify written reports, provides personnel ID, and provides a permanent record of fragile evidence.
Photography
Photography Considerations
- Photograph all evidence before anything is moved
- Place ruler next to items to show size
- Use tags or pointer tags
- Completely identify each photo
Should be completed at the scene and not be changed after departing. Should include:
- Location of approaches, roadways, etc.
- Size of the area or buildings
- Specific location
Sketches
Anything that can be admitted in court to prove or disprove facts in issue
Evidence
Type of evidence that is physical objects and marks/wounds on a person’s body.
Real
Type of evidence that is oral or written statements
Testimonial
Type of evidence that tends to directly prove or disprove a fact.
Direct
Type of evidence which tends to indirectly involve a person in an offense
Circumstantial
Type of evidence that is anything in writing
Documentary
Testimony given by witness based on what others told them.
Hearsay Rule
Statement must have been made when victim was aware of his/her impending death and without hope of recovery. Not admissible unless there is evidence
Dying Declaration
An utterance concerning circumstances of startling event made by person while in condition of excitement, shock, or surprise, cause by participation or observation of event. Impulsive and instinctive - and admissible.
Excited Utterance
Searching Crime Scene:
- Develop plans for searching to include what to look for, who will search where, what to do when evidence is found, and search method to use.
Evidence Collection Priority
- First priority goes to fragile evidence that can be altered by time or elements
- Place initials, date, and time of discovery on each piece of evidence.
OPNAV 5580/22
Evidence/Property Custody Receipt
Chain of custody beings with who?
First person that collected the evidence.
Block 7 on OPNAV 5580/22
Location of Property when obtained
Block 8 on OPNAV 5580/22
Purpose for which obtained
Block 9 on OPNAV 5580/22
Time/Date Obtained
Block 10 on OPNAV 5580/22
Log Number
Block 17 on OPNAV 5580/22
Chain of custody
