Crime Scene Operations

1. Crime Scene Operations Temple College EMS Professions

2. Evidence Preservation The most important part of evidence collection is protecting the crime scene

3. Evidence • Anything that can be used to connect: • A victim to a suspect • A suspect to a victim • A suspect to a crime scene

4. The Fundamental Principle • It is impossible to be on a crime scene without: • Leaving evidence of yourself on scene! • Taking evidence of scene with you!

5. Fingerprints Bite Marks Broken Fingernails Documents Blood/Body fluids Blood Splatters Firearms Tool Marks Fracture matches Hair Fibers Paint Glass Evidence

6. Crime Scene • Location where any part of criminal act was committed • All entry/exit routes from area where crime was committed

7. Evidence Preservation Patient care is FIRST priority of ALL responding agencies

8. Initial Approach • Minimum number of people necessary (one) • Minimum amount of equipment necessary • Minimum amount of contact required One person approaches and determines course of action. Rest of team stays back.

9. Evidence Preservation A crime scene is no place for a crowd!

10. Evidence Preservation • Don’t disturb scene any more than necessary during assessment • Watch where you step • Pay attention to the floor • Avoid kicking anything lying on the floor

11. Evidence Preservation • Note transient details of scene as you approach patient • Lighting (on/off) • Drapes (open/closed) • TVs, radios (on/off) • Furniture position • Evidence of forced entry

12. Evidence Preservation • Wear gloves • If you must move something to get to patient or do assessment • Tell police • Note it in your report • If you move a DOA, note it in your report, tell police

13. Evidence Preservation • If you are there before police: • Safeguard scene • Seal off entire area • Record names of all people who came into contact with scene

14. Evidence Preservation • If you are there before police: • Try to hold all witnesses at scene • Limit conversation between them

15. Evidence Preservation • If you are there before police: • Record “first” statements by victim • Note who victim made statement to • Note statements by witnesses • Report to police; record in report in quotes

16. Evidence Preservation • Do NOT: • Smoke • Eat • Drink • Leave wrappers • Use bathroom

17. Evidence Preservation • Never cut through bullet hole, stab wound • Do NOT shake or turn clothing inside out • Bag or otherwise secure clothing so police can recover it at the hospital • If you try IV and miss, mark site and note in report • Be conscious of debris you leave on scene--needles, bandage packages, etc.

18. Evidence Preservation • Avoid handling bullets, bullet fragments • Place in plastic container • Turn over to police

19. Evidence Preservation • Leave firearms in exact position found • Assume ALL weapons are loaded • If firearm must be moved, only one person should handle • Outline weapon before moving if possible

20. Evidence Preservation • Do NOT handle weapon any way except by grips • Do NOT attempt to clear, unload weapon • NEVER place anything in gun’s barrel or inside trigger guard

21. Evidence Preservation • If victim reports scratching assailant, cover victim’s hands with paper bags; tape loosely at wrists

22. Evidence Preservation • Wet clothing should be placed in paper (not plastic) bag, turned over to police. • Wet clothing should not be allowed to stay in ANY kind of bag for >two hours.

23. Evidence Preservation • Victims of alleged sexual assault should not wash or use restroom until they are examined at hospital

24. Evidence Preservation • Do NOT let evidence leave your custody until it passes directly to a peace officer • Note in your report that you handled evidence and to whom you passed it • Provide your name, unit number to officer to include in his/her report

25. Evidence Preservation If chain of custody on a piece of evidence is broken, it becomes inadmissible in court!