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Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation. Evidence Preservation. The most important part of evidence collection is protecting the crime scene. Evidence. Anything that can be used to connect: A victim to a suspect A suspect to a victim A suspect to a crime scene. The Fundamental Principle.

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Evidence Preservation

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  1. Evidence Preservation

  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 the scene! • Taking evidence of the 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 floor • Avoid kicking anything lying on 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 your assessment • Tell police • Note it in your report • If you move a DOA, note it in your report and tell police

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

  15. Evidence Preservation • If you are there before the 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 the 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 the police can recover it at the hospital • If you try an IV and miss, mark the site and note it in your report • Be conscious of debris you leave on the 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 loaded • If firearm must be moved, only one person should handle it • Outline weapon before moving it if possible

  20. Evidence Preservation • Do NOT handle weapon any way except by grips • Do NOT attempt to clear or 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 and turned over to police. • Wet clothing should not be allowed to stay in ANY kind of bag for >two hours.

  23. Evidence Preservation • Avoid tracking blood on shoes • Keep bloody clothing from various patients separated • Do NOT clean or smudge blood splatters on scene • Advise police of blood spilled during venipuncure

  24. Evidence Preservation • Victims of alleged sexual assault should not wash or use the restroom until examined at hospital

  25. 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 and unit number to the officer to include in his/her report

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

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