Intermediate Crime Scene Search TCOLE Course #2106 (32-40 hours)

1. INTERMEDIATE CRIME SCENE SEARCH TCOLE Course # 2106 32 to 40 hours AND UNIT THREE BCCO PCT #4 PowerPoint

2. Learning Objectives Learning Objective 3.1 The student will be able to summarize major issues of crime scene investigation. Learning Objective 3.1.1 The student will be able to list a basic guideline for conducting a crime scene search. Learning Objective 3.1.2 The student will be able to identify the methods of conducting a preliminary investigation. Learning Objective 3.1.3 The student will be able to explain the importance for establishing a “chain of custody

3. Learning Objective 3.1.4 The student will be able to explain the importance for conducting a final survey of the crime scene. Learning Objective 3.1.5 The student will be able to explain the importance for debriefing the search team. Learning Objective 3.1.6 The student will be able to explain the importance for maintaining a case file. Learning Objective 3.1.7 The student will be able to explain the importance for conducting a follow-up investigation

4. 3.0Investigating a Crime Scene

5. 3.1 Major Crime Scene Investigation Issues

6. 3.1.1 Guidelines for Conducting Crime Scene Search A. The basic steps of which a crime scene search normally progresses are as follows: • Approach scene. • Secure and protect. • Preliminary survey.

7. 3.1.1 Continued: • Evaluate the possibilities of physical evidence. • Establish a “chain of custody.” • Narrative description. • Photograph scene. • Sketch scene. • Fingerprints/Latent prints. • Identify, collect, mark, and preserve evidence.

9. 3.1.1 • Evaluation of DNA evidence. • Detailed search. • Evaluation of actual physicalevidence. • Collection, recording, marking and preservation of evidence. • Final survey to ensure conditions of the crime scene have been documented as thoroughly as possible.

10. 3.1.1 Continued: • Release scene after to ensure that all evidence is appropriately collected, marked for identification, and properly documented. • Debriefing. • Notify next of kin. • Transport evidence, body, etc. • Create case file.

11. SEARCH TEAMS DE-BRIEFING

12. 3.1.1 Continued: • Lab results, autopsy, etc. • Press release or news conference. • Follow-up investigation. Note:Refer to Agency policy, procedures and protocol for particular order of steps.

13. 3.1.2 Preliminary Investigation Methods A. Basic steps of a preliminary investigation. 1. Upon arrival at the scene, determine if a crime has been committed. (The specific crime and elements of the offense.)

15. 3.1.2 Continued: 2.Cautiously approach and enter the crimescene, perform a “walk through,” remaining observant of any person, vehicles, events, potential evidence, and environmental conditions. 3.Provide firstaid to injured persons and request emergency medical attention, if necessary. 4.Determine if a weapon is involved and secure it.

17. 3.1.2 5. Locate and interview victims and witnesses. Keep witnesses separated. Be aware of any persons or vehicles attempting to leave the scene. 6. Obtain identification of witnesses’ name, date of birth, address, residential telephone number, place of employment, and work phone number and other important information. 7. Document specific information in “field notes” regarding the crime scene.

18. 3.1.2 8. Identify and arrest the person responsible, if possible. Determine whether a "freshpursuit" would be of value (if the suspect is still in the vicinity). 9. Conduct a “neighborhood or door-to-door canvass,” if necessary. 10. Remain alert and attentive. • Follow Agency policy, procedures and protocols.

19. 3.1.2 (B.) Field Notes 1. Good report-writing skills and style are necessary.

20. 2. Develop a note-taking system, such as using initials instead of complete names. However, do not make it difficult for others to interpret your notes. DOCUMENT DOCUMENT AND DOCUMENT DOCUMENT

21. 3.1.2 (B.) 3. Use spiral notebooks, interview field (IF) cards, taperecorders, or other. 4. Obtain and record the following information: a. WHO b. WHAT c. WHEN d. WHERE e. WHY f. HOW

22. 3.1.2 (B.) WHO • observed the crime? • Saw the suspects? • Committed the crime? • Had a motive for committing the crime? • Accompanied the suspect? • Called the police? • Is/was the victim?

23. 3.1.2 (B.) WHAT • crime was committed? • Was stolen, damaged, or otherwise affected? • Evidence has been located? • Statements were made? • Additional information is needed?

24. 3.1.2 (B.) WHEN • Was the crime reported? • Did the crime occur? (TIME) • Were the police notified? • When did you arrive on scene? • Was any evidence located? TIMES are essential to your case.

26. 3.1.2 (B.) WHERE • Did the crime occur? (Location) • Was the evidence located? • Do the suspects live? • Do the witnesses live? • Was marks on victim found?

28. 3.1.2 (B.) WHY • Was the crime committed? • Was that victim chosen? • Was that location chosen? • Was that specific property taken?

30. 3.1.2 (B.) HOW • Did the suspects get in? • Was the crime committed? • Was evidence discovered? • Was victim found? (In what physical and/or mental condition)

31. 3.1.2 (C.) Crime Scene Protection 1. Protect the crime scene from destruction, contamination, or removal of evidenceand loss of property. 2. If necessary, use street barricades, ropes, "policeline" tape, or additional personnel around the perimeter to keep unauthorized persons out.

32. 3.1.2 (D.) Potential Evidence 1. Once evidence has been located, remind personnel not to touch, move, or handle the items, in any way, until the evidence has been: a. Photographed. b. Sketched. c. Documented. d. Ready to be collected, marked, and preserved

33. 3.1.3 Chain of Custody A. A record of all individuals who handle the evidence, as well as any details of events. B.Documentationshould begin during the preliminary investigation. C. Ensure that evidence tags are created

34. YOU WILL USE These forms for YOUR PRACTICAL EXCERISES EVIDENCE Agency: ________________________ Case #: _________________________ Officer:_____________ ___________ Printed Last Name Printed First Name Badge #:_________ Initials _________ Date:____/___/____ Time:________ Location: ________________________ Physical address item recovered _____________ ________ __________ City State Zip Brief Description of Evidence:

35. Continued: 3.1.3 D. Each time the evidence exchanges possession from one person to another, or moves from one location to another, the investigator must record this transaction. E. It is critical to record all pertinent information possible and maintain the chain of custody. F. Always follow department policy& proceduresSOP and protocol

37. 3.1.4 Final Survey of the Crime Scene A. Consists of a final “walkthrough” of the crime scene. B. Ensures that allevidence has been collected and scene has been processed prior to release. IMPORTANT

38. Continued: 3.1.4 C. Ensures that evidence, equipment, or materials are not inadvertently left behind and dangerous materials or conditions have been reported and addressed. D. During the walkthrough, the following should be ensured: 1. Each area identified as part of the crime scene is visually inspected

39. 3.1.4 D.2. All evidence collectedat the scene is accounted for. D.3. All equipment and materials generated by the investigation are removed. D.4. Any dangerous materials or conditions are reported and addressed. D.5. Crime scene is releasedin accordance to department policy

40. 3.1.5 Debriefing Search Team A. Usually established and conducted by investigator (s) who are in charge of the search. B. Conducted after the final survey is completed.

41. Continued: 3.1.5 C. Enables law enforcement personnel and other responders to shareinformation regarding particular scene findings prior to releasing the scene.

42. Continued: 3.1.5 D. Provides an opportunity for input regarding future follow-up investigation, special requests for assistance, and the establishment and verification of post-scene responsibilities (Body identification, notification, press relations, and evidence transportation).

43. Continued: 3.1.5 E. Determines/identify the need for a specialist (e.g. crime laboratory technicians, social services, entomologists, OSHA). . F. Communicate with the pathologist about responding to the scene or to schedule an autopsy, if necessary.

44. Continued: 3.1.5 G. Share investigative data (if collaborating with other law enforcement agencies/jurisdictions).

45. Continued: 3.1.5 H. Helps in following ways: 1. Determine what evidence was collected 2. Discuss preliminary scene findings with team members. 3. Discuss potential technical forensic testing, crime laboratory, storage facility, and the sequence of tests to be performed.

46. Continued: 3.1.5 I. Good opportunity for investigators and other responders to ensure that the crime scene search is complete. J. Allows law enforcement officials to prepare a pressrelease or public news conference, if necessary Remember the “MEDIA” can help you find perpetrators !

48. Continued: 3.1.5 K. Allows the investigator (s) in charge make special requests and to remind all responders of maintaining confidentiality of case. L. Follow agency policy and protocol. ALWAYS

49. 3.1.6 Case File A.Reportsand other documents are compiled into a case file by the investigator(s) in charge of the search. B. The file is a record of all actions taken and evidence collected at the scene

50. Continued: 3.1.6 C. This documentation allows for independent review of the work conducted, or if preparing a case for prosecution. D. A case file contains the following information: 1. Initial respondingofficer (s) documentation. 2. Emergency medical personnel documentation.