First Responder at a Death Scene

1. First Responder at a Death Scene Investigator Duane L. Hiers, Jr. Riverdale Police Department Criminal Investigations Division Phone: (770) 909 - 5430 Email: dhiers@riverdalega.gov

2. Terminal Performance Objective During an emergency response to a location where a death has occurred, the First Responder will identify, secure and work the crime scene in accordance with departmental policies.

3. Enabling Objectives • Identify the different types of death investigations. • Safety and preservation of the crime scene. • Describe the purpose of preserving the crime scene. • Define and prepare a Crime Scene Log.

4. Enabling Objectives (contd) • Define and prepare a Crime Scene Sketch. • Demonstrate the collection and preservation of evidence. • Prepare a Case Briefing Sheet in accordance with departmental policies.

5. Identify the Different Death Scenes • Natural - Illness, old age, SIDs • Accidental - Hey, Look at this! • Automobile accidents #1

6. Identify the Different Death Scenes (contd) • Suicide - Depressed about feelings and finances • Murder – Illegally taking the life of another.

7. Safety and Preservation of Crime Scene • Safety sweep. • Backup may be needed • Mental notes • Where is the victim? Children? Suspects? • Anyone else home?

8. Purpose of Preserving the Crime Scene • Establish the boundaries. • Mental notes • Perishable evidence • Missing link • Chain of custody • Airtight, might be the case solver

9. Define and Prepare Crime Scene Log • When a person enters and exit they take evidence with them • Logs are chiefly used for major crimes • Homicides, rapes, and robberies. • Establish a perimeter

10. Define and prepare a Crime Scene Log (contd) • Every person shall be entered into the log • Use the crime scene log that has been approved by the department and is contained in the departmental policies. • Every individual that enters the scene should be documented on the log at the time of entry and exit.

11. Prepare a Crime Scene Log (contd) • EVERY individual, regardless of rank • Even Chief of Police • This can be problematic for the inexperienced officer when instructing superiors on scene security. • Superior officer’s should recognize that inexperience and act accordingly.

12. Define and prepare Crime Scene Sketch • The real picture and permanent record • Overall layout and relationship of the evidence • Shows path of entrance and exit • Remember the legend, most important part

13. Define and prepare a Crime Scene Sketch (contd) • Upon entry to the scene make a mental note of the layout. • Note where any evidence might be located • Always put not to scale on the sketch. • Officers move weapons to make them safe. • Sketch may be only true picture of weapon location

14. Demonstrate the Collection and Preservation of Evidence • Physical evidence encompass any and all objects that a crime has been committed and might provide a link to the perpetrator. • FR should document any evidence that is readily or quickly disseminating. • Document, Document, Document

15. Prepare a Case Briefing Sheet • Date / Time • Incident Number • Incident location • Victim(s) • Type of Crime • Injuries • Officer involved shootings

16. Prepare a Case Briefing Sheet (contd) • Suspect • Who, What, Basic Description • Witness • Identify for later interviews • Synopsis • Tell the story of what happened

17. Enabling Objectives • Identify the different types of death investigations. • Safety and preservation of the crime scene. • Describe the purpose of preserving the crime scene. • Define and prepare a Crime Scene Log.

18. Enabling Objectives (contd) • Define and prepare a Crime Scene Sketch. • Demonstrate the collection and preservation of evidence. • Prepare a Case Briefing Sheet in accordance with departmental policies.

19. Questions????