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

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

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!