Crime Scene Response

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Crime Scene Response Guidelines

Overview

The purpose of crime scene investigation is to help establish what happened (crime scene reconstruction) and to identify the responsible person. This is done by carefully documenting the conditions at a crime scene and recognizing all relevant physical evidence. The ability to recognize and properly collect physical evidence is oftentimes critical to both solving and prosecuting violent crimes. It is no exaggeration to say that in the majority of cases, the law enforcement officer who protects and searches a crime scene plays a critical role in determining whether physical evidence will be used in solving or prosecuting violent crimes.

Despite Hollywood's portrayal, crime scene investigation is a difficult and time consuming job. There is no substitute for a careful and thoughtful approach. An investigator must not leap to an immediate conclusion as to what happened based upon limited information but must generate several different theories of the crime, keeping the ones that are not eliminated by incoming information at the scene. Reasonable inferences about what happened are produced from the scene appearance and information from witnesses. These theories will help guide the investigator to document specific conditions and recognize valuable evidence.

Documenting crime scene conditions can include immediately recording transient details such as lighting (on/off), drapes (open/closed), weather, or furniture moved by medical teams. Certain evidence such as shoeprints or gunshot residue is fragile and if not collected immediately can easily be destroyed or lost. The scope of the investigation also extends to considerations of arguments which might be generated in this case (suicide/self defense) and documenting conditions which would support or refute these arguments.

In addition, it is important to be able to recognize what should be present at a scene but is not (victim's vehicle/wallet) and objects which appear to be out of place (ski mask) and might have been left by the assailant. It is also important to determine the full extent of a crime scene. A crime scene is not merely the immediate area where a body is located or where an assailant concentrated his activities but can also encompass a vehicle and access/escape routes.

Although there are common items which are frequently collected as evidence (fingerprints, shoeprints, or bloodstains), literally any object can be physical evidence. Anything which can be used to connect a victim to a suspect or a suspect to a victim or crime scene is relevant physical evidence. Using the "shopping list" approach (collecting all bloodstains, hairs, or shoeprints) will probably not result in recognizing the best evidence. For example, collecting bloodstains under a victim's body or shoeprints from emergency personnel will rarely answer important questions. Conversely, a single matchstick (not usually mentioned as physical evidence) recovered on the floor near a victim's body can be excellent physical evidence since it can be directly tied to a matchbook found in a suspect's pocket.

Since a weapon or burglar tool is easily recognized as significant physical evidence, it is frequently destroyed by the perpetrator. Sometimes the only remaining evidence is microscopic evidence consisting of hairs, fibers, or other small traces the assailant unknowingly leaves behind or takes with him. Although this evidence is effectively collected when the clothing of the victim or suspect is taken, protocols (involving tape lifts) should be in place to process nude bodies so as not to lose this fragile evidence.

The following pages will discuss how crime scene duties can be divided among personnel, procedures for crime scene search, and finally basic crime scene documentation.

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Personnel Duties and Responsibilities
There are certain personnel duties and responsibilities which are necessary in almost any major search operation. Those enumerated in these guidelines concentrate on the ones which are typically crucial to ensure that search efforts are conducted in an organized and methodical fashion. It is important to note it may not be feasible to have one person assigned to each duty. It is relatively common for one person to accomplish two or more duties.

For all positions, interest and attitude of personnel are paramount concerns. Training and experience will only be used to best potential when team members possess a positive attitude. This human side of evidence response teams is significant due to the long hours and attention to detail often required of personnel.

The major assignments, as well as corresponding general duties and responsibilities, are set forth as follows:
1. Team Leader
2. Photographer and Photographic Log Recorder
3. Sketch Preparer
4. Evidence Recorder/Evidence Recovery Personnel
5. Specialists

Team Leader
1. Assume control - ensure safety of personnel and security at scene. Ensure personnel use appropriate protective equipment and follow standard recommendations to protect them from any health hazard which might be presented by blood or any other human body fluid.
2. Conduct initial walk-through for purposes of making a preliminary survey, evaluating potential evidence, and preparing a narrative description.
3. Determine search patterns, and make appropriate assignments for team members.
4. Designate command post location and ensure exchange of information between search and investigative personnel.
5. Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies and make sure a cooperative spirit is maintained.
6. Ensure that sufficient supplies and equipment are available for personnel.
7. Control access to the scene and designate an individual to log everyone into the scene.
8. Continuously reevaluate efficiency of search during entire course of operation.
9. Release the scene after a final survey and inventory of the evidence has been done.

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Photographer and Photographic Log Recorder
1. Photograph entire area before it is entered.
2. Photograph victims, crowd, and vehicles.
3. Photograph entire scene with overall, medium and close-up coverage, using measurement scale when appropriate.
4. Photograph major evidence items before they are moved; coordinate this effort with Sketch Preparer, Evidence Recorder, and Evidence Recovery Personnel.
5. Photograph all latent fingerprints and other impression evidence before lifting and casting are accomplished.
6. Prepare photographic log and photographic sketch.

Sketch Preparer
1. Diagram immediate area of scene and orient diagram with sketch.
2. Set forth major items of evidence on sketch.
3. Designate and label areas to be searched and advise team leader and all other search members of nomenclature for designated areas.
4. Obtain appropriate assistance for taking measurements and double check measurements.
5. Ensure necessary administrative information, such as scale disclaimer (not drawn to scale), is recorded on sketch.

Evidence Recorder/Custodian
1. Have significant evidence photographed before collection.
2. Describe evidence and its location on appropriate bag or envelope.
3. Sign and date evidence container/maintain chain of custody.
4. Appropriately collect and package evidence to maximize evidence integrity.
5. Maintain evidence log.
6. Use appropriate protective equipment (gloves) and methods when dealing with potentially infective evidence (blood).

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Photographer and Photographic Log Recorder
1. Photograph entire area before it is entered.
2. Photograph victims, crowd, and vehicles.
3. Photograph entire scene with overall, medium and close-up coverage, using measurement scale when appropriate.
4. Photograph major evidence items before they are moved; coordinate this effort with Sketch Preparer, Evidence Recorder, and Evidence Recovery Personnel.
5. Photograph all latent fingerprints and other impression evidence before lifting and casting are accomplished.
6. Prepare photographic log and photographic sketch.

Sketch Preparer
1. Diagram immediate area of scene and orient diagram with sketch.
2. Set forth major items of evidence on sketch.
3. Designate and label areas to be searched and advise team leader and all other search members of nomenclature for designated areas.
4. Obtain appropriate assistance for taking measurements and double check measurements.
5. Ensure necessary administrative information, such as scale disclaimer (not drawn to scale), is recorded on sketch.

Evidence Recorder/Custodian
1. Have significant evidence photographed before collection.
2. Describe evidence and its location on appropriate bag or envelope.
3. Sign and date evidence container/maintain chain of custody.
4. Appropriately collect and package evidence to maximize evidence integrity.
5. Maintain evidence log.
6. Use appropriate protective equipment (gloves) and methods when dealing with potentially infective evidence (blood).

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Organization and Procedures
for Search Operations
Preparation
1. Evaluate the current legal ramifications of crime scene searches (e.g., obtaining of search warrants).
2. Discuss upcoming search with involved personnel before arrival at scene, if possible.
3. Select, when feasible, person-in-charge prior to arrival at scene.
4. Consider the safety and comfort of search personnel - do not be caught unprepared when encountering a potentially dangerous scene or inclement weather- examples are:
o Clothing
o Communication
o Lighting assistance
o Shelter
o Transportation
o Food
o Medical assistance
o Scene security
o Equipment
5. Organize communication with services of an ancillary nature (e.g., medical examiner, prosecutive attorney) in order that questions which surface during crime scene search may be resolved. Take steps to organize a "command post" headquarters for communication, decision-making, etc., in major/complicated investigations.

Basic Stages in a Search
1. Approach scene Secure and protect scene
2. Initiate preliminary survey/determine scene boundaries
3. Evaluate physical evidence possibilities
4. Prepare narrative description
5. Depict scene photographically
6. Prepare diagram/sketch of scene
7. Conduct detailed search
8. Record and collect physical evidence
9. Conduct final survey
10. Release crime scene

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Approach Scene
1. Be alert for discarded evidence
2. Make pertinent notes as to possible approach/escape routes

Secure and Protect Scene
1. Take control of scene on arrival.
2. Determine extent to which scene has thus far been protected.
3. Ensure adequate scene security.
4. Obtain information from personnel who have entered scene and have knowledge relative to its original conditions -- document who has been at scene.
5. Take extensive notes - do not rely on memory.
6. Keep out unauthorized personnel - begin recording who enters and leaves.

Initiate Preliminary Survey
1. The survey is an organizational stage to plan for the entire search.
2. A cautious walk-through of the scene is accomplished.
3. Person-in-charge maintains definite administrative and emotional control.
4. Select appropriate narrative description technique.
5. Acquire preliminary photographs.
6. Delineate extent of the search area - usually expand initial perimeter.
7. Organize methods and procedures needed recognize special problem areas.
8. Determine personnel and equipment needs make specific assignments.
9. Identify and protect transient physical evidence.
10. Develop a general theory of the crime.
11. Make extensive notes to document scene physical and environmental conditions, assignments, movement of personnel, etc.
12. On vehicles get VIN number, license number, position of key, odometer reading, gear shift position, amount of fuel in tank, lights turned on or off.

Evaluate Physical Evidence Possibilities
1. Based upon what is known from the preliminary survey, determine what evidence is likely to be present.
2. Concentrate on the most transient evidence and work to the least transient forms of this material.
3. Focus first on the easily accessible areas in open view and progress eventually to possible out-of-view locations - look for purposely hidden items.
4. Consider whether the evidence appears to have been moved inadvertently.
5. Evaluate whether or not the scene and evidence appears intentionally "contrived".

Prepare Narrative Description
1. The purpose of this step is to provide a running narrative of the conditions at the crime scene. Consider what should be present at a scene (victim's purse or vehicle) and is not observed and what is out of place (ski mask).
2. Represent scene in a "general to specific" scheme. Consider situational factors: lights on/off, heat on/off, newspaper on driveway/in house, drapes pulled, open or shut.
3. Do not permit narrative effort to degenerate into a sporadic and unorganized attempt to recover physical evidence - it is recommended that evidence not be collected at this point, under most circumstances.
4. Methods of narrative - written, audio, video.

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Photograph Scene
1. Begin photography as soon as possible - plan before photographing.
2. Document the photographic effort with a photographic log.
3. Insure that a progression of overall, medium and close-up views of the scene is established.
4. Use recognized scale device for size determination when applicable.
5. When a scale device is used, first take a photograph without the inclusion of this device.
6. Photograph evidence in place before its collection and packaging.
7. Be observant of and photograph areas adjacent to the crime scene - points of entry, exits, windows, attics, etc.
8. Consider feasibility of aerial photography.
9. Photograph items, places, etc., to corroborate the statements of witnesses, victims, suspects.
10. Take photographs from eye-level, when feasible, to represent scene as it would be observed by normal view.
11. Film is relatively cheap compared to the rewards obtained - do not hesitate to photograph something which has no apparent significance at that time - it may later prove to be a key element in the investigation.
12. Prior to lifting latent fingerprints, photographs should be taken 1:1, or use appropriate scale.

Prepare diagram/sketch of scene
1. The diagram establishes permanent record of items, conditions, and distance/size relationships - diagrams supplement photographs
2. Rough sketch is drawn at scene (normally not drawn to scale) and is used as a model for finished sketch.
3. Typical material on rough sketch:
o Specific location
o Date
o Time
o Case identifier
o Preparer
o Weather conditions
o Lighting conditions
o Scale or scale disclaimer
o Compass orientation
o Evidence
o Measurements
o Key or legend

4. Number designations on sketch can be coordinated with same number designations on evidence log in many instances.
5. General progression of sketches:
o Lay out basic perimeter
o Set forth fixed objects, furniture, etc.
o Record position of evidence
o Record appropriate measurements- double check
o Set forth key/legend, compass orientation, etc.

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Conduct Detailed Search/Record, and Collect Physical Evidence
1. Accomplish search based on previous evaluation of evidence possibilities.
2. Conduct search in a general manner and work to the specifics regarding evidence items.
3. Use of specialized search patterns (e.g., grid, strip/lane, spiral) are recommended when possible.
4. Photograph all items before collection and enter notations in photographic log (remember- use scale when necessary).
5. Mark evidence locations on diagram/sketch
6. Complete evidence log with appropriate notations for each item of evidence.
7. Ensure that evidence or the container of evidence is initialed by investigator collecting the evidence.
8. Do not handle evidence excessively after recovery.
9. Seal all evidence containers at the crime scene.
10. Do not guess on packaging requirements different types of evidence can necessitate different containers.
11. Do not forget entrance and exit areas at scene for potential evidence.
12. Be sure to obtain appropriate "Known" standards (e.g., fiber sample from carpet).
13. Constantly check paperwork, packaging notations, and other pertinent recordings of information for possible errors which may cause confusion or problems at a later time.
14. Four basic premises:
o The best search options are typically the most difficult and time consuming.
o You cannot "over-document" the physical evidence.
o There is only one chance to perform the job properly.
o There are two basic search approaches, in this order:
§ A "cautious" search of visible areas, taking steps to avoid evidence loss or contamination.
§ After the "cautious" search, a vigorous search for hidden/concealed areas.

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Conduct Final Survey
1. This survey is a critical review of all aspects of the search.
2. Discuss the search jointly with all personnel for completeness.
3. Double check documentation to detect inadvertent errors.
4. Check to ensure all evidence is accounted for before departing scene.
5. Ensure all equipment used in the search is gathered.
6. Make sure possible hiding places of difficult access areas have not been overlooked in detailed search.
7. Critical issues: have you gone far enough in the search for evidence, documented all essential things, and made no assumptions which may prove to be incorrect in the future?

Release Crime Scene
1. Release is accomplished only after completion of the final survey.
2. At minimum, documentation should be made of :
o Time and date of release
o To whom released
o By whom released
3. Ensure that appropriate inventory has been provided as necessary, considering legal requirements, to person to whom scene is released .
4. Once the scene has been formally released, reentry may require a warrant.
5. Only the person-in-charge should have the authority to release the scene. This precept should be known and adhered to by all personnel.
6. Consider the need to have certain specialists serve the scene before it is released (e.g., blood pattern analysts, medical examiner).

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Documentation Procedures
Many law enforcement agencies use a variety of preprinted documents or forms, designed to record certain aspects of crime scene investigation. These documents normally have resulted from a trial-and-error approach based on actual case experiences. Despite variations in the design of these documents, the purpose and goals behind their use are usually identical from one agency to another.

There is an important point to consider when forms, are being drafted for routine use. Often, there is a tendency to regard forms as means to cover every possibility that personnel may confront, such documents normally serve only as reminders of the minimum pertinent information needed to perform a task. Each scene will require some ?l of deviation from the norm, based on the complexities at hand. Forms are not substitutes for thinking; they are merely tools to assist personnel to fully exercise training and experience to meet the needs of a given situation.

There are normally six important categories of documentation that are considered applicable to any search:

Administrative Worksheet
Documentation of major events, times and movements relating to the search efforts; documentation of initial and continuing management and administrative steps which are taken to insure that an organized search is accomplished.

Narrative Description
Documentation of the general appearance of the scene as first observed; extreme detail regarding evidence or actual collection of evidence, is normally beyond the scope of the Narrative Description

Photographic Log
Documentation of the process of scene photography which records the overall, medium, and close-up views of the scene; a log is produced representing the technical and descriptive information concerning the photographic task.

Diagram/Sketch
Documentation of physical evidence locations, as well as measurements showing pertinent size and distance relationships in the crime scene area.

Evidence Recovery Log
Documentation of the recognition, collection, marking, and packaging of physical evidence for administrative and chain of custody purposes.

Latent Print Lift Log
Documentation of the recognition, collection, marking, and packaging of lifts made of latent prints discovered at the scene.