Crime Scene Operations

Temple College

EMS Professions

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

It is impossible to be on a crime scene without:– Leaving evidence of yourself on scene!– Taking evidence of scene with you!

Evidence

Fingerprints Bite Marks Broken Fingernails Documents Blood/Body fluids Blood Splatters Firearms

Tool Marks Fracture matches Hair Fibers Paint Glass

Crime Scene

Location where any part of criminal act was committed

All entry/exit routes from area where crime was committed

Evidence Preservation

Patient care is FIRST priority of ALL responding agencies

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.

Evidence Preservation

A crime scene is no place for a crowd!

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

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

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

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

Evidence Preservation

If you are there before police:– Try to hold all witnesses at scene– Limit conversation between them

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

Evidence Preservation

Do NOT:– Smoke– Eat– Drink– Leave wrappers– Use bathroom

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.

Evidence Preservation

Avoid handling bullets, bullet fragments Place in plastic container Turn over to police

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

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

Evidence Preservation

If victim reports scratching assailant, cover victim’s hands with paper bags; tape loosely at wrists

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.

Evidence Preservation

Victims of alleged sexual assault should not wash or use restroom until they are examined at hospital

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

Evidence Preservation

If chain of custody on a piece of evidence is broken, it becomes inadmissible in court!