Evidence Preservation
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 the scene!– Taking evidence of the 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 floor Avoid kicking anything lying on 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 your assessment– Tell police– Note it in your report
If you move a DOA, note it in your report and tell police
Evidence Preservation
If you are there before the 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 the police:– Try to hold all witnesses at scene– Limit conversation between them
Evidence Preservation
If you are there before the 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 the bathroom
Evidence Preservation
Never cut through bullet hole, stab wound Do NOT shake or turn clothing inside out Bag or otherwise secure clothing so the
police can recover it at the hospital If you try an IV and miss, mark the site and
note it in your report Be conscious of debris you leave on the
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 loaded If firearm must be moved, only one
person should handle it Outline weapon before moving it if
possible
Evidence Preservation
Do NOT handle weapon any way except by grips
Do NOT attempt to clear or 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 and turned over to police.
Wet clothing should not be allowed to stay in ANY kind of bag for >two hours.
Evidence Preservation
Avoid tracking blood on shoes Keep bloody clothing from various
patients separated Do NOT clean or smudge blood
splatters on scene Advise police of blood spilled during
venipuncure
Evidence Preservation
Victims of alleged sexual assault should not wash or use the restroom until 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 and unit number to the officer to include in his/her report
Evidence Preservation
If chain of custody on piece of evidence is broken, it becomes inadmissible in court!