Hello faithful followers and newbies as well. I wasn't home last night so I thought I'd discuss a bit about the systematic approach to
crime scene investigation.
It
actually begins way before you get the call. You must check your
vehicle to make sure that it is functional and completely stocked. How
is your oil? Does the vehicle have a full tank of gas? How is your
supply of bags, markers, tweezers, gloves, etc? Is your camera
functional? Do you have spare batteries and memory cards?
When
you get the call then you begin an emotional transformation. You need
to handle your emotions while doing your job. A horrendous scene,
especially one involving a child, takes a toll on you but it cannot
interfere with the duties required of you. A mental preparation and
calming is essential.
Then
you do a preliminary walk through. The first priority on any scene is
safety. Safety and care of the victims and the law enforcement
personnel. Once the scene has been declared safe and medical attention
has been rendered to those victims that can be helped by that, then
comes the evidence. One must evaluate the environmental conditions and
establish a priority of the evidence to be gathered. For instance, if
you are working an outside scene and it is raining or soon going to be
raining you must take precautions to protect vulnerable evidence from
the environment. A heavily traveled area is also a priority. But you
must determine the scope of the scene and the potential evidence prior
to beginning any collection.
Once
you know what you are dealing with and have an idea of the tools you
will need to deal with what you have, then you begin documentation and
collection. Documentation consists of notes, photographs, and
sketches. You should takes notes on EVERYTHING. What do you see, hear,
smell, feel, and observe? Are the lights on or off, what is the
temperature, what is the thermostat setting, is anything out of place,
and on and on. Then you photograph to place the item of evidence in a
relationship within the scene and then a close up of the evidence
itself. If it is in a difficult location such as under something
or stuck in something or on top of something then supplemental
photographs may be necessary. Then the item is measured for placement
in a sketch.
Then
you collect and package for the best possible preservation of that
piece of evidence. Labeling is important as well. You should have
already designated areas for evidence, equipment, and trash. Everything
has a place and should be put in its place. That is easier for
organization and accountability.
At
the final phase you ask for a 'fresh pair of eyes' if possible to
review the area and view the scene to see if they notice anything that
you may have overlooked. This is also the time to dust for fingerprints
and leave that black powder on everything.
Once back at the office or the laboratory is when the real fun begins: PAPERWORK!!
Image Source
No comments:
Post a Comment