Wednesday, August 14, 2013

So What Did Margie Say About...Systematic Approach to Crime Scene Investigation




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!!    

This is really just a brief discussion and "the tip of the Iceberg" but it gives the basics so that any Titanic disaster should be avoided.

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