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Crime Scene Management 2

"Golden Rule" of Crime Scene Investigation/Management

a. "Never touch, change, or alter anything until it has been documented, identified, measured, and photographed . . . when a body or article has been moved, it can never be restored to its original position."

b. Exceptions:

(1) If the potential exists that an item of evidence (weapon) could be used to cause harm/death to someone at the scene.

(2) If the potential exists for an item/evidence to be lost, contaminated or destroyed:

"Transient evidence" is that type of short-lived evidence subject to damage or destruction by exposure to the elements." "Evidence which changes with the passage of time."

Crime Scene Search as a General Process

a. Approach the scene.

b. Secure and protect the scene.

• To "secure" is to close access.

• To "protect" is to deny access.

c. Identify, remove, and separate the witnesses from the scene.

d. Perform preliminary survey of the scene.

• Establish control.

• Determine extent of search.

• Develop preliminary theory.

• Identify evidence.

• Begin narrative.

e. Record narrative description of the scene.

• Notes - keep forever.

• Audiotape – use new tape, maintain tape in chain of custody as evidence, transcribe.

• Videotape (sight/sound) - "hears all, sees all," disconnect sound.

k. Perform final survey of the scene and double-check documentation and thoroughness of search.

l. Release the scene.

Formal declaration by investigator in charge.

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Crime Scene Management 2