29' Criminal Investigation Crime Scene

1
29. Criminal Investigation Crime Scene

• TCLEOSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• 08/05/04

2
Objectives

• 29.6.1. List and describe procedures to be taken
  upon arrival at the scene.
• 29.6.2. Describe procedures for identifying
  victim in case of serious injury or death.
• 29.6.3. Identify the available special units
  which may be called to the scene.
• 29.6.4. Identify information which should be
  made known to other officers.
• "Identify" any known information describing
  suspect(s) vehicle, description physical
  description of suspect, weapons used, direction
  or travel, fruits of crime.
• 29.6.5. Discuss the legal authority to protect
  the crime scene and establish the perimeters.
• 29.6.6. Describe procedures for securing the
  crime scene.
• Unit Goal 29.7. To increase the understanding
  of and actual application of protecting and
  searching the crime scene.
• 29.7.1. Discuss the objectives in conducting a
  crime scene search.
• 29.7.2. Identify the potential problems in
  conducting a crime scene search.
• 29.7.3. Discuss factors to be considered when
  choosing and demonstrate methods of crime scene
  search.
• 29.7.4. Describe procedures involved in
  implementing a crime scene search.
• 29.7.5. Determine circumstances under which
  additional investigative and technical personnel
  should be called to conduct a crime scene search
  and when officers may vacate the scene.
• 29.7.6. Identify when evidence may and may not
  be used.
• 29.7.7. Identify the procedures to be followed
  in photographing a crime scene.
• 29.7.8. Discuss the value of crime scene
  sketches.
• 29.7.9. Describe the proper procedures for crime
  scene documentation.
• 29.7.10. Identify and demonstrate methods for
  preparing a crime scene sketch.
• 29.7.11. Identify types of crime scene sketches.

3
Unit Goal 29.6. To increase the students'
understanding of, respect for, and actual
application of the tasks required in conducting a
criminal investigation.
4
29.6.1. List and describe procedures to be taken
upon arrival at the scene.
5
Determine upon arrival

• If suspect(s) are at or near scene by observing
  unusual activity, persons, vehicles
• Appropriate tactical action if suspect is at
  scene and offense is in progress weapon(s)
  involved
• Number of suspects
• Is a backup request appropriate?

6
Search perimeter of building for open doors
(windows)
7
Apply verbal skills to determine who is the
victim, witness and complainant and to locate who
reported offense.
8
Solicit information from persons in immediate
area, appear through media, informants.Separate
witnesses so they don't influence others by
statements.
9
Obtain identification

• Name
• D.O.B.
• Address
• Home/work phone number
• Place of employment.
• Other data to ID later
• Drivers license number
• License plate number

10
29.6.2. Describe procedures for identifying
victim in case of serious injury or death.
11

• ID - Serious Bodily Injury
• If person is alive and conscious, obtain
  identification and information about next of kin.

12

• ID Death
• Officers may locate any source of identification
  such as drivers license, military ID, social
  security card, tattoos, amputation or unusual
  scars, only after obtaining permission from the
  medical examiner or justice of the peace to move
  or disturb the body.
• See CCP 49.25 (8), CCP 49.05

13
29.6.3. Identify the available special units
which may be called to the scene.
14
Special units

• EMS for injuries
• Medical Examiner/Coroner/J.P. for homicides.
• Bomb squad
• fire department
• military
• narcotics visit/task force
• other L.E. agencies for assistance
• technicians
• supervisor
• detectives

15
29.6.4. Identify information which should be
made known to other officers.
16
"Identify" any known information describing
suspect(s) vehicle, description physical
description of suspect, weapons used, direction
or travel, fruits of crime.
17
29.6.5. Discuss the legal authority to protect
the crime scene and establish the perimeters.
18
Legal authority for crime scene

• Peace officer to prevent injury - CCP 6.06
• Conduct of peace officer - CCP 6.07
• Duties performed by medical examiner - CCP 49.25
• Removal of body property from place of death -
  CCP 49.05
• Sealing premises of deceased by medical examiner
  - CCP 49.22

19

• Visually inspect to determine perimeters.
• Any area affected by commission of an offense.
• May be more than a single location.

20
29.6.6. Describe procedures for securing the
crime scene.
21
Protect from contamination.
22
Prevent removal of evidence.
23
Use rope or tape, officers, other personnel or
barricades to guard perimeter. Owner gives
verbal authority to keep out unauthorized
persons. Try to gain owner's permission.
24
Responsibilities of the officer in charge.
25
Consult local departmental policy for specific
procedures.
26
See PC 30.05, 37.09, 38.15, CCP 49.05, and 49.06
27
Unit Goal 29.7. To increase the understanding
of and actual application of protecting and
searching the crime scene.
28
29.7.1. Discuss the objectives in conducting a
crime scene search.
29
Officers must determine if a search warrant is
required.
30
A planned and coordinated legal search of a crime
scene to locate physical evidence or witnesses to
the crime under investigation.
31
Determine what crime has been committed and
establish elements of offense.
32
Was a crime committed?
33
Determine who, how, when, and why the crime was
committed.
34
29.7.2. Identify the potential problems in
conducting a crime scene search.
35

• Evaluate physical characteristics of area to be
  searched -- size, landscape, density, indoors,
  outdoors.
• Evaluate hazards of area to be searched and what
  safety measures may be necessary.
• Evaluate potential of recovering any evidence.

36
29.7.3. Discuss factors to be considered when
choosing and demonstrate methods of crime scene
search.
37

• Consider the size and type of area to be covered.
• Consider the personnel and equipment necessary
  and available.
• Consider the degree of thoroughness required
  depending on the type of crime committed, type of
  physical evidence sought and the purpose of the
  search.

38
Methods of Crime Scene Search
39
Point-to-point search

• This method can be used as a preliminary step in
  evaluating the scene.
• Some of the disadvantages of this method are
• It is often disorganized
• Trace of evidence may be overlooked.
• Others at the scene may feel that when this
  method of search is completed, they are then free
  to invade the scene.
• Description
• Move in order of appearance of evidence, as
  follows
• First item of evidence at the scene to second
  item.
• Second item of evidence at the scene to the third
  item.
• Move like this until all evidence is covered.

40
Strip search (thorough)

• This method, in both the double and single form,
  is among the most effective for outside searches.
  Stakes and lines are useful in setting up lanes.
  Natural landmarks may be used as borders

41
Quadrant (or Sector) Search

• This type of search is effective for indoor and
  outdoor scenes that have regular patterns or
  defined borders. This type of search also permits
  different types of searches in the different
  sectors.

42
Circular (Spiral or Concentric) Search

• This type of search is useful when an item is
  missing from the center and the search must be
  conducted rapidly. The search may begin in the
  inside or the outside as the circumstances
  dictate.

43
Area Search

• This search uses any technique which will be
  effective in examining specific and small areas
  with defined borders, such as landscaped areas,
  bushes, paths, and sidewalks.

44
Aerial Search

• This search may employ infrared film for
  discovery of such things as gravesites.

45
29.7.4. Describe procedures involved in
implementing a crime scene search.
46
Implementation procedures

• Determining the starting point of the search
  based on priorities in the central scene, but if
  it is not possible to protect evidence, may begin
  outside of central scene
• Establish a headquarters and assemble personnel
  outside of area to be searched
• Conduct a briefing of searchers and give
  pertinent information
• basic information about the offenses
• the type of evidence being sought and why
• the search method to be used
• Discuss and establish the speed at which the
  search is to be conducted - a slow search for
  trace evidence, and a fast search for a missing
  person in a field
• Assign areas of responsibility to each person in
  search group
• Maintain communications with all searchers
• An effective procedure for rechecking is to
  alternate searchers from one area to another area

47
29.7.5. Determine circumstances under which
additional investigative and technical personnel
should be called to conduct a crime scene search
and when officers may vacate the scene.
48
Summoning Assistance

• When physical characteristics of area make it
  impractical for one person to search.
• When the amount of damage or evidence to be
  searched for makes it impractical for one person
  to search.
• When expertise is needed beyond that of those
  present.
• Consider what personnel are available
• Consider the degree of thoroughness required

49
Leaving the scene

• When released from responsibility
• When not needed
• When directed to do so

50
29.7.6. Identify when evidence may and may not
be used.
51
Evidence in Criminal Actions

• Statement - CCP 38.21
• When Statements May be Used - CCP 38.22
• Evidence Not to be Used - CCP 38.23
• Photographic evidence in theft cases - CCP 38.34

52
Hearsay

• Definitions - TRE 801
• Hearsay Rule - TRE 802
• Hearsay Exceptions Availability of Declarant
  Immaterial TRE 803
• Hearsay Exceptions Declarant Unavailable TRE
  804

53
29.7.7. Identify the procedures to be followed
in photographing a crime scene.
54
Elements and procedures of crime scene
photography

• Preparation
• Type of film
• Camera setting
• Flash
• Take first photo of card identifying
  photographer, date, location, and case number
• Maintain a log of photos
• Photograph starting with exterior to interior, or
  with a landmark to locate evidence then work to
  detail from farthest relevant point
• Photograph specifics of crime, evidence, victims,
  weapons, etc.
• Identify roll(s) of film with officers name,
  date, location and case number
• Maintain custody during processing of film
• Special documentation requirements sexual
  assault, child abuse, family violence

55
29.7.8. Discuss the value of crime scene
sketches.
56
A sketch is a drawing which represents the crime
scene and serves to supplement photography by
providing accurate information concerning the
distance between various points in the scene.
57
Note to the instructor Utilize this information
in every scenario and role play possible to give
students practice in sketching crime scenes.
58
Sketches are helpful in reconstructing the crime
scene.
59
Sketches record the exact locations and
relationships of pieces of evidence and
surroundings of the crime scene.
60
29.7.9. Describe the proper procedures for crime
scene documentation.
61
Documentation procedures

• Two methods of measurement
• In the triangulation method measurements are made
  from two or more fixed points to intersect at the
  location of the object
• In the rectangulation method, objects are located
  using two perpendicular lines.
• When taking accurate measurements, officers
  should use a standard, acceptable measuring
  device
• In taking measurements, obtain sufficient
  measurements to accurately locate objects in the
  crime scene
• Record measurements in crime scene using
  permanent reference points

62
29.7.10. Identify and demonstrate methods for
preparing a crime scene sketch.
63
Preparing a crime scene sketch

• Make a rough drawing at the crime scene on paper
• The rough drawing needs to be accurate but does
  not need to be drawn to scale
• The rough drawing needs to be a representation of
  the crime scene showing objects and measurements
• Use an arrow to show north and orient north to
  the top of the sketch
• Draw lines to show where measurements are taken
  from
• In making a completed crime scene sketch
  determine a scale to use and locate all objects
  on drawing to scale
• Show scale on final crime scene sketch
• Use a legend to explain any symbols used on the
  crime scene sketch.
• Avoid excessive lettering on sketch by using
  numerical designations
• A title or identifier should appear on the
  drawing and should contain name of person who
  sketched the scene, location of sketch and time
  and date of sketch
• The sketcher should always have control of taking
  and observing measurements

64
29.7.11. Identify types of crime scene sketches.
65
Perspective sketch - three dimensional

• Objects are drawn in such a way as to show them
  as they appear to the eye with reference to
  relative distance or depth. This sketch is
  useful when no camera is available or the
  condition of the scene is such that a photograph
  would not be illustrative.

66
Projection sketch

• This type is the most frequently used. It is
  employed when it becomes desirable to portray
  three dimensions to allow better correlation of
  the evidential facts of the scene. All places
  and objects are drawn in one plane, as seen from
  above. A cross-projection drawing is one where
  the walls and ceiling of a room are seen as
  folded out into the same plane as the floor.
  This type of drawing is employed to illustrate
  the interrelationships between objects in
  different planes, such as bullet holes and blood
  stains.

67
Schematic sketch

• Employed when it is desirable to represent an
  orderly combination of events which have
  occurred. Examples would be tracing the path of
  a fired bullet through glass, flesh, walls, etc.,
  and tracing the path of a skidding automobile.

68
Detailed sketch

• Employed when it is desired to describe a small
  area which is not illustrated due to the scale
  chosen for the rough or finished drawing.
  Examples of such areas would be bullet holes,
  tool marks, blood spots or patterns, and the
  location or orientation of a latent fingerprint.
  Another example would be a drawing of the
  placement of ammunition in a revolver cylinder.
  It is also useful when small items of evidence
  must be illustrated prior to their removal from
  immovable objects.

69
29.7.12. Explain chain of custody.
70

• Chain of Custody is the process which records
  transactions of evidence from person to person
  since its acquisition by a law enforcement
  agency.
• Chain of custody maintains exactly what happened
  to evidence from the time it was found until
  presented in court.
• Chain of custody accounts for who found the
  item where it was found who took custody and
  marked it who transported it and where it is
  being stored.

71
29.7.13. Describe and use procedures for
establishing chain of custody.
72

• General considerations in handling evidence are
  to preserve its integrity, preserve its value to
  owner and mark as evidence if possible.
• Evidence is located and identified - the person
  doing this marks on evidence or attaches a tag on
  evidence showing name of person, date, offense,
  location found (if possible) and case number if
  available.
• If evidence is too small to mark on, or if
  marking on will alter or damage, then evidence
  may be placed in an envelope or container that
  shows necessary identification.

73
29.7.14. Categorize the type of evidence to be
collected for the type of offense committed.
74
Burglary evidence

• Stolen property
• Damaged property
• Footprints
• Fingerprints
• Tools used in committed offense

75
Assault, robbery, murder

• Weapons
• Bloodstains
• Stolen property

76
29.7.15. Demonstrate safe methods for preserving
evidence in original condition.
77
Packaging

• The purpose of proper packaging is to prevent
  breaking, spoiling, loss, and contamination
• Containers should fit tightly
• Each different item should be packaged separately
• Items from different places should be packaged
  separately
• Wet evidence, such as bloodstains, semen stains,
  mud and such, must be allowed to dry before
  packaging to prevent rotting
• Liquid blood must be refrigerated

78
Safety Precautions

• Use disposable latex gloves
• Upon completion, dispose of gloves properly
• Wash hands
• Avoid contact with any other body fluids
• Use extreme caution when handling HIV body fluids

79
Firearms

• Physical appearance of a weapon before it is
  moved
• Note the position of slide or bolt
• Position of exposed hammer, firing pin and safety
• Lift weapon
• Unload weapon
• Do not clean or strip weapon
• Never place an object inside of barrel
• Note the location of cylinder and position of
  fired and unfired cartridges.

80
Collecting paint evidence

• If practical, submit the item bearing the
  questioned paint
• Obtain paint samples from all damaged areas on a
  vehicle
• Sketch the location from which the paint sample
  was taken

81
Protect the working surfaces of tools from
mechanical damage, rust and corrosion.
82
29.7.16. Apply procedures for obtaining
information from victims, complainants and
witnesses.
83
Information-getting procedures

• Gather information as to description of the
  complainant, suspect, witnesses, and any other
  related investigative facts
• Obtain and record all pertinent information
  regarding the offense - time, date, location
  where they were when offense occurred, what was
  seen, what was heard
• Allow complainant and witnesses to tell own
  story, then ask pertinent, direct questions
• Ask questions without supplying an answer
• Refrain from getting hearsay
• Obtain written statement from witnesses or
  complainant, whenever necessary
• Property victims just as traumatized as
  injury/homicide victims - officer should treat
  all with dignity and respect
• Obtain as complete a description of suspect as
  possible - race, sex, height, weight, clothing,
  facial features, weapon and direction of travel
• Obtain as complete a description of any vehicle
  used by suspect - license plates, make, model,
  color, significant damage or features direction
  of travel

84

• Note to the instructor Use this information in
  every scenario and role-play possible to give
  students practice in obtaining information from
  victims, complainants, and witnesses.

85
Successful coming about, taking placeor turning
out as hoped for.      -Webster's