Crime Scene Fundamentals & Documentation

Arrival at scene/Walk thru:

• Verify Crime being investigated
• Where are victims?
• Where are suspects?
• Any witness statements?  Where were the witnesses at time of incident?

Photograph/Video Scene Documentation

• Photographs of a crime scene record exactly how the scene appeared at the time and how the evidence was found at the scene
• Visual record of scene, evidence, and elements

Preliminary Crime Scene Investigation

• Collect all available information necessary to document crime scene
• Identify and preserve evidence-  Inner Perimeter and Outer Perimeter
• Listen to the debrief, then look beyond.  Often evidence is missed.  Expand scene and walk through it.  Reevaluate.

Crime Scene Search

• A search is a systematic, coordinated effort conducted to locate physical evidence
• Do not limit yourself to collecting items you think are evidence.  Keep in mind that everything found in a crime scene should be considered evidence.
• Search the area again
• Evidence and Packaging (Chain of Custody)
• Equipment Suggestions
• Issues to consider with packaging:  Wet Evidence, DNA Preservation, Weapons, and Fingerprint Issues
• Handling and Collection of Evidence
• General Collection Rules

• Blood Stain Samples and Controls
• DNA Sample Swabs
• Buccal Swab (Oral Swab)
• Collect a reference DNA swab from suspects and victims.
• Date, time, location, description

DNA-Deoxyribonucleic Acid is a substance that is found in the chromosomes in the nucleus of all human cells.  It provides the genetic coding information that determines characteristics that are unique to everyone. Blood (Body Fluids)

• DNA Sources
• Hair and Fiber Collection
• Weapons Packaging and Processing
• Bloody Clothing
• GSR- Gun Shot Residue Collection Tips – When and How
• Scene Photographs
• Evidence Item Identification – Number Stands
• Ballistic Photography
• Documentation of Vehicles

Report Writing 

• Basic report outline
• Document dates and times throughout investigation
• Weather and lighting conditions at time of incident and changes upon your arrival
• Briefing of known circumstances at the time and personnel involved
• Scene personnel upon arrival
• Outer and inner perimeter units and crime scene tape locations
• Personnel as they arrive on scene

General Scene Description

• Streets surrounding scene
• Compass directions of streets
• Area description (residential, commercial, etc.)
• Scene Specific description
• Specific location description (address, driveway, room etc.)
• Evidence location, descriptions, and assigned E/I numbers
• Measurement evidence, anything relevant (city light posts)
• Document vehicles involved and their measured locations
• Scene exit time
• Evidence booked
• Digital photos uploaded

Surveillance Video Documentation

• Note brand and model of machine
• Note owner information and contact phone
• Photograph split screen of camera views
• Note how many cameras and which cameras apply to needed information
• Note where the cameras are located on the building and the view – east, west, etc
• Note time displayed on video screen versus correct time

Cell Phone Documentation

• Place cell phone in airplane Mode
• Disconnect blue tooth and wi-fi
• Note any information available-without turning off phone
• Pass code, swipe code
• Brand, model, phone number, owner information

Computer Documentation

• Bump the computer or keyboard to see if the machine is on
• Photograph the computer screen and any open programs
• Take notes on open programs and progressively close each program
• Turn off computer
• Mark each cord and the matching plug in A-A  BB  C-C
• Unplug and zip tie all cords in neat bundles
• Collect tower and power cord
• Need search warrant to search – Do not turn on computer.  Computer will change each time activated and you leave a foot print.
• Place in static free container