This Crime Scene Review comes from the Department of Justice (DOJ): "Crime Scene Investigation, a guide for law enforcement" handbook.

The Crime scene will typically start with a person(s) contacting 911, who will initiate a response from law enforcement.

Patrol Officers will most commonly be the first responders.

The entire investigation will depend on the actions or in-actions of these first responders.

The initial response should be prompt, yet cautious. Remaining observant for any persons, vehicles, events, potential evidence, & environmental conditions.

The initial responding officer should:

1. Log the dispatch information
(address, date & time, type of call, & original details)

Use correct radio protocols.

2. Be aware of any persons or vehicles leaving the scene

3. Approach cautiously. primary crime scene? secondary scenes? involved parties?

4. Make initial observations (look, listen, smell) to assess the scene and ensure officer safety.

5. Remain alert, assume crime is still ongoing.

6. Treat the location as a crime scene.

Summary: Be alert ad observant when approaching, entering, and exiting the crime scene.

The safety of yourself, fellow officers, and others around the scene is the first priority.

The initial responding officer(s) are responsible to identify and control any dangerous situations.

1. Ensure that there is no immediate threat to other responders.

-scan the area fro sights, sounds, and smells that may present danger.

examples?
Gasoline, traffic, suspects, electricity, CO2, others...

2. Thought-out approach: Safety, security, control, evidence preservation.

3. Notify supervisors, other resources.

Summary: Control of physical threats and the safety

After controlling any dangerous situations or persons, the officers next responsibility is to ensure that medical attention is provided to injured persons while minimizing contamination of the scene.

1. Assess the victim(s) for signs of life or medical needs and provide assistance if possible. Call for medical assistance.

2. guide medical personnel to victim and attempt to minimize contamination/ alteration.

-minimize contact with evidence (including clothing, bullet holes, etc) Document any alterations or items left by medical staff.

-obtain agency information, unit numbers, personnel names, and location of facility of transport.

3. Document any statements made by victims, suspects, or witnesses (dying declarations).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dying_declaration

4. Escort/ send units to medical facility if needed.

Controlling individuals at the scene is essential to protect the crime scene, protect victims, and protect witness memories/ statements.

1. control individuals at the scene. Prevent individuals from altering/destroying evidence by restricting their movement, location, and activity, while ensuring safety.

2. Identify :
Suspects: secure & separate

Witnesses: secure & separate

Bystanders: determine whether they are witnesses (if so see above), obtain information if applicable, and then remove from scene.

Victims/ families/ friends: control while showing compassion (obtain information).

Other personnel (gather information).

3. Exclude unauthorized or nonessential personnel.

Defining & controlling boundaries provides a means to protect and secure the scene. Boundaries should be beyond the initial scope of the scene. They can be reduced if necessary but cannot be expanded.

1. Establish the boundaries of the scene or multiple scenes.
Include:
where the crime occurred
Ingress & egress
Where evidence may have been moved

2. Set up physical barriers or use existing boundaries

3. Start documentation log (all people entering or exiting)

4. Control the flow of personnel

5. Effect measures to preserve/ protect evidence (protect from sprinklers, rain, etc.) Document any measures taken to move or change the scene

6. Consider Search & Seizure issues. Consent to search. Warrant.

***Do Not: smoke, spit, eat, use the bathroom, adjust temperature, or reposition anything until all can be correctly documented.

The initial responding office will provide a detailed crime scene briefing to the investigator in charge of the scene .

1. Prepare you information

2. Brief the investigator taking charge.

-provide walk through if necessary

3. Turn over responsibility of entry/exit

3. Assist in controlling the scene, remain until relived of duty

Documentation should be taken throughout investigation and recorded as soon as possible.

Documentation must be maintained as a permanent record.

1. Observations of the scene, locations of persons & items.

2. Condition upon arrival.

3. Personal information of witnesses, victims, suspects, including statements.

4. Actions taken.

Report should be clear and concise.

Notes may be requeste.