Explain The Key Steps In Securing A Crime Scene

The key steps in securing a scene

In this essay I will be explaining the key steps in securing a crime scene. Comparing and contrasting methodical systematic search patterns and which one I think would be most useful. I will explain why I think note taking, photography and diagramming is important to a crime scene. Last, I will explain what the safety issues that are involved when processing a crime scene.

As a first responder to a crime scene you must make sure that the crime scene is contained with as little disturbance of evidence as possible. The area may have people around it trying to see what is going on. Some of these people could be considered witnesses(Bucholtz,Ann; Lewis, Jon).

The first responders to any
scene are responsible for setting up a perimeter. The perimeter should be established based on the central point of the scene. Factors to be considered in the establishment of a crime scene perimeter are: where the crime occurred, places where the victim or evidence may have been moved, and points of entry and exit. Physical barriers should be used to define the perimeter. The most common means is the use of yellow plastic tape with the words "crime scene do not enter" or something similiar written in black letters. Care should be taken, particularly with outdoor scenes to ensure protection from the elements(Bucholtz,Ann; Lewis, Jon).

Once the perimeter is set, people must be implemented to preserve it's incorruptibility. This includes a written log of each person that enters the scene, monitoring and restricting access to authorize people only, and monitoring the activity of these people once they are inside. Once the scene has been secured and protected, control can turned over to the lead investigator. The first responders are required to give a briefing of actions and observations made to the investigator. Once the investigator seems control, first responder typically remain at the seams any support roll. This role typically involved the maintenance of the perimeter, controlling missing and freezing in the next in command of the initial aspects of the scene prior to subsequent investigation (Bucholtz,Ann; Lewis, Jon). In all cases, first responder start remain at the scene until formally relieved of the responsibilities.the perimeter is set, personnel must be deployed to maintain it integrity. This includes a written log of each person to enter the scene, controlling and restricted access to authorize people, and controlling the activity of these people once inside. Once the scene has been secured and protected, control maybe turned over to the lead investigator and criminal. The first responders are required to give a briefing of actions and observations made to the investigator. Once the investigator assumes control, first responder typically remains at the scene in a supporting roll. This role typically involves the maintenance of the perimeter, controlling the scene and briefing the next in command of the initial aspects of the scene prior to subsequent investigation. In all cases, first responders must remain at the scene until formally relieved of the responsibilities.

There are a variety of search methods, depending upon the type of evidence, location, available personnel and resources, and time constraints.
One type of search method is the grid search. in a grid search the area is divided into north and south, East and West strips, allowing a secondary search of each area from a different direction. It is useful when teams are used to search a large area for hard to find items. Another search method the concentric or spiral search pattern(Bucholtz,Ann; Lewis, Jon). A concentric or spiral search follows a circular pattern from outside in or in side out. This method is useful if resources are limited, the area is relatively open, and the search is for large items, such as a body, gun, safe,
etc.

The search pattern that I believe is the more effective is the grid search. The reason that I believe that the grid search is more effective is because when using this type of search, It seems that it is more effective because the searchers look twice as much but in two different ways to ensure that they have search the whole area. I think that it gives the area a more thorough search of the crime scene.

Note taking is critical for accurate documentation of a scene.
Notes should follow a chronological order and be clearly and legibly written. Notes must be specific, avoiding general terms, such as, "near". Specific measurements should be used instead. These notes can be subpoenaed in court and will be judged on their appearance and content.

The purpose of photographing is to create a visual record of the scene and the evidence collected(Bucholtz,Ann; Lewis, Jon). Each view has a separate purpose. Overall views are taken to show the largest view of the scene possible. Mid-range views depict the relationship between items. And close range views document the items of evidence individually including serial numbers, tags or other details.

The diagram or sketch records the location of physical evidence as well as their relationship to other objects at the scene. The sketch includes measurements of the sizes of objects and distances between them. Sketches are used in combination with written reports and photos to document a scene. Sketches are important because they can cover a large area and be drawn to leave out unnecessary
clutter.

Handling biological evidence can be very dangerous. The dangers of blood borne pathogens such as hepatitis b and HIV are well documented. When processing a scene, the safest approach is to treat all biological materials as hazardous. Personal Protective Equipment should be worn to protect and shield from the biological hazards that may be encountered at a crime scene. Basic PPE include gloves, boots, coveralls and other over garments(Bucholtz,Ann; Lewis, Jon).

REFERENCES:

Biological Evidence: Criminal Investigations Series
Chapter 2 by: Ann Bucholtz, MD
Jon Lewis, MA