JUACALLA , CRIS JOHNCEL I.

D033

1.DETERMINE THE COMPOSITION AND ROLES OF CRIME SCENE

INVESTIGATORS .

Crime scene investigators are an integral part of the law enforcement process; they are
responsible for identifying, gathering and analyzing evidence from crime scenes. More
specifically, crime scene investigators are responsible for processing crime scenes for evidence,
photographing crime scenes, packaging, labeling and transporting evidence, documenting
autopsies, briefing investigators, writing reports and testifying in court. Crime scene
investigators often work unusual hours and are responsible for answering calls for service during
their assigned off-duty hours.

There are certain personnel duties and responsibilities which are necessary in almost any major
search operation. Those enumerated in these guidelines concentrate on the ones which are
typically crucial to ensure that search efforts are conducted in an organized and methodical
fashion. It is important to note it may not be feasible to have one person assigned to each duty. It
is relatively common for one person to accomplish two or more duties.
For all positions, interest and attitude of personnel are paramount concerns. Training and
experience will only be used to best potential when team members possess a positive attitude.
This human side of evidence response teams is significant due to the long hours and attention to
detail often required of personnel.
The major assignments, as well as corresponding general duties and responsibilities, are set forth
as follows:

Team Leader
Photographer and Photographic Log Recorder
Sketch Preparer
Evidence Recorder/Evidence Recovery Personnel
Specialists

Team Leader
Assume control - ensure safety of personnel and security at scene. Ensure personnel use
appropriate protective equipment and follow standard recommendations to protect them from
any health hazard which might be presented by blood or any other human body fluid.
Conduct initial walk-through for purposes of making a preliminary survey, evaluating potential
evidence, and preparing a narrative description.
Determine search patterns, and make appropriate assignments for team members. Designate
command post location and ensure exchange of information between search and investigative
personnel.
Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies and make sure a cooperative spirit is
maintained. Ensure that sufficient supplies and equipment are available for personnel.
Control access to the scene and designate an individual to log everyone into the scene.
Continuously reevaluate efficiency of search during entire course of operation.
Release the scene after a final survey and inventory of the evidence has been done.

Photographer and Photographic Log Recorder

Photograph entire area before it is entered. Photograph victims, crowd, and vehicles.
Photograph entire scene with overall, medium and close-up coverage, using measurement scale
when appropriate.
Photograph major evidence items before they are moved; coordinate this effort with Sketch
Preparer, Evidence Recorder, and Evidence Recovery Personnel.
Photograph all latent fingerprints and other impression evidence before lifting and casting are
accomplished.
Prepare photographic log and photographic sketch.

Sketch Preparer

Diagram immediate area of scene and orient diagram with sketch. Set forth major items of
evidence on sketch.
Designate and label areas to be searched and advise team leader and all other search members of
nomenclature for designated areas.
Obtain appropriate assistance for taking measurements and double check measurements. Ensure
necessary administrative information, such as scale disclaimer (not drawn to scale), is recorded
on sketch.

Evidence Recorder/Custodian

Have significant evidence photographed before collection. Describe evidence and its location on
appropriate bag or envelope. Sign and date evidence container/maintain chain of custody.
Appropriately collect and package evidence to maximize evidence integrity. Maintain evidence
log.
Use appropriate protective equipment (gloves) and methods when dealing with potentially
infective evidence (blood).

Specialists

It is sometimes necessary to bring in expertise from an outside agency. The field of forensic
science is so broad today that no agency will have every form of specialty service available from
among its ranks. Typically, specialists are brought in from industry, the academic community,
private scientific laboratories, and similar concerns.
When dealing with outside specialists some pertinent aspects to consider are: The competence
and reliability of the specialist.
The ability of the specialist to work at a scene within law enforcement guidelines. The role of the
specialist in presenting expert testimony in court.
Specialists should be identified before they are needed in an actual case. A current list should be
maintained, if possible. The agency should meet with these individuals to determine the best
manner to jointly conduct search planning, operations, and follow-up activity.
The following list provides examples of specialty assistance to be considered (it is not meant to
be completely inclusive):
Anthropologist
Blood Pattern Analyst Bomb Technician Criminalist
Engineer Entomologist Medical Examiner Odontologist Surveyor

2. LEGAL BASIS OF CRIME SCENE PROCESSING.

Approach the Scene

The crime scene investigator returns the microphone to its clip and begins the drive to the latest
assignment. A crime scene investigation begins well before the CSI enters a structure, an open
field or wooded area. Usually the radio dispatch message is brief and seldom reveals the full
nature of the incident. Most often this is done to avoid drawing on-lookers and the media who
may be monitoring the dispatch
frequency. As the CSI turns onto the street in question, his first obligation is to "turn on" his
powers of observation. He may make a mental note of what he sees, hears and smells-or better
still-records them on a digital voice recorder. His first reaction to the scene must be, "Does
anything look out of place? What odors may be noticeable and are there unusual sounds.

Secure and Protect the Scene

Hopefully the first responders haven't caused too much disruption to any potential physical
evidence. Before even stepping inside the structure, ingress and egress to it must be controlled.
Sentries at all possible entrances should be put in place. The CSI, after learning the basic
facts-in this case it appears that a white male appears to have a single bullet wound the head and
rigor has set in-- this from the first responders, so the CSI will establish the boundaries of the
crime scene. Then… out comes the crime scene tape.

Initiate Preliminary Survey

Again… before entering the structure an exterior survey is needed. This may be nothing more
that walking around the exterior of the structure to see if any obvious evidence is apparent. This
would include open windows, damaged doors, ladders and the like. The question the CSI is
asking is… how was entry made to the structure? Once indoors, the CSI will make a visual
survey of the actual room in which the incident reported took place. This is a good time to
also take overall photos of the scene. He will then survey adjoining rooms to determine if these
spaces may have information relative to the incident. Most law enforcement agencies conduct
such investigations of an unattended death (no physician present) as a possible homicide-until it
is determined otherwise. Unlike some TV dramas, the CSI is on site for the purpose of finding,
evaluating and collecting physical evidence. In most agencies, statements from witnesses and
survivors are handled by the investigators/detectives.

Of course, during this entire survey period, the CSI is taking notes and/or recordings of his
sensory observations.

Evaluate Physical Evidence Possibilities

The very nature of what appears to be obvious should trigger the thought- processes of the CSI.
What happened here, when did it happen and what sort of evidence should be present? Questions
that should be answered initially are:

• Did the shooting occur in this room

• Has the body been moved (by first responders or perpetrator(s)
• Has any object been moved (especially by first responders or family members
• Were additional shots besides the one in the victim's head. This means examining walls,
ceiling, room objects, etc.
• Are shell casings apparent. If so-mark them with placards, evidence tents, etc. so they will be
obvious in photos.
• Are traces of blood apparent in other areas of the room-indicating movement of the victim
• Is blood spatter apparent
• Are there signs of a struggle
• Are there visible footprints in the blood

Each crime scene may well generate other questions to be answered by the CSI. The above list is
simply the most obvious questions.

Prepare a Narrative of the Scene

The CSI's notes can serve as a very critical part of the overall physical evidence available from
the scene. The investigator must keep in mind that months or even years later this case may go to
trial. Your notes must present the full story of what you saw and any impressions the evidence
gave you. Avoid speculation as to what occurred unless you have physical evidence to back it up.

Capture the Scene Photographically

Be certain to have overall, medium range and close-up shots of any potential physical evidence.
Be certain to include scales in the close-up shots.

Prepare the Crime Scene Sketch

Many CSIs will prepare the rough sketch at the scene and will complete a detailed sketch back at
headquarters. The rough sketch should contain no more or no less than the final, detailed sketch.
It is always recommended that an assistant help out when taking measurements, and
it's a good idea is to have this individual verify each measurement to avoid questions later.
Conduct a Detailed Search

Go over every square inch of the scene in an attempt to locate even the smallest particle of
evidence. (This brings to mind a recent case wherein a woman was brutally beaten to death in her
bedroom. Several days after the crime scene was released to the family, the victim's sister found
a tooth from the victim on the bedroom carpet). Many crime scenes warrant the use of
an evidence vacuum in the scene to collect any potential microparticle evidence such as hair and
fibers. This step should be performed prior to any close in inspection of the victim.

Record and Collect Physical Evidence

As potential evidence is located it should be recorded on the crime scene sketch as well as in
photographs. If your agency offers the luxury of having a videographer on hand, video often tells
a compelling story to a jury.

Crime scene evidence is useless unless it is properly marked and packaged and a Chain of
Evidence is begun from the time it is picked up. Use the proper type of containers for all
evidence collected. Never package objects wet with blood or other physiological fluids in plastic
bags, as this will accelerate decomposition. Label and identify all evidence collected, including
the notes taken by the investigator.

Of course, the digital age we live in takes note of electronic devices like computers and
cellphones. This type of evidence requires special handling and only experts trained in working
with digital items should be permitted to handle and collect these items.

Conduct a Final Survey

Be certain that every package containing physical evidence is collected—leave nothing behind.
Make a final walk-through to be certain that all potential evidence is bagged and tagged.

Release the Crime Scene

While it is normal for others having an interest in the property to want to regain access, the
CSI should not be rushed, coaxed or bullied into releasing the scene until the job is done.