2025 NC BLET Criminal Investigations

What does RESPECT stand for in Criminal Invesitgations?

-Respond to the scene and make it safe

-Emergency care for injured

-Separate and remove people

-Protect the crime scene

-Evidence collection

-Corroborate evidence collected with NCGS criminal elements

-Take action

True or False

As an incident to arrest in a home, officers can look in closets and other spaces immediately adjoining the place of arrest from which an attack could be immediately launched.

True

Officers should never do what when there is a crime scene?

Never touch, move, or alter the scene or any item within the scene until it has been evaluated/identified as evidence

What is the 1st step to protecting potential evidence?

establish crime scene perimeters

Crime scene perimeter is?

any area that could reasonably contain useful evidence (should be as large as circumstances require/permit)

What are some common crime scene points of contact by suspects/victims to establish a clear perimeter?

-point of entry

-pathways through scene

-contact w/ scene/objects

-contact between suspect and victims

-point of exit

-flight path taken by suspect

-area where suspect was arrested

What can be used to restrict access to crime scenes?

line tape

rope

emergency vehicles

officers

What must line tape say and how must it be positioned to secure a crime scene?

Police, Sheriff, Do not enter, or Crime Scene- must face outward to public in legible manner attached to fix objects 4-5 feet off the ground

Unnecessary or improper entry into a crime scene may?

1. destroy or contaminate important evidence

2. introduce items or substances into the crime scene

3. provide defense attorney with a basis to discredit investigators

Hot perimeter?

actual crime scene

Warm perimeter?

area outside of the crime scene for investigators/personnel to operate (put on PPE)

For entry/exit of a crime scene what should be established?

a single point for authorized personnel in which one officer must guard

What should be used to record all persons entering a secure crime scene?

a crime scene log

What must be included on a crime scene log?

1. date/time

2. all person inside/entering crime scene including victims, witnesses, suspects, bystanders, and other first responders (before/after LE arrive)

3. name/agency of person

4. entry date, time, & signature

5. reason person was inside/made entry

6. exit date, time, & signature

7. date/time crime scene was cleared

Why are drawings or sketches vital for crime?

for reconstruction purposes as they provide an overview of the scene and its contents

Reliable measurements are made from?

fixed or immovable points (trees, manhole cover, interior wall) so evidence and items can be placed there again if needed

All reference points should be measured how?

specifically, where they are located including their height from the ground

What are the 3 measurement techniques for crime scene drawings?

triangulation

rectangular coordinate

coordinate (baseline)

What is the Triangulation measurement method?

used for outdoor crime scenes when there are no identifiable edges of fields or roads to use as reference points (can be used indoors)

What is the Rectangular Coordinate measurement method?

system of right angles that can be used for indoor or outdoor crime scenes provided there are fixed reference points such as wall or curb

What is Coordinate (Baseline) measurement method?

variation of the rectangular coordinate method where the tape measure is stretched out over the length of a wall or parallel border- measurements are taken from a distance on tape and a distance away from tape

What are some guidelines regarding photographing a crime scene?

1. never use personal phone/camera

2. natural/unaltered scene portrayed in photos

3. never capture officers, EMS, and other public safety personnel

4. review each photograph to ensure clarity and focus before taking the next one

5. take as many original photos as needed to capture best possible image

6. never delete any photographs taken

7. photograph entire scene in 360 degree

Photographs from a crime scene must be a _________.

true and accurate representation of the human eye

What is the goal of photographing a crime scene?

to show relationship and distances between scene objects and evidence

Evidence is?

any information that establishes a fact and is used to determine the mechanics of a crime and the persons involved

What are the types of photographs that should be taken at a crime scene?

-overall photographs

-midrange photographs

-close up photographs

What are overall photographs?

include items that positively identify location such as landmarks, street signs, and house number; take before placing markers/tents; normally outdoors and then go indoors

What are mid-range photographs?

photographs inside the perimeter; normally taken at a 5-10ft distance but ultimately determined by crime scene size; typically includes unique objects (property damage, specific evidence items, and entry/exit points)

What are close up photographs?

a ruler/measuring scale should be used in ALL close ups especially when comparing to fingerprints, tool marks, etc.- but take with and without evidence markers/tents- take fewer than 4ft away

What are some things you can take close up photographs of?

injuries, damage, license plates, serial numbers, impression evidence, locations of DNA/Trace evidence

How should you log/label photographs?

1. photographer name

2. date & time photo was taken

3. order photo was taken

4. case or incident number

What should you do with all digital and hard copies of crime scene photographs?

store them and make sure they have a chain of custody sheet

When taking a video of a crime sign what should you not do?

narrate it or delete/edit it

Suppose there are no witnesses to an assault and battery and the victim refuses to testify. What other evidence can be used to prosecute the defendant?

the victim's 911 call and photographs of the victim's injuries

What is Chain of Custody?

the meticulous and chronological documentation of evidence from the moment it is seized by LE to its presentation in court

A reliable chain of custody shows what?

every person who came in direct contact with the evidence, either through collection, storage, or analysis (includes transfers between LE officers, scientists, and criminal justice agencies)

What should you refer to when collecting, packaging, and storing physical evidence?

agency policy and the NC State Crime Laboratory standards

How should you prioritize items for evidence collection?

begin with the least intrusive methods and progress to the most intrusive when collecting evidence (greatest risk of contamination or damage should be done last)

What might impact which evidence is collected first?

the environment (weather)

How should you package evidence?

package each item separately, use the correct packaging container, seal items properly, and attach evidence tag

What are some common evidence packaging containers?

paper, cardboard, plastic, and glass

What should your evidence tag include?

1. case number

2. full description of the evidence

3. date & time collected or stored

4. name/signature of seizing officer

5. location where evidence is stored

How should evidence be stored after collection?

in a restricted access/secured environment or facility- moisture free and climate controlled

You should never do what with evidence without authorization from the courts?

return, destroy, or dispose

What should be included on a reliable Chain of Custody form?

1. date, time, & location where evidence was found/seized

2. name of the officer who seized evidence

3. all dates & times evidence was received or transferred to another person

4. name & agency of every person who came in contact with the evidence

What shows a complete & elaborate description of evidence collected for positive identification?

1. owner's name or name of person who most recently was in possession of the item if not the owner

2. case number

3. make, model, & serial numbers

4. colors, sizes, weights, & any unique characteristics

What should be worn when collecting evidence?

PPE such as gloves, goggles/face mask, shoe protectors, fully body coveralls, and N95 respirators

What is trace evidence?

transferred from one surface to another during physical contact between people, places, & objects; can be found anywhere, but is fragile & easily contaminated (microscopic size)

What are some examples of trace evidence?

soil, glass, textile fibers, paint particles, and wood particles

What should your primary responsibility be if you are an untrained first responder dealing with trace evidence?

identify the trace evidence or secure locations where trace evidence may be present and request expert assistance for help

DNA evidence is highly susceptible to?

contamination

If DNA evidence may be in a crime scene what should you not do?

avoid talking, sneezing, coughing, or breathing over area; don't eat, drink, or use tobacco products over area

What should be collected before processing latent fingerprints or using chemical in a crime scene?

swabbing of biological fluid

How should you package items with potential DNA evidence like clothing?

in containers made from paper (bags, envelopes, cardboard boxes)

You should change what after every swab?

gloves (maintain gloves or tweezers as evidence elimination)

Officers collecting samples should submit what for elimination standards?

buccal swabs of themselves

How can wet biological fluid stains be collected?

by using the tip of 2 sterile cotton swabs

What is DNA?

biological evidence that includes human hair, bones, teeth, blood, saliva, semen, or other human fluids

What is a Faraday device?

a container made of conducting material, such as wire mesh or metal plates that shields what it encloses from external electric fields

What is the best evidence rule?

requires presenter to produce the original document in court

What kind of reason do you have to provide if you cannot provide the original document in court?

a valid reason such as the document was lost or stolen, opposing or 3rd party controls document, and document is public record

What should you never do with document evidence?

staple, fold, tape, mark, or assemble pieces of a single document

What should you do if you have document evidence that is wet?

air dry them and if they are folded never attempt to unfold them

How often is surveillance video automatically deleted?

24 hours, 30 days, or 90 days

Typical places surveillance video is found:

banks, airports, schools, hospitals, retail stores, gas stations, commercial parking lots, government buildings, downtown areas, intersections, tunnels, bridges, toll roads, residential homes, etc.

Telephone records can be what type of evidence?

document or digital

How can telephone records be gathered?

consent, admin subpoena by DA, SW, or court order

Searches are?

physical invasions or intrusions of privacy by officers on people, homes, or personal property to obtain information or gather evidence where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy

In order or to search where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists, officers need?

probable cause or consent

If a search or seizure is unreasonable under the 4th amendment what happens?

the exclusionary rule makes any evidence obtained by officers during an unreasonable search or seizure inadmissible in court

Systematic Searches categories?

1. Top-Down

2. Front-Back

3. Left-Right

4. Outside-Inside

For front-back searches of vehicles how should you search?

the exterior from the engine compartment first to the trunk last

For left-right searches of vehicles how should you search?

start at driver seat then front passenger seat then go to the back driver side and the back passenger side

What are lane searches used for?

to cover large areas quickly for missing people or evidence that would be easy to see given crime scene characteristics

How should you conduct a lane search?

1. divide area into equal parallel lanes

2. assign one officer to each lane; maximum lane should be 4-6ft or width of searches arms extended)

3. walk in same direction and remain in their lane

4. search from end to end

5. establish procedure when evidence is located (highly visible marking or blow whistle)

How should you conduct a grid search?

1. divide area in equal parallel lane that cross over each other at 90 degrees

2. can us rope, PVC frames, or similar material to divide area

3. assign officer to lane that is 4-6ft

4. search from end to end

5. establish procedure when evidence is collected

How can you conduct a zone search?

1. divide area into clearly established or equal zones

2. assign one or more officers to a zone

3. use systematic method within a zone

Before conducting a person search try to?

wait for back up before performing the search

When conducting a person should officer should wear?

gloves (latex or leather)

What types of searches should be used on people?

systematic and zone

What should you do first before searching a person?

secure them

You should consider asking what before searching a person?

if they have any sharp objects on them

When should clothing what should you do?

always look and feel exterior area before reaching into clothing pockets, but do not ask people to remove things from their own pockets

What can an officer do if they feel an unknown object in a person's clothing?

1. Ask person "What is this?"

2. grab and pull clothing tight around object

3. use palms and fingers to squeeze clothing around object

4. adjust or removing a layer of clothing (jacket)

To conduct a strip search officers must have?

probable cause to believe the person has concealed a weapon or evidence of the crime for which the person was arrested

When conducting a strip search was must an officer do?

1. make sure it's in a private area

2. have 1 witness present

3. same gender for all parties

4. don't touch the person but have them reposition the body as needed

What is needed to conduct a body cavity search?

a search warrant and must be done by a licensed medical professional

Before conducting a vehicle search officers should?

call for back up& be mindful of time limits

What do officers need to search a trunk?

consent or probable cause if you don't have a warrant

Common MO behavior patterns:

1. time/location

2. weapon or tool used

3. type of property stolen

4. points of entry and exit

5. statements made to the victim

6. type of victim

7. unique rituals before, during, or after the crime

What is Modus Operandi?

a specific behavior pattern used to connect multiple crimes with a single suspect; learned behavior a suspect believed are necessary to commit a crime

When attempting to establish a MO of a suspect what are some victim characteristics that an officer can focus on?

1. age and sex

2. physical characteristics (height, weight, hair color)

3. martial status including children and close family members

4. occupation

5. financial status

6. personal habits, hobbies, interests

7. use of alcohol and drugs

What are some things housed in NCIC?

lost, stolen, recovered property- criminal records, fugitives, missing persons, unidentified persons, wanted persons, and other info on a state and national level

When you receive a HIT back from DCIN or NCIC an officer should?

confirm and verify information obtained from computerized systems before taking enforcement action

DCIN is maintained by who?

NC SBI (available 24 hours a day- links all NC agencies and FBI)

NCIC is a division of who?

FBI located in Clarksburg, WV

When obtaining a criminal record file an officer cannot do what?

share outside of criminal justice purposes

What information can be found in CJ Leads?

warrants, court records, jail/prison records, probation/parole state, sex offender registration, gang affiliation, approach with caution warnings, addresses, photographs, associates, and DMV records (all 50 states)

What information is available through NLETS?

1. drivers licenses

2. vehicle registration

3. boat registration

4. CH that include sex offender records

5. probation, parole, & corrections info

6. criminal justice admin messages

7. Canadian police info center

8. National insurance crime bureau info

9. ICE info

What information does Llnx provide?

narratives, arrests, bookings, citations, CAD calls, incident, pawn, registry, traffic, warrants, and mugshots