FOR 101 - Chapter Two: Securing and Searching the Scene

Securing the Scene

• priority given to medical assistance for individuals in need

• first officer preserves and protects the area

  • try not to disturb evidence

  • record victim statements

• call for backup/investigative personnel

• establish boundary

Walk Through

• the initial survey of the scene

  • establish an entry and exit

  • document obvious items associated with the incident

    • place numbered markers

  • document absence of items on scene

  • answer/document important questions regarding the scene

  • don’t view the scene with only one possibility in mind

Primary Scene

location where the victim was killed

Secondary Scene

location where the body was found

Assign Tasks

• locating, processing, and assessing evidence

• photographing the scene

• sketching/mapping the scene

Line Search Pattern

one or two investigators

• up and down

• best for scenes where boundaries are well established

Grid Search Pattern

two people

• One person goes up and down

• Other person going side to side

• then they switch

• best for scenes with well established boundaries

Spiral Search Pattern

one investigator

• often difficult to complete a perfect spiral therefore evidence could be missed

Wheel/Ray Search

“pieces of a pie”

several investigators

• not preferred

  • areas between the “rays” are not searched

Quadrant/Zone Search

multiple people

• best suited for scenes that cover a large area

Vehicle Searches

• nature of case determines detail

• avoid contact with surface that may have fingerprints

• look for potential cross-body transfer, paint, and toolmarks

  • inside and outside of vehicle

Night Searches

• secure and guard until daylight permits proper search

• mobile lighting

Personnel should never … at a crime scene

• smoke

• eat/drink

• litter

Command Center

a secure site outside the boundaries of a crime scene where equipment is stored, tasks are assigned, and communication occurs

Locating Evidence

• determined by the circumstances of the crime

  • cross-transfer

When the lead investigator determines the area was searched to best of team’s ability…?

• final survey of the scene

• inventory of the evidence collected

• verify health/safety threats have been or will be dealt with properly