2/9 FSCI

Fundamentals of Crime Scene Investigation

  • Introduction to Crime Scene Policies

    • Each law enforcement department has distinct policies regarding crime scenes.

    • Some departments may lack a crime scene policy entirely.

  • Case Example: Savannah Guthrie's Mother's Alleged Abduction

    • Savannah Guthrie, a broadcaster on NBC's Today Show, has an alleged abduction case involving her mother living in Arizona.

    • The alleged nature of the abduction is debated among news sources, leading to speculation about a possible scam.

    • Observations on affected family members indicate a serious situation.

    • Concerns arise regarding the preservation of the crime scene, supervised by the sheriff in Pugali, Arizona.

    • Inadequate restrictions on the crime scene allow for media and other police agencies to enter freely, compromising the integrity of the investigation.

  • Principles of Crime Scene Preservation

    • Essential to establish and enforce regulations to maintain the crime scene’s integrity.

    • A visible “Crime Scene Do Not Cross” line is significant in preserving evidence.

    • Once a crime scene is compromised, investigators cannot return to collect lost evidence.

  • Law Enforcement Hierarchies and Chain of Command

    • Departments need defined policies to dictate who manages crime investigations.

    • Experience does not always dictate competence in crime scene investigation.

    • Example: An officer with extensive traffic experience may lack crime scene training.

    • In the Pittsburgh area, various specialized units investigate different crime types (e.g., sex crimes, auto theft).

    • Leadership in departments can be influenced by political affiliations, rather than experience.

    • First responders may not always have the authority to make decisions about the crime scene.

  • Differentiating First Responders

    • Clarification is required between first responders of criminal activities and emergency medical services.

    • A responding officer may secure the crime scene until a specialist arrives.

  • Understanding Crime Scene Investigations

    • Crime scene investigation portrayed in media (e.g., shows like CSI) differs substantially from real-life processes.

    • Real investigations do not typically involve a single team handling evidence and arrests on the spot.

    • In some cities, separate teams of officers process evidence and arrests.

    • Investigators must have designated authority to manage the investigation process effectively.

  • Safety and Health Priorities

    • Upon arriving at a scene, safety, health, and welfare of personnel must be the top priority.

    • Factors to consider include:

      • Fire safety

      • Toxic substances (e.g., accelerants in arson)

      • Potentially volatile environments like clandestine drug laboratories.

    • Clandestine laboratories are often operated by knowledgeable individuals who pose risks through chemical exposure and explosions.

  • Protective Measures

    • First responders must wear protective gear (suits, gloves, masks) when entering hazardous environments.

    • The need to prioritize self-protection while still assessing any victims in danger.

    • Example: In emergencies, rescuers must ensure their own safety before attempting to save others.

  • Assessing Victims and Contamination Minimization

    • First responders assess victims’ conditions (signs of life, medical needs) while avoiding evidence contamination at the scene.

    • Strategies include navigating around evidence rather than disturbing it.

  • Communication with Medical Personnel

    • When communicating with medical responders, the importance of preserving evidence must be emphasized.

    • Medical personnel should be instructed not to alter the crime scene in any way.

    • If victims are unlikely to survive, responders should attempt to obtain a dying declaration for potential future use in court.

    • Definition: A dying declaration is a statement made by a dying person regarding the cause of their condition, admissible in court under certain circumstances.

    • Document all statements made by victims, suspects, and witnesses at the scene, ensuring accurate recording.

  • Witness Identification and Management

    • First responders must effectively identify and document witnesses to events surrounding the crime.

    • Gather identification details (driver’s license, contact information) for future reference.

    • Ensure witnesses are relocated away from the crime scene to avoid evidence contamination.

  • Setting Crime Scene Boundaries

    • Determining the appropriate perimeter for the crime scene is crucial to control evidence contamination.

    • The concept of securing a scene to collect and preserve evidence without later returning to that area must be understood.

  • Actions of First Responders

    • Prioritize safety while performing necessary tasks (medical assistance, suspect apprehension, scene securing).

    • Document entrance and exit points at the scene—look for signs distinguishing how entry was made (e.g., broken door vs. window).

    • Be observant of surroundings for potential evidence while securing the scene.

    • Maintain control of the scene and ensure organizational structure among personnel.

  • Interviews with Witnesses

    • Conduct separate interviews with witnesses to avoid cross-contamination of testimonies.

    • Gather accurate information from each individual about their observations.

    • Small departments may face challenges managing large volumes of people effectively.

  • Final Considerations for Investigations

    • The role of each officer must be understood clearly to minimize mistakes and maintain overall scene integrity.

    • Ensure communication operates smoothly among different law enforcement agencies during an investigation, as jurisdictional boundaries can complicate collaboration.