The Intial response and scene security Flashcards
(17 cards)
Three Tiered Response
- Safety of First Responders and Bystanders
Primary priority is making sure the area is safe
Avoiding harm to emergency personnel and the public
- Initial Response by Police Officer
Officer evaluates the scene
Initiates appropriate response (e.g., backup, paramedics, lockdown)
- Preservation of Life
Comes before evidence preservation
Even if it alters or damages the scene, saving lives comes first
Role of the responding officer
Ensure safety of everyone (officers, civilians)
Focus on preservation of life
Secure and preserve the scene
Transfer control of scene to investigators or supervisors
Who can affect a crime scene?
Perpetrator, media, bystanders, crime souvenir collectors, thieves, police, animals, and weather
How is scene security maintained?
Physical Police Presence, police line tape, locks/barriers, methods vary depending on location and size of scene
Inner perimeter
Where the core crime occured
outer perimeter
wider area to protect potential evidence (start wide, then reduce perimeter if safe to do so)
What is path of contamination?
A designated route from entry point to focal point of the scene, least likely traveled by suspect or victim
What is a security log?
Log every entry and exit of people in crime scene. Include their name and affiliation, times, reason, and authority.
Scene security officer
What should a responding officer document upon arrival?
Time of dispatch/arrival, entry method, observations, actions taken, lifesaving measures, scene condititon.
Should even negative actions be documented?
Yes, all actions must be recorded even if no action was taken.
What should be documented if someone is injured?
Must be removed from crime scene. Document location of indivual within the crime scene. Position of their body, condition of clothing.
Why must witness reports be documented right away?
Information given at scene may changed as time goes on to be misinterpreted. Scene conditions and date and time indicators.
Transference of responsibility
responding officer may note names of those who interacted with the scene, ensure documentation is complete, gather basic facts, keeps witnesses and suspects separated.
Responding officer reports everything to detectectives and investigators.
CSI arrival
CSI arrives when scene is safe.
Personal safety of utmost importance.
careful of infectious materials, hazards and chemicals.
Contamination and cross contamination
Can occur between:
Different pieces of evidence
personnel not wearing proper PPE
Accidental deposit of own DNA
Locards Exchange principle
PPE for entering crime scene
Disposable tyvek suit
shoe covers
face mask
double nitrile gloves
hard hats
