NCJ Number
213194
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 30 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2006 Pages: 36,38,44
Date Published
January 2006
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses steps patrol officers should take at crime scenes to ensure the identification and preservation of all evidence.
Abstract
Using case examples to illustrate main points, this article underscores the critical importance of properly securing crimes scenes and preserving evidence. Patrol officers who are first to arrive at a crime scene must take care not to disturb or overlook important evidence. Crime scene priorities are outlined, which include ensuring the public safety, aiding victims, and preserving and controlling the crime scene. The author also recommends training local emergency response medical personnel on basic crime scene and evidence preservation techniques. Patrol officers are advised to mark the crime scene much larger than they think necessary (it can be shrunk down later but never enlarged) and to mark one path in and out of the crime scene for critical personnel. Victims are often the best source of information about the crime that occurred. In addition to the physical evidence that may be on their bodies, victims may be the only witnesses willing to tell investigators what happened. Case examples illustrate the importance of photographing victims as soon as possible after the crime and, when necessary, assigning an officer to ride in the ambulance with the victim to ensure a solid chain of custody for evidence. Finally, the author states that the most important components of patrol crime scene response are observation and report writing. A textbox presents the responses of detectives regarding what to do and what not to do at crime scenes. Exhibits