2013
Crime Scene Investigation A Guide For Law Enforcement
Bureau of Justice Assistance U.S. Department of Justice
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION A Guide for Law Enforcement
Contents A. Arriving at the Scene: Initial Response/ Prioritization of Efforts ................................. 1
1.
Initial Response/ Receipt of Information .......................................................................... 1
2.
Safety Procedures ................................................................................................................... 2
3.
Emergency Care ...................................................................................................................... 2
4.
Secure and Control Persons at the Scene............................................................................ 3
5.
Boundaries: Identify, Establish, Protect and Secure.......................................................... 4
6.
Turn Over Control of the Scene and Brief Investigator(s) in Charge ............................ 6
7.
Document Actions and Observations ................................................................................. 6
8.
Establish a Command Post (Incident Command System) and Make Notifications..... 7
9.
Manage Witnesses................................................................................................................... 8
B. Preliminary Documentation and Evaluation of the Scene .......................................... 10
1.
Conduct Scene Assessment.................................................................................................10
2.
Conduct Scene “Walk-Through� and Initial Documentation .......................................11
3.
Note-Taking and Logs .........................................................................................................13
C. Processing the Scene.................................................................................................... 15
1.
Determine Team Composition ...........................................................................................15
2.
Ensure Contamination Control ..........................................................................................15
3.
Documentation .....................................................................................................................16 Sketching ........................................................................................................................... 17 Photography...................................................................................................................... 27 Videography ...................................................................................................................... 35
4.
Prioritize Collection of Evidence .......................................................................................38
5.
Crime Scene Search Methods .............................................................................................39
6.
Collect, Preserve, Inventory, Package, Transport, and Submit Evidence ....................42
7.
Detailed Crime Scene Evidence Collection ......................................................................42 Ignitable Liquids ............................................................................................................... 43 Bodily Fluids ..................................................................................................................... 43 Male Suspect Evidence Collection, Including Sexual Assault .......................................... 54 Bombs and Explosives ...................................................................................................... 56
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CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION A Guide for Law Enforcement
Documents ........................................................................................................................ 57 Firearms............................................................................................................................ 61 Ammunition ....................................................................................................................... 67 Tool Mark Evidence .......................................................................................................... 71 Trace Evidence ................................................................................................................. 73 Footwear and Tire Impressions ........................................................................................ 98 Footwear Impression Evidence....................................................................................... 101 Motor Vehicles ................................................................................................................ 111 Electronic and Digital Evidence ..................................................................................... 113 Fingerprints .................................................................................................................... 134 Comparison/Elimination Prints ...................................................................................... 139 Tool Mark Evidence ........................................................................................................ 142 D. Completing and Recording the Crime Scene Investigation ...................................... 145
1.
Establish Crime Scene Debriefing Team ....................................................................... 145
2.
Perform Final Survey of the Crime Scene ..................................................................... 146
3.
Documentation of the Crime Scene ............................................................................... 146
4.
Acknowledge Specialized Crime Scene Circumstances ............................................... 147 Crime Scene Investigation in Correctional and Custodial Facilities ............................. 148 Time-Limited Crime Scene Investigation ........................................................................ 149
E. Crime Scene Equipment ............................................................................................ 150
1.
Initial Responding Officer(s) ........................................................................................... 150
2.
Crime Scene Investigator/Evidence Technician .......................................................... 151
3.
Evidence Collection Kits (Examples)............................................................................. 153
F. Appendices ..................................................................................................................... i
Appendix A. Glossary.......................................................................................................................... ii Appendix B. Reference List .............................................................................................................viii Appendix C. Diagrams ........................................................................................................................ x
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