CSI Handbood by Billy Aaron

United States Army Criminal Investigation Command CID Pamphlet 195-10

Crime Scene Handbook

30 June 1999

CIDP 195-10

History. This is a new publication. Summary. This pamphlet provides guidance and generally accepted methods for the processing of crime scenes and the identification and collection of physical evidence. The word "he" when used in this pamphlet, represents both the masculine and feminine genders unless only the feminine gender applies. Applicability. This pamphlet applies to all active Army U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (USACIDC) personnel, and USACIDC personnel of the U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard when in a duty status under Title 10, United States Code. Suggested Improvements. The proponent for this pamphlet is the Policy Branch, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, (ODCSOPS), HQUSACIDC. Users are invited to send comments and suggested improvements on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) directly to Commander, HQUSACIDC, ATTN: CIOP-PO, 6010 6th Street, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5506.

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DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION This publication contains technical and operational information that is for official government use only. Distribution is limited to U.S. Government agencies. Requests from outside the U.S. Government for release of this publication under the Freedom of Information Act or Foreign Military Sales Program must be made to the Commander, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command

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CRIME SCENE HANDBOOK Preface This manual was created as a field guide for Special Agents of the USACIDC. This manual gives guidance for agentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actions from the time of notification of a crime to the release of the crime scene. You should consider all information provided and adapt it to your particular situation. The use of the name or mark of any specific manufacturer, commercial product, commodity or service in this publication does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Army. Contact HQ, United States Army Criminal Investigation Command, ATTN: CIOP-PO, 6010 6th St., Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5506 for policy clarification. Send comments and suggestions for improvement to Director, United States Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, ATTN: CILA-TS, 4553 N 2nd, Forest Park, GA 30297-5122. Introduction A crime scene is inherently unpredictable; each one is unique. Time and environmental considerations may affect the way you process it. You will have only one chance to process the crime scene; make sure you do it right the first time.

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Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................13 Section I â&#x20AC;&#x201C; General ....................................................................13 1.1 Purpose ........................................................................13 1.2 Reference .....................................................................13 1.3 Explanation of abbreviations and terms .........................13 Chapter 2 DUTY AGENT ACTIONS .....................................14 2.1 Respond to Initial Notification ......................................14 2.2 Coordination Requirements...........................................15 2.3 Arrival at the Scene ......................................................15 2.4 Initial Assessment and Scan of the Scene.......................15 2.5 Check Seemingly Dead Bodies for Signs of Life............16 2.6 Arrival and Actions of the Doctor (If applicable) ...........17 2.7 Photograph Scene .........................................................17 2.8 Record Overall Observations, Actions, and Descriptions21 2.9 Sketch ..........................................................................23 2.10 Make a First Recheck of the Scene ..............................27 2.11 Collecting and Preserving Evidence.............................32 2.12 Release of the Body ....................................................33 2.13 Second Recheck of the Scene ......................................34 2.14 Third Recheck of the Scene.........................................34 2.15 Check Beyond the Scene.............................................35 2.16 Release or Secure the Crime Scene..............................35 2.17 Post Scene Activities...................................................35 Chapter 3 CRIME SCENE SAFETY ......................................37 3.1 Potential Infectious Materials........................................37 3.2 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Requirements .....................................................................37 3.3 Wear and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)..37 6

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3.4 Evidence Collection Safety ...........................................38 3.5 Removal and Decontamination of PPE ..........................39 Chapter 4 TYPES OF CRIME SCENES.................................41 Section A - Physical Assault Scenes ...........................................41 4.1 Examination of Physical Assault Victim........................41 4.2 Physical Assault Victim Interview.................................42 4.3 Examination of Physical Assault Suspect.......................43 4.4 Area Search..................................................................43 4.5 Physical Assault Witness Interviews..............................44 4.6 Physical Assault Evidence.............................................44 Section B - Sexual Assault Scenes..............................................44 4.7 Sexual Assault Considerations.......................................44 4.8 Examination of Sexual Assault Victim ..........................45 4.9 Sexual Assault Victim Interview ...................................46 4.10 Examination of Sexual Assault Suspect .......................47 4.11 Area Search ................................................................48 4.12 Sexual Assault Evidence .............................................48 Section C - Child Physical Abuse Scene .....................................49 4.13 Examination of Victim................................................49 4.14 Child Physical Abuse Victim Interview .......................50 4.15 Area Search ................................................................52 Section D - Child Sexual Abuse Scene........................................53 4.16 Examination of Victim................................................53 4.17 Child Sexual Abuse Victim Interview..........................54 4.18 Area Search ................................................................55 4.19 Family Advocacy Assistance.......................................57 4.20 Examination of Suspect...............................................58 Section E - Breaking and Entering Scenes...................................58 4.21 Area Search ................................................................58 7

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4.22 Stolen Property List ....................................................59 4.23 Searches Related to Suspect ........................................60 4.24 Breaking and Entering Evidence..................................60 Section F - Robbery Scenes........................................................60 4.25 Robbery Victim Interview...........................................60 4.26 Area Search ................................................................61 4.27 Searches Related to Robbery Suspect ..........................61 4.28 Robbery Evidence.......................................................62 Section G - Death Scenes ...........................................................62 4.29 Death Scene Considerations ........................................62 4.30 Time of Death Estimation ...........................................65 4.31 Asphyxial (Oxygen Deprivation) Death Scenes............68 4.32 Blunt Force Death Scenes ...........................................73 4.33 Sharp Force Death Scenes...........................................73 4.34 Firearm Death Scenes .................................................74 4.35 Fire Death Scenes .......................................................74 4.36 Drug and Poison Death Scenes ....................................75 4.37 Child Death Scenes.....................................................75 4.38 Equivocal and Unknown Cause Deaths........................77 Section H - Damaged Property Scenes........................................78 4.39 Fire Scenes .................................................................78 4.40 Conduct Interviews.....................................................78 4.41 Area Search ................................................................79 4.42 Searches Related to Suspect ........................................81 4.43 Fire Scene Evidence....................................................81 4.44 Other Damaged Property Scenes .................................82 4.45 Interviews...................................................................82 4.46 Searches Related to Suspect ........................................83 4.47 Damaged Property Evidence .......................................83 8

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Section I - Drug Scenes..............................................................84 4.48 Area Search ................................................................84 4.49 Drug Scene Evidence..................................................85 Section J - Computer Related Crimes..........................................85 4.50 General Considerations ...............................................85 4.51 Area Search ................................................................86 4.52 Computer Scene Evidence...........................................89 Section K - Environmental Crime Scenes ...................................89 4.53 General Considerations ...............................................89 4.54 Area Search ................................................................90 Chapter 5 EVIDENCE COLLECTION ..................................92 Section A - Introduction.............................................................92 5.1 General Considerations .................................................92 Section B - Body Fluid Evidence................................................92 5.2 Biological Hazards .......................................................92 5.3 Blood Evidence ............................................................93 5.4 Semen Evidence ...........................................................95 5.5 Saliva Evidence ............................................................97 5.6 Urine Evidence.............................................................98 5.7 Vaginal Fluid Evidence.................................................99 5.8 Sweat Evidence ............................................................99 5.9 Vitreous Fluid Evidence................................................99 5.10 Stomach Content Evidence........................................100 Section C - Other Physical Evidence.........................................100 5.11 Fire Debris and Accelerant Evidence ........................100 5.12 Flammable Liquids ...................................................101 5.13 Bomb Scene Debris and Explosives Evidence............101 5.14 Drug and Poison Evidence ........................................101 5.15 Fingerprint Evidence.................................................102 9

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5.16 Fingerprint Fuming Technique ..................................102 5.17 Fingerprint Powders..................................................103 5.18 Record Ink Fingerprints ............................................104 5.19 Firearm and Ammunition Evidence ...........................104 5.20 Gunshot Residue (GSR) Evidence .............................106 5.21 Glass Evidence .........................................................107 5.22 Hair and Fiber Evidence............................................108 5.23 Hazardous Materials Evidence ..................................110 5.24 Trace Metals Evidence..............................................110 5.25 Paint Evidence..........................................................111 5.26 Liquid Paint Samples ................................................112 5.27 Questioned Document Evidence................................112 5.28 Shoe, Tire, and Tool Impression Evidence .................116 5.29 Soil Evidence............................................................119 5.30 Computer Related Evidence ......................................120 5.31 Fabrics .....................................................................125 5.32 Miscellaneous...........................................................127 Section D - Injury Evidence (Asphyxial Injuries) ......................129 5.33 Manual Strangulation................................................129 5.34 Ligature Strangulation...............................................129 5.35 Hanging....................................................................131 5.36 Choking....................................................................133 5.37 Smothering ...............................................................133 5.38 Mechanical Asphyxia................................................133 5.39 Chemical Asphyxia...................................................134 5.40 Autoerotic Misadventure...........................................134 Section E - Injury Evidence (Blunt Force Injuries) ....................135 5.41 Abrasions .................................................................135 5.42 Contusions................................................................135 10

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5.43 Lacerations ...............................................................137 5.44 Blunt Force Brain Injury ...........................................138 Section F - Injury Evidence (Sharp Force Injury) ......................140 5.46 Stab Wounds ............................................................142 5.47 Chop Wounds...........................................................145 Section G - Injury Evidence (Firearm Injuries)..........................145 5.48 Gunshot Wounds ......................................................146 5.49 Rifle Wounds............................................................157 5.50 Shotgun Wounds.......................................................159 5.51 Firearms and Clothing...............................................164 Section H - Injury Evidence (Thermal Injuries).........................165 5.52 Burn Classification ...................................................165 5.53 Cause of Death .........................................................166 5.54 Thermal Injuries .......................................................166 Section I - Injury Evidence (Explosive Injuries) ........................167 5.56 Explosive Injuries .....................................................168 Section J - Injury Evidence (Electrical Injuries) ........................168 5.57 General Considerations .............................................168 5.58 Electrical Injuries......................................................169 Section K - Injury Evidence (Drug and Poison Injuries) ............170 5.59 Injuries Associated with Drug Abuse.........................170 5.60 Poison Related Injuries .............................................172 5.61 Injuries or Vital Reactions to Common Poisons..........172 Section L - Injury Evidence (Child Abuse Injuries) ...................175 5.62 Common Child Abuse Injuries ..................................175 Chapter 6 AUTOPSY CONSIDERATIONS .........................179 6.1 Jurisdiction of the Body ..............................................179 6.2 Exclusive Federal Jurisdiction.....................................179 6.3 Concurrent and Proprietary Jurisdiction.......................180 11

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6.4 Deaths Occurring Off-Installation................................181 6.5 Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA) ..........................181 6.6 Circumstances Requiring Autopsy...............................182 6.7 Procedures in Lieu of Autopsy.....................................182 6.8 Medical Examiner versus Coroner...............................182 6.9 Agent Responsibilities at the Autopsy..........................183 Appendix A ........................................................................... A-1 References ............................................................................. A-1 Section I ..................................................................................A-1 Required Publications.......................................................A-1 Related Publications .........................................................A-1 Prescribed Forms..............................................................A-1 Referenced Forms ............................................................A-1 Appendix B ............................................................................B-1 CID Investigative Offenses.....................................................B-1 Glossary ..................................................................... Glossary-1 Section I ....................................................................... Glossary-1 Abbreviations........................................................ Glossary-1 Section II...................................................................... Glossary-2 Terms ................................................................... Glossary-2 Section III................................................................... Glossary-12 Special Abbreviations and Terms......................... Glossary-12

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Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION Section I â&#x20AC;&#x201C; General 1.1 Purpose This pamphlet provides guidance and compact reference to agents of the USACIDC involved in the processing of crime scenes and the collection of physical evidence. 1.2 Reference Required and related publications and prescribed and referenced forms are listed in appendix A. 1.3 Explanation of abbreviations and terms Abbreviations and special terms used in this pamphlet are explained in the glossary.

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Chapter 2 DUTY AGENT ACTIONS 2.1 Respond to Initial Notification • • • • • • • • • • • •

Note the date and time, method of notification, who reported the incident, and person making the notification. Obtain full identification, addresses, and telephone numbers of persons related to the incident. Ask Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How? Ascertain the following: Has the crime scene been secured? Who (what agency) is in charge of the scene? Is a medical team needed for injured people or a physician needed for pronouncement of death? Are victims still at the scene? If not, where are they? What are the safety requirements for responding personnel? Is there a violent suspect, hazardous situation, or potentially infectious materials? Are suspects and witnesses still in the area? If so, ask the MPs to detain and segregate them for questioning by CID. Who else has been notified? Consider having the MPs contact the on call TASC photographer, if available at your location.

Check Appendix B, AR 195-2 to ensure offense is within CID investigative responsibility.

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2.2 Coordination Requirements • • • • •

Determine investigative and prosecutorial jurisdiction. Consider multi-jurisdictional agreements. Notify the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) and other agents, as needed. Advise all responding personnel of any potential dangers at the crime scene. Make appropriate notifications (installation officials, local police, coroner, environmental specialists, etc.) Determine notification requirement in accordance with CIDR 195-1, District and Region (Group) SOP.

2.3 Arrival at the Scene • • • • • •

Verify the scene as the one reported. Record weather conditions, unusual odors, and the full identification and status of person(s) at the scene. Note the time of your arrival and initial observations. Set up scene security or note how the security is established. Call for more investigative or security help if needed. Initiate a roster of all personnel who enter the crime scene.

2.4 Initial Assessment and Scan of the Scene • • • •

View the central theme items and their general location. Check for injured persons, noting any information and actions pertaining to them. SAVING HUMAN LIFE TAKES PRIORITY OVER EVERY OTHER CONSIDERATION OR ACTION. Identify fragile evidence requiring immediate attention to 15

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avoid loss. Decide the search and processing method to be used. (See paragraph 2.10) Develop a processing plan considering the following: Manpower needs (photographer, searchers, responders to hospital or other scenes, interviewer, evidence collectors, etc.). Equipment and supply needs (Superglue fuming equipment, black or gray fingerprint powder and lifters, blood collection materials, casting and molding equipment, additional film or cameras, alternate light source(s), etc.). Special expertise requirements (Forensic Science Coordinators, Laboratory Examiners, Technical Service Agents, Medical Examiners or Coroners, Fire Marshal, Arson Investigators, etc.).

2.5 Check Seemingly Dead Bodies for Signs of Life • • • • • • • •

Check for evidence of pulse or respiration. See if the skin is cold and clammy to the touch. Check for response to finger pressure on the eyes. Look for wounds on the body. Mentally note any visible signs of exit wounds for later follow up when looking for evidence. Note the extent of bleeding, color of blood, and signs of drying. Note signs of liver mortis and/or rigor mortis and their location on the body. If there are any signs that the person may be alive, give first aid and take action to evacuate the victim to the nearest

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medical facility, then describe your actions in your notes. 2.6 Arrival and Actions of the Doctor (If applicable) • • • • •

Obtain the full ID, unit, and telephone number of the attending medical personnel and if on the scene, the doctor. Determine the the facility where the victim is to be taken. Note the time the victim is pronounced dead. Obtain the doctor’s opinion as to the cause and manner of death. Make arrangements with the doctor to obtain a copy of the death certificate and determine the time and date of autopsy. Ensure the body is not covered until you are ready to release it. Premature covering of a body can destroy or alter valuable evidence.

2.7 Photograph Scene • •

•

Record the technical data for each photograph in your photograph log. The first exposure should be a case identification photograph depicting the case number. Include a gray scale in the identification photograph on each roll of film, e.g., an 18 percent gray scale ruler will suffice. This allows the developer to ensure realistic color reproduction. Photograph the scene. Use video recording as a supplement to, not a substitute for still photography. If using video, decide whether or not to disable the audio component. Narrating what is being depicted can be beneficial but you must prevent recording inappropriate background conversation. 17

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Use color film for all serious crime scenes and victim photographs, as it presents a more accurate depiction of the scene. Use black and white film only in addition to color film when a special photography need exists. The basic principles of photography remain the same whether using a digital camera, point and shoot, or Canon 35mm. However, the operator of the camera equipment must be aware of the different limitations with each camera. Keep the camera parallel to the subject of the photograph when possible (See figure 2.1). This minimizes distortion.

Figure 2.1 “Parallel” Photography 18

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Mount the camera on a tripod, whenever possible, for sharper photographs. Do not skimp on film. It is better to take more pictures than you might actually need. Take several pictures of the same item using different camera settings and lighting techniques. Keep crime scene processing equipment and agents out of photographs. Photograph areas around the scene, including possible points of entry and exit. Remember to include exterior shots of the structure if working inside. Photograph the entire area before it is entered. Be sure to include dead bodies, victims, crowds, and vehicles. Photograph all evidence before moving it. First, photograph the item as it is found, then take shots with a ruler or scale. Coordinate with the sketcher, on-scene evidence custodian, and evidence collection team before moving the item. Photograph the scene with overall, midrange, establishing, and close-up coverage, using a measurement scale, as appropriate. Consider the feasibility of using aerial photography.

Methods of Photography: Overlapping Method: • Take a series of photos in a circular, clockwise direction to get 360 degrees of coverage. • Overlap each photo with items or areas appearing in the preceding photo to permit matching or comparison. • Be sure to include floors and ceilings in your photographs. • These photographs are best taken using a tripod. 19

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Progressive Method: • Pinpoint a specific item in a scene and show its relationship to other items in the scene. • Take a series of overall, midrange, establishing, and close-up photographs (with and without scale) from the same angle and same line. Macro photographs may be needed to show greater detail. • Photograph visible and developed latent footprints, fingerprints, and other impression evidence, before casting and lifting. Mount the camera on a tripod to minimize distortion. Keep the camera parallel to the fingerprint or footprint (see figure 1.1). • Determine the light intensity needed to photograph an item. Consider the direction and amount of light cast on the item. • Consider using a camera with automatic through-the-lens metering. Shadows can accentuate detail and highlight impressions. Use a detachable electronic flash unit to manipulate or eliminate shadows. • Oblique or side lighting casts light across an area of interest from a low angle. This lighting method can enhance photos of tire, shoe or tool impressions. Side lighting can expose invisible fingerprints and shoe impressions on hard flat surfaces such as ledges, tabletops, and floors. • Front lighting eliminates unwanted shadows and highlights evidentiary details. In some situations, too much light will wash out detail or eliminate accentuating shadows. • Backlighting is not useful in investigative photography. If strong, natural back lighting conditions exist, use a flash 20

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aimed in a direction that would eliminate shadows, or take the photograph from a different angle. If different agents complete crime scene sketches, then the photographer should work closely with each sketcher to ensure that photographs and sketches augment each other in accurately depicting the crime scene.

2.8 Record Overall Observations, Actions, and Descriptions •

In narrative format, describe the crime scene, including the building/rooms: Floor, walls, and ceiling. Entrance/exit way and door(s) and their position (open, closed, locked, and type of locking device). Windows and screens and their position (open, closed, locked, etc.). Light fixtures and outlets (on, off). Natural lighting conditions. Appliances and/or utilities (on, off, etc.). Ashtrays, trash cans, and other containers and their visible contents. Furniture and visible damage. Visible personal items of clothing and equipment. Anything that appears to have been altered or seems out of place. • Describe all evidence by common name and general location using the recommended 8-step method of description cite: Quantity Item Color 21

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Type of construction Approximate size Identifying features Condition Location • If vehicle is involved, note: Is the engine on or off, hot or cold? If a key is in the ignition, what is the position of the switch? Are the windows up or down? How much gas is in the tank? What gear is the vehicle in? Is the parking brake set? Is the radio or air conditioning/heat on or off? Which doors are locked/unlocked? What position are the seats in? Lights/wipers on or off? Check music CDs or cassettes. Record the title and artist. This may be of future benefit during the conduct of a psychological autopsy. • Record environmental conditions, particularly localized phenomena not available in weather data (standing water, building climate, controls, etc.). NOTE THE ABSENCE OF EVIDENCE OR INFORMATION THAT BASED ON THE COMPLAINT, COULD BE EXPECTED TO BE PRESENT (NEGATIVE EVIDENCE).

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2.9 Sketch • • •

• •

•

Prepare a rough sketch of the scene showing location and distance relationships to supplement the photographic record of the scene. (See figures 2.2 thru 2.4) Measure accurately, the room, walls, entrance/exit ways, door, window, and furniture. Using the appropriate means, “FIX” both regularly shaped items and pliable items of evidence. Record the measurements and triangulations of evidence in your notes and on your evidence sketch. Height measurements are generally not required on overhead view sketches. Complete a sketch by hand, or use templates or computer graphics, depending on the circumstance. In the sketch, include a title information section, containing the case file number, offense, scene portrayed, location address, victim, time and date sketch made, who sketched it and who verified the scene. Also include a legend section giving an explanation of symbols used to identify objects in the sketch. Avoid excessive symbolism as too much detail obscures rather than clarifies. Include a directional North, and a disclaimer the sketch is not drawn to scale. If subsequent sketches are needed, do not duplicate symbols.

Following are several example sketches. Ensure sketches are IAW FM 19-20. The following examples may be missing required elements due to formatting restrictions for this manual.

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24’

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’

21’

18’

15’

12’

9’

6’

3’

4’8 1/2” 5’7”

6’3/4” 5’4”

5’8 1/2”

6’3”

12’ 1/4”

5’2” 5’8”

12’

11’7” 11’6” 6’3” 4’2” 3’4”

3’8” 6’5 3’2 ” 5’1”

6’2” 5’2”

6’10”

18.’

15’

9’

12’

6’

3’

0’

SIDEWALK ’

LEGEND 1. Base Southwall 2. North Edge of Sidewalk A-BDU Cap B-Victim on Ground C-Hatchet on Ground

Title Block CASE: 0000-97-CID000 OFFENSE: DEATH INVESTIGATION SCENE PORTRAYED: Grassy-Ground Area Adjacent To South Side of Bldg S-123 L O C A T I O N : F T McClellan, A L V I C T I M : Sgt J o e D O E TIME & DATE Began: 0930, 21 May 97 SKETCH BY: SA Joe BROCK VERIFIED BY: SA Fast DRAW

Not to Scale

Figure 2.2 Outdoors Crime Scene Sketch

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Window 3’ x 5’

(C)

Chair 1’4 X 1’4”

11” Wall Locker

8”*

3’81/2”

1’61/4” X 2’

2’5”

(E) 10”

(D)

3’21/2” 2’1/2”

(B) 4’6 3/4”

Dresser

9’4”

1’7” X 3’ 1/2”

(H) (F) (A) (G))

3’3” 3’10 1/4” 3’1” 3’7 1/2”

Door

Bed 6’7” X 3’

Entrance Exit 8 1/2”

2’8” LEGEND A. PISTOL B. BOTTLE C. LETTER “BR” D. SHELL CASING E. RED STAIN F. FIBERS G. GUN SHOT WOUND H. CIGARETTE INSIDE OPEN DRAWER

9’5”

N NOT TO SCALE

TITLE BLOCK CASE # 000-97-CID000- 12345 OFFENSE: DEATH INVESTIGATION SCENE PORTRAYED: ROOM #7 BLDG: S -3251, TROOP BILLETS LOCATION: FT McClellan, AL VICTIM: PVT JANE DOE TIME & DATE BEGAN: 1000, 12 JAN 97 SKETCHEB BY: SA JOE CRIMESCENE VERIFIED BY: SGT BILLIE JEAN

Figure 2.3 Crime Scene Sketch

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North

Legend A-Crowbar

Not to Scale

Title Block Case Number: Scene Portrayed: Location: Offense: Victim: Time & Date Began: Sketched By:

Figure 2.4 Cross Projection Sketch

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2.10 Make a First Recheck of the Scene •

Determine the extent of your crime scene. Decide what to search for and how to conduct the search. • Conduct a thorough check of all garbage containers in the vicinity before they are emptied. • Note which items are obviously evidence and which items may have evidentiary potential. • Consider how and where the suspect would have handled evidentiary items and avoid contaminating those areas. • Be alert for items you would expect to be at the scene, but are not. • Determine special evidence collection and preservation requirements (see chapter 4). • Consider the following for outdoor searches: Establish a single-path route into and out of the scene. Examine vegetation for signs of travel or movement. This may aid in reconstructing the events of the crime. Look for trace evidence on vegetation and on the ground, including potential points of entry and exit when applicable. Collect soil samples and other materials after obvious evidence items have been documented and covered. •

Decide what search method(s) you should use while looking for evidence to determine: Whether a crime was committed. The manner in which a crime was committed. The identity of the suspect. A connection between people and the scene. 27

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A connection between suspects and other people. EVALUATE WHETHER THE SCENE AND EVIDENCE APPEARS INTENTIONALLY STAGED.

Types of Search Methods: GRID METHOD: (See Figure 2.6). Block the area to be searched into a rectangle. Divide the area into one-yard wide strips both horizontally and vertically. Depending on the area size, assign an agent to each strip. Search the area strip by strip in the same direction, then repeat the search in the other direction. (i.e., search across vertically all strips, then horizontally). Continue until all strips are searched. When evidence is found, everyone stops searching until the evidence has been marked, photographed, sketched and collected as necessary.

Figure 2.6 Strip Method

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ZONE METHOD: (See Figure 2.7). Block the area to be searched into a rectangle. Divide the area into zones and assign agents to each zone. Consider using the strip method inside the zone to ensure all portions of the area are searched.

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Figure 2.7 Zone Method SPIRAL METHOD: (See Figure 2.8). Use this method in circular buildings or areas. Line agents up one behind the other. Begin in the center of the area and work outwards or at the perimeter and work inwards.

Figure 2.8 Spiral Method Aircraft Searches: Consult with appropriate installation officials for help and advice. Vehicle Searches: Exterior: • Search the exterior first. • Pay particular attention to the grill area and hood. • Look for broken or damaged areas, imprints in dust or road 30

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grime on the automobile’s finish, hairs and fibers, foreign paint or other materials, missing parts, and other irregularities. Examine the exterior for fingerprints around the top of the car, the areas around the door handles, and the window glass. Collect latent prints immediately to avoid destruction. Do not forget to photograph the prints. Examine the undercarriage for fibers, hair, blood, and human tissue. When appropriate, collect samples of dirt, grease, road grime, paint from painted surfaces such as oil pans, etc., from the underside of the vehicle. Look for soil in wheel wells and running boards. When obtaining paint samples from a vehicle, take them from near the damaged area(s) and obtain at least one sample from each body panel or part damaged. Consider using a vehicle hydraulic lift and ensure strong lighting is used.

Interior and Trunk: • Divide the interior of the automobile into seven major areas (See figure 2.9). • Further divide the passenger areas to distinguish the floor areas, seat surfaces and the instrument panel. • Consider the relevance of fibers, hairs, and dirt from the floor and seats of all passenger or cargo areas. • Search for items (drugs, weapons, etc.) hidden in the interior. • Have two agents search the same areas to reduce the chance of overlooking items. • Do not reach into places you cannot see; use mirrors and lights 31

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instead. 3

5 6 4

1 2

Figure 2.9 Vehicle Search Pattern Engine Compartment: • The engine compartment generally produces less physical evidence than any other part of a vehicle. • Concentrate on concealed tools, weapons, drugs, etc. • Include the area around the inside of the grill, the area around the radiator, and any containers attached to the fenders inside the engine compartment. 2.11 Collecting and Preserving Evidence • • • • •

Check each item for the possibility of trace evidence. Note any marks and or features not mentioned in your general description in your notes. Mark each item with your initials, date, and time, for identification, if possible. Place evidence that cannot be marked in a suitable container and label the container appropriately. Consider putting small items in a piece of paper folded in a druggist fold, prior to placing the item into a suitable container. See figure 2.10.

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Fold

Figure 2.10 Druggist Fold • •

Record each item of evidence on an evidence custody document (DA Form 4137). Attach an evidence label (DA Form 4002) to each item of evidence.

2.12 Release of the Body • • •

Check under the victim (and around and under the bed, if victim is in bed), for visible and trace evidence. Check again for signs of exit wounds to help in your search for projectiles. Collect gunshot residue from the victim’s hands, if applicable. Secure paper bags over the victim’s hands and ensure victim is 33

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placed in a body bag. Release the victim to the ambulance driver after identifying the driver. Take photo of surface where body was lying and enter data on sketches and notes. If any additional evidence is found, describe, photograph, sketch, triangulate if need be, and collect each item.

2.13 Second Recheck of the Scene • •

• • • •

Search for additional latent prints and trace evidence. Identify and collect smaller pieces of evidence for processing with superglue and process large items with powder and brush to identify more latent prints. Describe how and where you utilized powder and lifted prints. Conduct an exploratory search of furniture, lockers, containers, noting the results. Process and collect any newly discovered evidence as you did earlier. Collect samples of anything that might ultimately help associate an individual with the location (e.g., samples of carpet, rugs, upholstered items, etc.). Remember! This may be your only chance; you may not be able to return to the scene to collect such items later.

2.14 Third Recheck of the Scene Re-check the scene, recording the results. Continue re-checking the scene until the results are negative.

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2.15 Check Beyond the Scene • • • • •

Conduct a thorough search beyond the scene, recording the results. If evidence is found, expand scene security to include new area. If evidence is found, process and collect the evidence as you have done with evidence discovered earlier. If you have not taken photographs in step 2.7, take outside photographs, depicting street signs, building numbers, and the like to identify geographical location of scene. Record the photographs on the photo log in your investigative notes.

2.16 Release or Secure the Crime Scene • •

If the scene is to be released, obtain the full ID of the person to whom you will release it. If the scene control is to be retained, describe how security of the scene is to be maintained and record any specific instructions.

2.17 Post Scene Activities •

Post-scene Assessment: Conduct a team meeting and review all aspects of the search. Ensure no areas have been overlooked. Outline the plan for the next 24 hours. Identify critical or perishable issues. Records checks. Key interviews. 35

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•

• •

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Searches. Evidence to the lab. Expert assistance (FSC, PLG, CCI, etc.). Autopsy. Manpower requirements. Clearly assign responsibility for: Up channel notifications. Overall control of the case and report. Arrange for continual crime scene security if necessary. Ensure documentation is complete and free of errors and inconsistencies. Remind personnel to avoid taking any actions which might accidentally contaminate evidence or the scene, (returning to the scene after interviewing a potential subject, transporting victim and subject in the same vehicle, interviewing the victim and subject in the same areas, etc).

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Chapter 3 CRIME SCENE SAFETY 3.1 Potential Infectious Materials A variety of harmful microorganisms can be transmitted through body fluids, including the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Both HBV and HIV are transmitted through broken skin or mucous membrane contact, not through casual contact. Be alert for infectious materials at all crime scenes. Avoid direct contact with any bodily fluids! 3.2 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Requirements CID units must comply with 29 CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne Pathogens, for agents having an occupational exposure risk. Contact your military public health office for guidance. 3.3 Wear and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) • • • • •

Get PPE and germicides from servicing medical facilities. Wear double gloves when handling any infectious material or infectious material container. Determine the appropriate combination of protective equipment. Consult medical specialists if unsure about appropriate PPE. Wear full body overgarments when the splashing or spread of contaminated materials or body fluids is possible (scenes with large amounts of blood, body fluids, or tissue). Full body coverage includes hood, surgical mask, and eye protection

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while in the contaminated area. Use disposable booties if boots are not attached to the body overgarment. Use disposable shoe coverings to prevent contaminated fluids from being transported to automobiles, offices, and homes. Wear cotton gloves over latex gloves when processing items for latent fingerprints. Wrap duct tape or other suitable tape around wrists and ankles to secure sleeves to glove tops and overgarments to booties. Remove PPE before leaving the immediate crime scene for any reason. Wash hands thoroughly with water and germicidal soap when leaving crime scenes. Put on fresh or decontaminated PPE before reentering the scene.

3.4 Evidence Collection Safety • • • • • •

Presume all blood, body fluids, body tissue, sexual assault kits, used medical supplies, biological waste, and drug paraphernalia to be infectious. This includes evidence at sexual assault, drug, assault, bodily injury, arson, and death scenes. Attach biohazard labels to all containers of potentially infectious materials. Control access to crime scenes containing potentially infectious materials. Limit access to only those people who have a clear need to enter. Pregnant agents should not process crime scenes where potentially infectious materials are present. Put liquid blood, body fluids, and body tissue samples in leak proof containers. Place these containers in sealable plastic 38

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•

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bags for secondary containment. Some body fluids, especially blood and saliva, may need to be collected differently and air-dried. See paragraphs 5.2 through 5.10 for collection techniques. Be alert for sharp objects. Exercise extreme care in handling needles, syringes, knives, razors, broken glass, nails, or other sharp objects. Mark containers for these items with “SHARP HAZARD” and attach biohazard labels if you think the evidence has come in contact with body fluid or tissue. If you are cut or punctured by an item contaminated with body fluids, cleanse the wound with an antiseptic (such as hydrogen peroxide), wash with germicidal soap, and immediately seek medical assistance. After processing a potentially infectious crime scene, release the scene to the appropriate authorities responsible for decontamination of potentially infectious scenes.

3.5 Removal and Decontamination of PPE • •

Prior to leaving the scene, place a large piece of paper or plastic or a bed sheet on the floor of an unaffected area of the crime scene. Stand in the center of the paper, plastic, or sheet. Remove each piece of PPE in the following order and ensure it remains on the paper, plastic, or sheet: Duct tape, if worn Outer set of gloves if double gloved Overgarment Booties if separate from overgarment Surgical mask 39

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Eye protection Inner gloves NOTES: Remove the inner pair of gloves by grasping the outer wrist edge of one glove, and pulling it off inside out. Remove the second glove by placing one or two fingers of the ungloved hand inside the wrist edge and removing, inside out. Decontaminate reusable PPE and equipment by hand washing the surfaces of each item with a solution of water and chlorine bleach (1-cup bleach to 1-gallon water). Let air dry. Place disposable PPE in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;biohazard bagâ&#x20AC;? for disposal (these bags are usually red or orange and designated with a biohazard symbol on the front). Wear protective gloves and eye protection when decontaminating. Dispose of reusable PPE as infectious waste if it becomes damaged, saturated with infectious material, or is otherwise unusable. Ask medical specialists to dispose of infectious waste, such as pens, pencils, gowns, gloves, masks, and shoe covers by incineration.

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Chapter 4 TYPES OF CRIME SCENES Section A - Physical Assault Scenes 4.1 Examination of Physical Assault Victim • • • • • • • •

• •

•

Have victim examined by a medical doctor. Seize any evidence recovered during the examination. Collect fingernail scrapings as well as head combing and plucking from victim. Collect blood from the victim for comparison with blood at the scene or on clothes. Arrange for a change of clothing for the victim. Collect clothing worn by the victim at the time of attack. Have the victim disrobe while standing on paper or a hospital sheet. Place each item of clothing into separate paper bags and properly seal. Be sure to collect the sheet or paper as evidence, taking care to fold it up with the relevant surface to the inside. If clothing is bloodstained, air dry at the office, in an area separate from the suspect’s clothing; do NOT use a fan or similar method of speed drying. Take color photographs (with and without a ruler) of injuries. Use discretion. Have medical personnel or a medical photographer expose photographs of genitals, anal area or breasts if these areas are injured. Photos of individual injuries should be taken with the camera 41

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parallel to the body surface, close-up, with and without a scale. Injuries should be photographed over several days. Ask the doctor what type of weapon might have caused the injuries. Determine if injuries are consistent with the victim’s account of the assault? Obtain a copy of all associated medical reports. Consider attempting to develop latent fingerprint impressions on the skin if appropriate.

4.2 Physical Assault Victim Interview Obtain specific details of the alleged offense. Be sure to include: Threats made by the suspect. Location of the assault. Any injuries the victim may have inflicted on the suspect. Movements of the suspect at the crime scene. How did the suspect enter and exit the crime scene? What did the suspect touch? Type and frequency of relationship between the suspect and victim. The victim’s activities with the suspect on the date of the assault. If the identity of the suspect is unknown, obtain a complete description using CID Form 44. Can the victim prepare a composite sketch? Can the victim identify the suspect in a line-up or recognize the suspect’s voice? Provide victim with a Point of Contact for the Victim/Witness Assistance Program (DD Form 2701). 42

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4.3 Examination of Physical Assault Suspect • • • • • • •

Obtain legal authorization as necessary. Look for injuries on the suspect and blood transferred from the victim. Recover the suspect’s clothing, sealing each item into a separate paper bag, and collect known samples, if appropriate. Consider blood alcohol and drug tests. Search for weapons used in the crime. Search for other evidence that might link the suspect to the crime scene. Consider using an alternate light source.

4.4 Area Search •

• •

•

Weapons may provide valuable evidence such as fingerprints. They may also have serial numbers, scratches or other unusual features, which can be used for positive identification of the weapon. Weapons may retain blood, body tissues, fibers or other material, that can be linked to an individual. Search the area for bullets, casings, and shotgun wads. Once a bullet is located, try to establish its path or line of fire and the location of the suspect during the assault. As such items are small, you should place a small flag near the item so as not to lose it. On hard surfaces, you may need to draw a chalk mark near the item but do so only after photographing it. Remember that the bullet may retain evidence from any item,

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which it came in contact with (fibers, paint, etc). Use gunshot residue (GSR) testing to determine if a person handled or fired a weapon (see paragraph 5.20).

4.5 Physical Assault Witness Interviews Interview all people who reside in or were visiting the immediate vicinity of the alleged assault. 4.6 Physical Assault Evidence The collection and preservation of evidence usually common to a Physical Assault is described in further detail in the Collection and Preservation Section as follows: Blood (5.3) Cigarette Butts (5.32) Fabrics(5.31) Fingerprints (5.15-5.18) Firearms & Ammo (5.19 Hairs and fibers (5.22) Bite Marks (5.42)

Ligatures (5.34) Gunshot residue (5.20) Salvia (5.5) Soil (5.29) Shoeprints(5.28) Tape(5.22) Tire tracks (5.28)

Section B - Sexual Assault Scenes 4.7 Sexual Assault Considerations Do not rush to process the crime scene. A medicolegal examination and a thorough interview of the victim should be accomplished before the crime scene search. Have military police 44

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secure the scene until it is time to conduct the search. 4.8 Examination of Sexual Assault Victim • • • •

• • • • • • •

Arrange for a medicolegal examination of the victim using a prepared sexual assault kit approved by the crime lab. This examination should be done before a detailed interview when the victim is in need of medical attention or when any evidence can be lost because of a delay. Evidence associated with a sexual assault is very fragile and should be collected as soon as possible. Do not transport the victim and suspect in the same vehicle, keep them in the same waiting area, or have them examined in the same hospital room. Agents should also try to avoid coming in contact with both the suspect and the victim. Discuss the sexual assault examination with the attending medical doctor before the examination. Provide the details of the allegation to the doctor. Leave the room during the medical examination. Advise the doctor of the possibility of cross-contamination when examining both the suspect and victim. Ask the doctor to scan victim’s body with an ultraviolet (UV) lamp to look for seminal fluid and fibers. Ask the doctor to microscopically examine the victim for motile sperm. Consider attempting to develop latent fingerprint impressions on the skin if appropriate.

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4.9 Sexual Assault Victim Interview •

Sexual assault victims are part of the crime scene and must be approached tactfully. • Approach victim interviews sensitively, as victims may be in shock and are often traumatized by the incident. • Conduct a preliminary interview of the victim as soon as possible, and before medical examination, if practical. • Establish who, what, where, when, why and how, so that the crime scene(s) (to include the suspect) and evidence can be preserved for processing. • As soon as practicable, conduct a more detailed interview of the victim. Determine: Threats made by the suspect. Location of the assault. Movements of the suspect at the crime scene. How did the suspect enter and exit the crime scene? What did the suspect touch? Amount and type of force used, e.g., damage to the victim’s clothing. Were any restraints used (ropes, clothing, bedding, belts, etc.)? Measures taken by the victim to thwart the attack. Did the victim scream? Did the victim inflict any injuries upon the suspect? What the suspect said before, during, or after the assault. What the suspect did after the assault. Whether the suspect attempted, committed, or forced the victim to perform intercourse, cunnilingus, anal intercourse, or fellatio. 46

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Whether the suspect ejaculated. If so, where? Was a condom used? Whether foreign objects (pen, stick, bottle, etc.) were used in the assault. Whether the victim was menstruating. Whether the suspect stole anything. Type and frequency of relationship between the suspect and victim. The victim’s activities with the suspect on the date of the assault. Obtain a complete description of the suspect using CID Form 44. Can the victim prepare a composite sketch? Can the victim identify the suspect in a line-up or recognize the suspect’s voice? How soon after the assault did the victim report it? And to whom? What items of victim’s clothing were actually removed? What was the suspect wearing? What items of clothing did the suspect remove? Did the victim note any unusual markings or aspects of the suspect’s anatomy? Were there any witnesses who can place the victim and suspect together prior to or subsequent to the assault or at the location of the assault? 4.10 Examination of Sexual Assault Suspect • •

Obtain legal authorization as necessary. Arrange for a medicolegal examination of the suspect using a 47

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prepared sexual assault examination kit approved by the crime lab. Collect the clothing the suspect was wearing during the incident (as described by the victim). Use the procedure described for victims. Consider searching the suspect’s home, car, office, gym locker, and storage locker for weapons used and items taken from the victim. Be sure to obtain necessary consent or authority before searching.

4.11 Area Search •

•

Items such as clothing, bed linens, rugs, car seats, etc., may contain evidence of hair, broken fingernails, blood, semen, and fibers. Pay special attention to bathrooms as suspects and victims often clean up after a sexual assault. Use an UV lamp or an alternate light source (ALS) to fluoresce saliva, urine and semen stains. Some kinds of fibers are also fluorescent.

4.12 Sexual Assault Evidence The collection and preservation of evidence usually common to a Sexual Assault is described in further detail in the Collection and Preservation Section as follows: Bite Marks (5.42) Blood (5.3) Cigarette Butts (5.32) Fabrics(5.31) Fingerprints (5.15-5.18)

Ligatures (5.34) Small objects(5.32) Salvia (5.5) Shoeprints(5.28) Seminal stains (5.4) 48

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Firearms & Ammo (5.19) Gunshot residue (5.20) Hairs and fibers (5.22)

Soil (5.29) Tire tracks (5.28) Tape(5.22)

Section C - Child Physical Abuse Scene 4.13 Examination of Victim •

• •

Arrange for a medicolegal examination of the victim. Do this before the interview if the victim is in need of medical attention. This examination is usually best done by a pediatrician. Document and photograph any injuries (see paragraph 1.7). Request full body x-rays to look for old and new bone injuries. Be sure that the person holding the child during the x-ray series does not cover the ends of the child’s long bones with the hands. Tell the person to grasp the child by the fingers or toes. The ends of long bones often contain small fractures indicative of non-accidental trauma. Ask the doctor or radiologist to date any observable injuries. Ask for an opinion as to the cause of any injuries. Determine what, if any, weapons or objects might have been used to inflict injuries. Determine whether or not injuries are consistent with the history given by the victim, suspect, and witnesses. Ask the physician if the injuries are consistent with accidental or non-accidental trauma. If weapons or objects are available, ask the physician to compare them with the injuries. (Do not bring object in direct 49

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contact with injury.) Collect the victim’s clothing if it contains any evidence, such as blood or rips, etc. • Recommend that the examining physician document one of the following diagnoses: No evidence of physical abuse by history or examination. History and physical examination compatible with child physical abuse. History supportive of child physical abuse with normal physical examination. History is negative for child physical abuse, but the examination is supportive of abuse. •

4.14 Child Physical Abuse Victim Interview Always consider videotaping the interview. • • •

• •

Prepare for an interview of the victim. Conduct joint interview whenever possible to avoid the need for repeated interviews. Prior to interviewing the child, obtain relevant information from parent/guardian, and, if applicable, Child Protective Services caseworker, social worker, physician, and/or Sexual Assault Center/Rape Relief counselor. This equips the investigator with valuable background information and may provide insight into the child’s emotional functioning. Explain your role and procedures to above personnel and enlist their cooperation. Determine child’s general developmental status: age, grade, siblings, family composition, capabilities, ability to write, 50

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•

• • •

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read, count, ride a bike, tell time, remember events, any unusual problems, physical, intellectual, behavioral knowledge of anatomy and sexual behavior, family terminology for genital areas. Choose a setting for the interview, which will make the child comfortable. The room can be equipped with toys, although not to the point at which they become overly distracting. Most local Child Advocacy Centers have an interview room designed to conduct a child abuse interview. Conduct the interview in private with no interruptions, because interruptions distract a child’s already short attention span, divert the focus of the interview, and make a self conscious or apprehensive child withdraw. Although not recommended, if the child wishes a parent or other person present, it should be allowed. A frightened or insecure child will not give a complete statement. The interview should begin with non-threatening conversation that allows the victim and investigator to become acquainted. Establish a rapport with the child and communicate using words and phrases, which the child can understand. Avoid asking “why” questions about the incident, because they tend to sound accusatory and make the child feel that she/he has done something wrong. Ask direct, simple questions as open-ended as allowed by the child’s level of comprehension and ability to talk about the assault or incident. Move from open-ended to more direct questions and back again, according to the child’s ability to provide necessary information on particular points. 51

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•

Never threaten or try to force a reluctant child to talk. Pressure causes a child to clam up and may further traumatize her/him. • The interviewer’s effective response should be in harmony with child’s perception of the incident (don’t emphasize jail for the offender if the child has expressed positive feelings towards him/her). * See CIDR 195-1 regarding procedures for dealing with Juvenile victims. 4.15 Area Search • • •

• • •

Obtain any weapons or objects that may have been used to inflict injuries. This may require a search warrant or authorization (see CID Reg 195-1). It may be necessary to search the crime scene for evidence such as blood, pulled hair, torn clothing, broken or disturbed objects, or other evidence to confirm or dispute statements. Consider taking the temperature of hot water from a faucet in cases involving splash or immersion burns. Also note the temperature setting of the hot water heater and any signs of recent adjustment. Look for the victim’s skin on the surface of objects used to dry-burn the victim. Take measurements of furniture, stairs, equipment, etc., especially if there are any falling type injuries involved. Check for indications of “staged” crime scenes.

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Section D - Child Sexual Abuse Scene 4.16 Examination of Victim •

• •

•

Arrange for a medicolegal examination of the victim if there is an allegation or suspicion of vaginal or anal penetration (penile, digital, or other), recent oral penetration, injuries are present, or if evidence may exist on the body. This examination should be done before the interview if the victim is in need of medical attention or perishable evidence is suspected to be on the victim. This examination is usually best done by a pediatrician or gynecologist who has experience conducting such examinations. Ensure the examination is conducted using a sexual assault kit if it is believed evidence may still be present on the body. An examination using a colposcope may be helpful in finding microscopic injuries in the vagina and anus. This instrument can be used to better view bruises, tears, and scars. A camera can be attached to the colposcope allowing for excellent documentation. If vaginal penetration is alleged or suspected, ask the physician for the condition of the victim’s hymen. It is important to keep in mind that most children with documented sexual abuse have no specific findings that will allow for a definitive conclusion regarding sexual abuse. A majority of alleged child sexual abuse victims will have normal, non-specific findings. Recommend that the examining physician document one of the following diagnoses: 53

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No evidence of sexual abuse by history or examination. History and physical examination compatible with child sexual abuse. History supportive of child sexual abuse with normal physical examination. History is negative for child sexual abuse, but the examination is supportive of sexual abuse.

4.17 Child Sexual Abuse Victim Interview Arrange for an interview of the victim. Coordinate with your servicing Child Protective Services. (See paragraph 4-14). Always consider videotaping the interview. Anatomical Dolls: • Anatomically correct dolls are male and female dolls designed with all body parts, including genitals. When used properly, these dolls can be a valuable tool to facilitate communication with a child victim. • It is best to use the dolls only after the child has disclosed something apparently abusive has happened and who was involved. • Introduce the dolls seriously, as professional tools. Before introducing the dolls, select a doll to represent the child. Help the child to select a doll or dolls to represent the alleged perpetrator(s). You can use this opportunity to elicit some description of the alleged perpetrator. • Present the dolls to the child by re-labeling several times whom the dolls are to represent. Ask the child to show you 54

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what happened. Do not introduce dialogue between the dolls or try to get the child to “play what happened.” This can lead off into fantasy and contaminate the interview. Avoid any references to the abuser doll as “the bad guy” or “nasty man” etc. The defense can argue that you introduced the idea of the suspect as a bad man. Always keep multiple incidents separated and don’t assume the child has finished after they have demonstrated one incident.

4.18 Area Search • Obtain legal authorization. Search the location where the sexual assault occurred. Also search outbuildings, sheds, garages, automobiles, attics, basements, storage facilities, post office boxes, and duty sections. Look for the following types of evidence: Camera equipment and video equipment intended for taking, producing, or reproducing photographic images, including but not limited to: cameras (instant developing and otherwise), video production, lenses, enlargers, photographic papers, film, chemical, and anything else described by the victim. Photographs, movies, slides, videotape, computer images, negatives, drawings, and undeveloped film that identify the victim or any other juvenile or adult. Such information may be encrypted on the storage media. Computers, personal digital assistants (PDA), and disks intended for recording, producing, or transferring photographic images, data, or correspondence related to the victim. Consult your servicing Computer Crime Investigator (CCI). 55

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Correspondence, diaries, calendars, and other writings; tape recordings; or letters relating to any juveniles or adults that tend to show the identity of juveniles and adults and sexual conduct between juveniles or adults. This information may be saved on computer hard drives or disks. It may also be encrypted on the storage media. Magazines or books depicting nudity or sexual activities of juveniles or adults, as well as collections of newspaper, magazine, and other clippings of juveniles that demonstrate a particular sex and age preference of the suspect. This may include materials involving child erotica, “art” collections, dance, ballet, gymnastics, cheerleading, etc. Such information may be encoded on a computer. Publications or writings that contain names, addresses, or phone numbers of individuals who have similar sexual interests and that identify adults and juveniles who are involved with the suspect. The suspect may receive information and correspond with others via computer modem. There are many types of electronic bulletin boards through which pedophiles correspond. Such information may be encoded on a computer. Sexual aids or “sex toys” such as rubber penises; dildoes of various sizes, shapes, and construction; vibrators of similar design and construction; lubricants; condoms; and anything else described by the victim. Articles of personal property (locks of hair, panties, barrettes); toys; drawings; and anything else described by the victim or played with, belonging to, or made by the victim. Safe deposit box keys, bank statements, billings, and checks that show the location and identity of safe deposit boxes and 56

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storage facilities of any person involved in the sexual exploitation of children through molestation, child pornography, or prostitution. The items may be found in file cabinets, mail envelopes, or items of mail. Indicators of occupancy consisting of articles of personal property that establish the identity of the person or persons in control of the premises where the sexual assault occurred, including, but not limited to, rent receipts, canceled mail, keys, utility bills, and telephone bills. NOTE: This can be important if occupancy is questioned or disputed. Evidence of a pedophile organization membership North American Man-Boy Love Association (NAMBLA), Rene Guyon Society, Diaper Pail Fraternity (DPF), etc. This can be in the form of newsletters, check stubs, and credit card receipts from dues payments, bills for membership dues, application paperwork, phone records, etc. Evidence of the suspect’s participation in legitimate youth organizations and activities. The suspect’s work records and time sheets Peepholes, drop ceilings, and hidden compartments 4.19 Family Advocacy Assistance •

Discuss with the Family Advocacy Officer (FAO) the need for a Family Advocacy Command Assistance Team (FACAT) when there may be multiple sexual abuse victims in a Department of Defense sanctioned care setting (child care center, school, recreation program). 57

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A FACAT deployment, which is requested through the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) channels by the installation commander, can consist of military investigators, lawyers, pediatricians, and mental health personnel who assist in investigating the matter. Among other things, the team can help with the interviews, medicolegal exams, and crime scene searches.

4.20 Examination of Suspect • •

Obtain legal authorization as necessary. Arrange for a medicolegal examination of the suspect if injuries are present or if evidence may exist on the body. See paragraph 4.10.

Section E - Breaking and Entering Scenes 4.21 Area Search • •

• •

When investigating a scene of a breaking and entering offense, consider how the crime was perpetrated and collect evidence accordingly. Consider how the suspect entered the premises. Have the victim assist in the scene examination. The victim may be able to identify items missing from the scene, items that have been moved around or items that do not belong in the scene. Look for point of entry and exit. Inspect the ground surrounding entry and exit points for footprints or other impressions.

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Identify means used to gain entry. Examine windows and adjacent areas for clothing fibers and blood. Examine and process window frames, doors and doorknobs for fingerprints. Examine and dust surfaces that might have been touched by suspects (open drawers, cabinet doors, and out-of-place objects). Collect out-of-place items. Examine garbage containers for beer or soda cans, refrigerators for food items which may be missing, or food items which have been moved, touched or bitten, leaving prints or bite marks. Determine when the location was last known to be secure. Consider how the perpetrator might have approached or left the premises. Soft ground or soil outside might contain tire tracks or shoe prints. The soil may be carried inside revealing additional footprints and evidence of entry. Canvass the neighborhood to identify witnesses. Note negative evidence.

4.22 Stolen Property List Try to get: Detailed descriptions, including existing photos of stolen items Marks or means of identification Approximate values, including copies of receipts if available Serial numbers 59

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4.23 Searches Related to Suspect Search suspectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s person, home, and possessions for evidence linking suspect to the crime scene, with proper legal authority. 4.24 Breaking and Entering Evidence The collection and preservation of evidence usually common to a Breaking and Entering is described in further detail in the Collection and Preservation Section as follows: Bite Marks (5.42) Glass (5.21 & 5.32) Cigarette Butts (5.32) Fingerprints (5.15-5.18) Fabrics (5.31) Blood (5.3) Firearms & Ammo (5.19) Hairs and fibers (5.22) Gunshot residue (5.20) Dustprints (5.15 & 5.28)

Ligatures (5.34) Paint (5.25) Salvia (5.5) Seminal stains (5.4) Shoeprints (5.28) Small objects (5.32) Soil (5.29) Tape (5.22) Tire tracks (5.28) Tool impressions (5.28)

Section F - Robbery Scenes 4.25 Robbery Victim Interview Interview victim to obtain: Exact time, date, and location of the robbery. 60

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Detailed description of the suspect. Consider composite sketch and photographic lineup. Exact movements of the suspect during and after the robbery, including how the suspect arrived at and departed the scene. Any notes passed by the suspect. Be sure to protect for fingerprints and indented writing. Types of weapons and how they were used. Amount and type of force used. Were any restraints used (ropes, belts, tape, clothing, etc.)? Exact conversation of the suspect, tone of voice, speech characteristics, and accent. Detailed description of items stolen (are photos available). 4.26 Area Search • • •

Verify the crime scene by having the victim show the exact location and actions of the suspect(s) during the robbery, to ensure that the crime did occur. Look for items, which the suspect may have discarded at or near the scene. If the victim is injured, take color photographs.

4.27 Searches Related to Robbery Suspect • • •

Obtain legal authorization as necessary. Search the suspect for injuries and items transferred from the victim or scene. Recover clothing and collect known samples, if appropriate. 61

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Consider searching the suspect’s home and possessions, e.g., car, storage areas, for evidence that links the suspect to the victim or scene.

4.28 Robbery Evidence The collection and preservation of evidence usually common to a robbery is described in further detail in the Collection and Preservation Section as follows: Bite Marks (5.42) Glass (5.21 & 5.32) Cigarette Butts (5.32) Fingerprints (5.15-4.18) Fabrics (5.31) Blood (5.3) Firearms & Ammo (5.19) Hairs and fibers (5.22) Gunshot residue (5.20) Dustprints (5.15 & 5.28)

Ligatures (5.34) Paint (5.25) Documents (5.27) Seminal stains (5.4) Shoeprints (5.28) Small objects (5.32) Soil (5.29) Tape (5.22) Tire tracks (5.28) Tool impressions (5.28)

Section G - Death Scenes 4.29 Death Scene Considerations • •

Thorough and proper examination of death scenes is critically important. Except to protect fragile evidence from potential destruction, there is no need to rush the processing of a death scene without first having some idea of what you are investigating 62

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and formulating a search plan. It may even be beneficial to delay processing the scene until later, especially when faced with adverse conditions. • There is no requirement to have a body removed immediately from the scene, and doing so can be detrimental if it is removed prior to being thoroughly examined for evidence. • At outdoor scenes, consider using tarps or similar devices to shield bodies from onlookers while the scene is being processed. • Collect any covering that comes in contact with the body to preserve trace evidence. • Death scenes represent natural deaths, accidental deaths, suicides, or homicides. Your approach should be thorough, careful, and professional, initially without regard to the manner of death. Since the investigation itself should ultimately reveal the deceased’s manner of death, you should not approach a death investigation with a preconceived opinion as to the victim’s manner of death. • CID usually investigates unattended deaths and attended deaths where foul play cannot be ruled out. Consult your servicing Forensic Science Coordinator (FSC) for assistance. See attachment 1 for a definition of attended death. • Ensure the deceased is declared dead by competent medical authority. Insist that this be done at the scene in cases where death is obvious. • Answer the following questions: Who reported the death, and how and to whom was it reported? Always review and, if appropriate, obtain a copy or 63

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transcript of notification calls to public safety agencies (911 calls) Who discovered the body and under what circumstances was it discovered? What triggered the discovery? Where and when was the body found? How was the body positioned? Has it been moved or altered in any way? When was the last time the decedent was seen alive and what was the decedent doing? How did the responders (police, EMS, etc.) gain access to the scene? If a suspect might be involved, what are the most likely routes of entry and exit? Note any items in the area that speak to the issues of motive or intent. Document any signs of a struggle. Document any signs of forced entry if the death occurred in a building or vehicle. Note and seize any indicators of despondency or anger (torn photos, letters, items of symbolic or sentimental value, etc.). Seize any notepads and writing paper or tablets; they may have indented writings and provide clues to motive or intent. Protect them for possible fingerprint development, indented writing detection, and handwriting analysis. Secure all video and audiotapes and computer media for determination of possible motive for the death. Consider contacting the crime laboratory. Look for evidence brought to the crime scene by the deceased, a possible suspect, a collaborator, or a witness. 64

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Consider using transparent tape lifts on exposed body surfaces to collect hairs and fibers. Secure tape lifts on the inside surface of a large zip lock bag or plastic document protector. Secure decedentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands in paper bags before transporting. If applicable, consider collecting gunshot residue from the surface of the hands prior to bagging. At autopsy, the bags should be collected as evidence. Ensure the body is wrapped in a sheet before placing it in a body bag. Ensure medical people use the same route going in and out of the scene. Instruct medical people to leave at the scene any disposable items they used. Search for physical and trace evidence close to and under the body. Search the area under the body for evidence, such as hairs and fibers, serological and biological evidence, blood spatter, and insect infestation. 4.30 Time of Death Estimation â&#x20AC;˘

â&#x20AC;˘

The only accurate method of determining the time of death is for it to be observed by a reliable witness. Evaluating the changes that occur in a body after death can help you estimate the time of death. Use the following factors to help make your estimation, but consider each in conjunction with all other evidence. Determine a Time Range. First, ascertain when the body was discovered. Then, work backwards to determine when the deceased was last seen. That will provide a range of time that can be narrowed based on other information. 65

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Estimation Based on Postmortem Lividity (Livor Mortis) Lividity can appear within 30 minutes with full development in 8 to 12 hours. Evaluate the extent of lividity. Is it present? Is it fixed? Apply pressure with a finger to an area of lividity. If the lividity disappears under pressure, it is not fixed. Describe its color and location. Lividity should be consistent with body position. Lividity should be more prominent in areas of the body closest to the ground, but not in contact with a surface. The location of lividity will shift if the body is moved before the lividity is fixed. Estimation Based on Postmortem Rigidity (Rigor Mortis) Rigidity can appear within 1 to 3 hours. It is fully developed within 9 to 12 hours. It disappears within 12 to 36 hours, as the body decomposes. Factors that delay the onset are: Cold environment Asphyxial deaths (hanging, CO poisonings) Hemorrhages Arsenic Poisoning Certain Drugs Factors that hasten the onset are: Rigorous exertion prior to death Death in a warm, moist environment Death from certain diseases Poisoning by alkaloids. Certain drugs 66

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Postmortem rigidity may not be as prominent with the very young and old. Estimation Based on Postmortem Cooling (Algor Mortis): Decedent’s temperature should be taken rectally with a subnormal thermometer. If no thermometer is available, at a minimum describe decedent’s temperature as hot, warm, cool, or cold to touch. Take temperature at least twice, preferably at least one hour apart. Describe any factors that might affect the rate of cooling. As a guide, the body cools at the rate of approximately 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit (F) per hour. Normal rectal temperature is 99.4 degrees F.

•

Factors that affect cooling are: Cold temperatures, winds, and drafts. Bodies cool faster in these conditions. Position. A body in spread-eagle position will cool faster than one curled up in the fetal position due to the greater degree of body surface exposure. Physical activity prior to death. Body physique. A large obese body cools slower; infants and children cool faster. Contact with either warm or cold objects. Body temperature at death (fever or hypothermia). Coverage. A body covered with clothing or blankets cools slower. Location within the house (basement versus upstairs bedroom). 67

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â&#x20AC;˘

Other Factors to Consider: Insect infestation (and at outdoor scenes, the evaluation of vegetation). Consult your servicing FSC for further assistance. Is clothing worn appropriate for time of day? Are lights, television, or radios on or off? Alarm clock settings. These settings may help fix the time deceased last woke up. Time and type of meals consumed. Record of telephone calls made or received. Attempt to determine last number dialed (by using the re-dial button on the phone). Diary or day planner entries The dates on letters recently written. These may help establish when deceased was last alive. Newspaper and mail, especially mail delivered but not retrieved. Telephone answering machines. Time dated receipts. Neighborhood interviews. Evidence of recent bathing or washing activity (wet tubs, towels). Position of curtains and drapes. Consult your servicing FSC for further assistance. 4.31 Asphyxial (Oxygen Deprivation) Death Scenes Asphyxia is a condition in which the body cannot take in oxygen and cannot eliminate carbon dioxide. Body tissues, especially the brain, cannot function without oxygen. As a result, when the body 68

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experiences partial deprivation of oxygen, unconsciousness can result. An extended period of total oxygen deprivation can end in death. There are several different ways asphyxiation can be caused. Strangulation: Strangulation is caused by an external constriction or compression of the neck, resulting in the obstruction of blood vessels or air passages, both vital to the function of the brain. Pressure on the carotid arteries of the neck for as few as 10 seconds can cause unconsciousness. There are three types of strangulation.

Manual Strangulation (Throttling): • This is caused by pressure of a hand, arm, or other limb against the neck, causing compression of the neck. Throttling is homicidal. • Manual strangulation cannot be self-inflicted. When a person becomes unconscious, the hands will relax and blood will circulate to the brain again. • Generally there is a disparity in strength between the assailant and the victim, or the victim could have been incapacitated prior to being strangled. • Evidence of a struggle may be evident, often seen as bruising and defensive scratches around the neck caused by the victim attempting to break an attacker’s hold. Scrapings found under the nails of the deceased might provide useful information about the attacker. The attacker may likewise be linked to the deceased. 69

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Ligature Strangulation (Garroting): • This occurs when a constricting band that is tightened by a force other than the body weight causes the pressure on the neck. Most cases involve homicide; however, suicide by this method is possible and has been known to occur. • The ligature is usually a readily available object such as a necktie, stocking, belt, or rope; however, when investigating the scene, the ligature may no longer be present. • Do not remove the ligature from the body at the scene. Hanging: • This is strangulation by means of a rope, cord, or similar ligature tightened by the weight of the body. The body itself can be either partially or fully suspended. Most hangings are self-induced, but foul play should not be ruled out until an autopsy and full examination of the crime scene has been completed. • The decedent may be found kneeling and appear to only be leaning into the ligature. The decedent can be in any position, provided that the pressure on the neck is enough to block, even partially, the blood vessels in the neck. • Blockage or compression of the air passages is not necessary to cause death in hanging. Most hanging deaths occur because an insufficient amount of oxygenated blood is reaching the brain. • Homicidal hangings are rare. However, a simulated hanging to disguise a homicide should be considered when injuries are present that could not have been self-inflicted or evidence 70

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indicates the cause of death was not asphyxia. The ligature groove is deepest and narrowest at the point of greatest pressure. The ligature takes an upward course in the region of the knot to form an inverted “v.” The ligature almost always lies above the thyroid prominence. Note the position of the body, composition of the ligature, position of the knot, course of the ligature, level of the ligature, point of suspension, and method of attachment. Refer to paragraph 5.35 if you must cut the ligature at the crime scene.

Choking: • This cause of death is caused by an obstruction of the internal airway. The manner of death is generally accidental. However, it can be homicidal if an object is thrust into a victim’s throat. • Homicidal chokings are rare. However, choking can occur if a victim is gagged and the gag blocks the victim’s airway. • Most choking deaths are accidental. The “caf écoronary” results from piece(s) of food becoming lodged in the throat, blocking the airway. A person becomes more susceptible to this type of choking when drinking alcohol. Smothering: • This is caused by obstructing the external airway and can be caused by placing something, i.e., one’s hands, a pillow, or a cushion over another’s nose and mouth, or placing a plastic bag over the head. • An adult can obstruct an infant or child’s airway by placing 71

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the child against the adult’s chest. There can be little evidence at the scene to assist in determining which method was used in a smothering case, unless a plastic bag or similar device was used. Smothering may leave no external signs; however, the decedent should be carefully examined for patterns of material around the nose and mouth. Sometimes, an autopsy will not be able to determine the manner of death in smothering cases.

Mechanical (Positional) Asphyxia: • This is caused by manual compression of the chest by a heavy weight, such as when a vending machine, refrigerator, or vehicle falls on an individual. With drug or alcohol intoxication, a person may stumble or fall into a position, become restricted, and unable to breathe freely. If heavily intoxicated or unconscious, the person may be unable to break free and will eventually suffocate. • Police "hogtying" increases risk of positional asphyxia. Chemical asphyxia: • This occurs when the victim inhales a gas or ingests a chemical that prevents the body from using oxygen. There are various types of chemical asphyxia, carbon monoxide is the most frequently encountered. When a person breathes carbon monoxide, the brain is starved of oxygen, a condition known as hypoxia. • Carbon monoxide poisoning has been associated with homicides, suicides, and accidental deaths. • Carbon monoxide can cause death or brain damage. 72

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Do not enter the scene until the source of the carbon monoxide has been identified and the scene ventilated.

Accidental Asphyxia: Some asphyxial deaths are accidental (e.g., autoerotic misadventure, positional asphyxia, and some chemical asphyxia). 4.32 Blunt Force Death Scenes • • • • •

Deaths from blunt force injuries may be seen in child abuse, assault, and occasionally accident cases. Weapons may leave identifiable injury patterns. Injury pattern may suggest the type of weapon used. Weapons may have fingerprint, blood, hair, or tissue evidence. Close-up photography of injuries, with and without scales, is essential to the proper evaluation of wounds. Blood spatter analysis should be conducted when blood is present. Contact your servicing FSC or a local law enforcement blood spatter expert for assistance.

4.33 Sharp Force Death Scenes • • •

Evaluation of the wound can provide information about the type of weapon used. Recovery of the weapon may yield fingerprint evidence, hairs, and fibers, along with blood and tissue evidence. Wound patterns and their frequency may provide assistance in determining a motive.

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Close-up photography of injuries is essential to the proper evaluation of wounds. Suspect’s and victim’s clothing may provide blood spatter, trace, and serological evidence.

4.34 Firearm Death Scenes • • • •

Use gunshot residue (GSR) analysis to help evaluate whether a person handled or fired a weapon. See paragraph 5.20 for instructions on GSR collection. Consider using blood spatter analysis. Contact your servicing FSC or a local law enforcement blood spatter expert for assistance. Examine all weapons (including inside the barrels) for the presence of blood and tissue. Discuss bullet trajectory analysis with your servicing FSC.

4.35 Fire Death Scenes • • • • •

When a body is discovered at a fire scene, the death must be investigated as a suspicious death. Photograph the body from as many angles as possible, including overhead. If blood is observed coming from the body, determine where the blood came from and why. Bodies from fire scenes should be x-rayed prior to autopsy. Further investigation is based on the cause of death determination from the autopsy. Do not release the scene until 74

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after autopsy. See paragraph 5.11 when investigating fire scenes.

4.36 Drug and Poison Death Scenes • • • • • • • •

Drug and poisoning deaths may be associated with accidents, suicides, or homicides. In death scenes where there is no apparent cause of death, poisoning should be considered. The following factors suggest death by poisoning: Chemical burns to the decedent’s mouth or face. The presence of vomitus, especially when accompanied by blood or a foul odor. The presence of chemical containers, such as oven cleaner or rubbing alcohol, when they are inappropriately placed or otherwise out of context. The presence of empty medicine bottles, especially when they are in an inappropriate place or otherwise out of context. Unusual odors or discoloration of the body. The absence of physical trauma to the body.

4.37 Child Death Scenes • • •

All unexpected child deaths should be fully investigated to include a complete autopsy and comprehensive scene investigation. Full body x-rays should be taken before the autopsy to determine the presence of current or healing fractures. Note whether explanations of injuries are consistent with the 75

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injuries themselves. Determine if timely medical care was sought for the child, and if so, by whom. • If death occurs at home, evaluate general appearance of the home (neat, dirty, etc.). • If decedent was found dead after sleeping, obtain the following details: Where was the decedent sleeping (crib, bed, floor, sofa, etc.), and in what position? By examination, determine what objects were in the decedent’s sleeping area (pillows, toys, etc.) Note exact position and type of each layer of bedding, fully describe type and thickness. Ascertain how the decedent was clothed. Did the bed or crib have any hazards, such as loose or broken rails, improper bedding, plastic bags, cords, etc.? Did the decedent share the bed with anyone else? If the decedent slept with a parent or older sibling, identify factors involving the older individual, such as fatigue or alcohol or drug use. Determine the proximity of the deceased to portable heaters, heater vents, or windows. Record the ambient temperature of the scene upon arrival and note thermostat settings, to include programmable thermostats. Seizure of items in cases involving infant deaths where there are no apparent signs of foul play is seldom necessary, however, thorough photographs and documentation is critical. It is usually not necessary to seize bedding, unless the bedding may have contributed to the death, e.g., hyperthermia from •

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excessive bedding. It is generally not necessary to seize articles in cribs, unless they may have contributed to the death, e.g., a toy telephone cord that is wrapped around the child’s neck should be seized. Remember to take thorough photographs and document the items. Bottles from the child’s last feeding should be seized and provided to the medical examiner or coroner for toxicology. •

Interview parents and other caretakers to determine the following information: Recent illnesses to include minor illness or complaints. Last time seen by medical personnel. Dates of well baby examinations. Immunizations. Recent injuries, falls, etc. Difficulties during child birth. Last time fed and what type of formula or food. Unusual behavior. Fussy or excessive crying. Prior child deaths in family. Family history of medical or psychological problems (parents, siblings, grandparents, etc.). Overall opinion of decedent’s prior health and behavior. Attempts to revive decedent.

4.38 Equivocal and Unknown Cause Deaths Equivocal Deaths: • Equivocal deaths are those in which the cause of death is 77

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evident but the manner is not. For example, a person struck and killed by a car could have intentionally stepped in front of the car, been accidentally struck by an inattentive driver, or intentionally run down. Gather all appropriate evidence and process the scene as thoroughly as possible. Further investigation should include a psychological autopsy or detailed investigation of the victim’s life circumstance. This kind of death is unlikely to be resolved at the crime scene, but the evidence gathered could be of great value in the subsequent investigation.

Unknown Cause Deaths: Death scene examination alone will not resolve the cause of death, but careful attention to detail can assist in eliminating many possibilities. Section H - Damaged Property Scenes 4.39 Fire Scenes The interpretation of fire damage requires special training. Contact your servicing FSC or local arson investigator for assistance. 4.40 Conduct Interviews •

Interview firefighters to determine: Flame colors and smoke color. How they extinguished the fire. How the fire spread. Where and how they vented the structure. Unusual findings at the scene. 78

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If anyone on-scene was performing “heroic” assistance. Did they make forcible entry? If so, how? Where? and When? How much disturbance of the scene was caused by the extinguishing activities? Did they see any suspicious vehicles or people in the area? • Interview the owner and occupants of the structure to determine: How they think the fire started? If there have been any other unreported fires? What type of flammables was in the structure or vehicle? What kind of insurance coverage was there on the structure? Information on utilities (electric, gas, etc.) and any problems in the past. Who had access to the structure? Determine who discovered and reported the fire. Obtain the audiotape of the report from the fire department dispatcher. Determine the address from which the call originated if the fire-dispatching center has that capability. 4.41 Area Search • • •

Videotape or photograph the spectators. Search the vicinity for discarded or stored accelerant containers. Determine the fire’s point of origin. The best evidence in an arson case typically comes from the point of origin. If more 79

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than one point of origin is discovered, arson is highly probable. Consider the following when determining the point of origin: Point of origin is normally at the lowest level of the fire damage; fire tends to spread upward in a “v” pattern. Depth of charring will usually be greatest at the point of origin. Odor of petroleum in the debris. In the absence of wind, fire travels upward more quickly than it travels laterally. Damage to upper structure is usually over the point of origin. Once the point of origin is identified, investigate possible causes for the fire (electrical, natural gas, spontaneous combustion, lightning, combustible liquid). Look for out-of-place tools, electrical appliances, and other things that might have started the fire. Determine which windows, doors, or other openings were closed, opened, or locked. Determine if fire or burglar alarms appear to have been tampered with. Be alert to the possibility that the fire was set to conceal another crime (burglary, homicide). Look for evidence of substitution of contents. Was old furniture substituted for new? Look for the absence of personal items. Were keepsakes, pictures, important documents, etc., removed from the house? Note smoke patterns on top of windows and doorways. This may reveal the direction the fire burned.

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Note items found at the scene, which do not belong to the occupant. Look at undersides of doors, chairs, shelves, sofas, and tables. These areas normally do not burn unless an accelerant is used. If accelerant is suspected, consider removing sections of wood from floors, walls, and baseboards. They may contain unburned accelerant. Look for evidence that a “trailer” was used (linear burn pattern, accelerant used to guide the fire) Consider searching for and collecting evidence (soil and fluids) from under the structure, since a liquid accelerant may leak through cracks in the floor, subfloor, etc.

4.42 Searches Related to Suspect • •

Obtain legal authorization as necessary. Search the suspect for burn injuries and the presence of smoke, ashes, and accelerants. Recover clothing, if appropriate. Search the suspect’s home and possessions for matches, accelerants, trailer material, motive, incendiary materials or devices, and trace materials linking the suspect to the scene.

4.43 Fire Scene Evidence The collection and preservation of evidence usually common to arson is described in further detail in the Collection and Preservation Section as follows: Accelerants (5.11)

Documents (5.27) 81

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Blood (5.3) Burn patterns (5.11) Cigarette Butts (5.32) Dustprints (5.15 & 5.28) Fingerprints (5.15-5.18) Firearms & Ammo (5.19) Glass (5.21 & 5.32) Hairs and fibers (5.22)

Flammable liquids (5.12) Paint (5.25) Shoeprints (5.28) Small objects (5.32) Soil (5.29) Tape (5.22) Tire tracks (5.28) Tool impressions (5.28)

4.44 Other Damaged Property Scenes Often CID will be notified of other damaged property scenes on military installations. Currently, CID investigates damage and destruction of property, where the aggregate value or damage is $1,000 or more. 4.45 Interviews Interview witnesses and people responsible for the property to determine: Who discovered the damage? Who was present when it was discovered? How, when, and to whom the damage was reported? Was the damage discovered during a routine or directed inspection, or was it a chance finding? Special knowledge, tools, and physical access required to have caused the damage. Impact and significance of damage or potential damage. Possible causes of the damage (accidental or deliberate). 82

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When was the property last seen undamaged and by whom? Has there been unreported damage in the recent past? 4.46 Searches Related to Suspect • •

Obtain legal authorization as necessary. Search the suspect’s person, home and possessions for tools or weapons used to cause the damage. Also search for trace evidence linking the suspect to the scene.

4.47 Damaged Property Evidence The collection and preservation of evidence usually common to a Damaged Property Scene is described in further detail in the Collection and Preservation Section as follows: Accelerants (5.11) Blood (5.3) Burn patterns (5.11) Cigarette Butts (5.32) Dustprints (5.15 & 5.28) Fingerprints (5.15-5.18) Firearms & Ammo (5.19) Glass (5.21 & 5.32) Hairs and fibers (5.22)

Documents (5.27) Flammable liquids (5.12) Paint (5.25) Shoeprints (5.28) Small objects (5.32) Soil (5.29) Tape (5.22) Tire tracks (5.28) Tool impressions (5.28)

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Section I - Drug Scenes 4.48 Area Search •

• • • • • • •

• •

Proceed cautiously in scenes containing drug evidence. Illicit drug labs present special hazards which most investigators are not trained to handle. Many chemicals found at drug labs can be explosive and must be removed by trained people with the proper equipment. Do not search clandestine labs without specially trained personnel. Coordinate searches of potential drug labs with appropriate agencies (fire department, federal, state, and local agencies). Consider that the scene may be booby-trapped. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when conducting search (see chapter 2). Search the obvious hiding places first. See attachment 4 for suggested search locations. Protect drug containers for fingerprint analysis. Occasionally homemade tablets may be found. Tool mark impressions may be present on the tablets, which connect the tablet to a particular piece of equipment. Collect tablets and equipment for lab analysis. Don’t overlook phone and pager records, personal digital assistants (PDA), logbooks, and other documentation, which might provide insight to drug activity. Don’t taste or smell a suspect material. Don’t handle a suspect material more than is absolutely necessary. Handle only with rubber gloves. Some drugs can be absorbed through 84

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the skin into the blood stream. 4.49 Drug Scene Evidence The collection and preservation of evidence usually common to a drug scene is described in further detail in the Collection and Preservation Section as follows: Business logs (5.27) Cigarette Butts (5.32) Computer evidence (5.30) Documents (5.27) Drugs, etc. (5.14 & 5.53) Dustprints (5.15 & 5.28)

Fingerprints (5.15-5.18) Firearms & Ammo (5.19) Tape (5.22) Tool impressions (5.28) PDAs (5.30) Small objects (5.32)

Section J - Computer Related Crimes 4.50 General Considerations â&#x20AC;˘

â&#x20AC;˘

Consider all computers and computer-related equipment found at a crime scene to contain evidence or incidental information of the allegation or scene you are processing. Consult a computer crime investigator (CCI), the Computer Crime Resident Agency (CCRA) or USACIL for guidance when processing scenes involving computers. Verify your authority before searching or seizing any computer evidence. Discuss your authority with your prosecutor to ensure the evidence is not tainted. If there is any indication that the machine is being used for the preparation or storage of information to be published or that the machine is 85

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•

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used as a bulletin board system, make sure this information is discussed with competent legal authority. The Department of Justice publication, Federal Guidelines for Searching and Seizing Computers, July 1994, contains guidance and examples, which will assist in preparing to seize a computer.

4.51 Area Search Computer System Intrusion Scenes: This crime involves the unauthorized entrance (locally or remotely) into a privileged or protected computer system, commonly referred to as “computer hacking.” Refer to chapter 12, CIDR 195-1 for additional guidance. Personal Computer Scenes: (stand-alone DOS based systems NOT CONNECTED TO A NETWORK) To prevent loss of data, follow these steps: Only allow people involved in processing the scene to have access to the computer and stored data. Do not allow the suspect to assist with processing any computer-related equipment. If the computer is on and you are sure no applications which may damage the system/data are running, photograph and manually copy information on the screen. Otherwise, disconnect power to the computer at its source (i.e., cable to computer, wall outlet, laptop battery, UPS, etc.). Disconnect power to the computer at its source (i.e., cable to computer, wall outlet, laptop battery, UPS, etc.). 86

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Do not turn off the computer with its own power switch. Past experience has shown that criminals may rewire the on/off switch to explode or to destroy data on the hard drive. Unplug the power cord from the computer or trace the power cord of the computer back to its power source and unplug it. Disconnect telephone cable(s) from modems. Make sure the lines are telephone not local area network. Unplug the modem at the power source. Be sure to follow all connections to make sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve located all computer components. Photograph, sketch, and label connections (ports and cables) of all equipment to allow reconstruction of the exact configuration at a later date. Unplug all computer peripherals at their power source. Place blank formatted floppy disks in all drive bays and cover the bays with evidence tape. Search for written passwords or other related information in the area. Search wastebaskets, table edges, the bottom of the keyboard, the undersides of all relatively flat objects located in the immediate vicinity of the computer system, and hand scribbled notes on desk calendars. Seize all books, manuals, disks, software, and data related to the system. Seize all discarded items that appear to be pieces of floppy disks. Seize all magnetic media, even if they are alleged to have been erased. Forensic processing may still be able to recover data. Look for unusual storage medium such as video or cassette backups. Look for degaussing equipment. Ensure that degaussing 87

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equipment is secured or rendered inoperative. Ensure all suspects/witnesses are interviewed as soon as possible with specific emphasis on obtaining passwords. Computer Network Scenes: Prior to seizing the components of a computer network, you must ensure that expert advice is available. Networks range from extremely simple to highly complex and evidence may be altered or destroyed if systems are improperly shutdown. You may obtain assistance through USACIL or the CCRA when a potential network crime scene is anticipated. UNIX, Mini-Computer and Mainframe Scenes: Extensive planning must be made prior to searching a crime scene involving mini-computers, mainframes, of PCs operating under UNIX or other NON-DOS systems. These systems are highly complex and evidence will normally be altered or destroyed if systems are improperly shutdown or searches attempted by untrained personnel. You may obtain assistance through USACIL or the CCRA when such a crime scene search is anticipated. Electronic Planners, Rolodexes, and Other Personal Digital Assistants (PDA): â&#x20AC;˘ PDAs often have built-in password protection. A quick review of the contents might not reveal the existence of protected data. It is important to follow the steps in the above paragraph to prevent loss of data. â&#x20AC;˘ Restrict access to PDAs. Do not allow the suspect to assist when processing any PDA or related equipment. 88

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If the PDA is on, record the information on the screen. If the PDA is battery powered, do not turn it off before contacting your servicing CCI. Do not remove any batteries from the PDA. If the PDA is plugged in, unplug it at the source of power. Search for written passwords or other relevant information in the area. Seize all books, manuals, power cords, computer connecting cables, Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) cards, and other data related to the PDA.

4.52 Computer Scene Evidence The collection and preservation of evidence usually common to a computer scene is described in further detail in the Collection and Preservation Section as follows: Business logs (5.27) Computer evidence (5.30) Documents (5.27) Dustprints (5.15 & 4.28)

Fingerprints (5.15-5.18) Tape (5.22) PDAs (5.30) Small objects (5.32)

Section K - Environmental Crime Scenes 4.53 General Considerations Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Requirements: 89

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•

Agents must meet OSHA training and medical requirements before entering potentially hazardous sites. Contact base bioenvironmental offices and military public health offices to determine and arrange for necessary training and medical monitoring. • Agents are not “first responders” to environmental crime scenes. Enter potentially hazardous sites only under guidance and supervision of environmental regulatory or emergency response personnel. Do not risk exposure. • Responsible environmental management personnel make safety determinations and specify use of protective gear. Follow their instruction. • Do not order agents to enter potentially hazardous sites or handle potentially hazardous materials against their will. Carefully consider an agent’s competency and experience in these cases before making an assignment. • Gather as much information about the hazardous substance as possible through interviews and document reviews. • Determine: Products involved, types of containers, and extent of discharge. Potential offenders, ownership of the materials, and property involved. Ongoing dangers posed by the discharge. Circumstances surrounding the discovery of the incident. 4.54 Area Search Once the scene is determined to be safe and released to 90

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investigators, decide on a search technique and assign a search team. Look for the following items during the search: Discoloration of soil, water, and vegetation. Absence or distress of vegetation. Sheen on water. Dead or sick wildlife. Unusual odors. Residue on hoses, storm drains, grates, etc. Drums and other containers. Tanks (above and below ground). Recent soil movement. Tire tracks and footprints. Labels on the containers. Paperwork associated with the incident. Aerial photography can document visible water, soil, and vegetation contamination and changes due to discharges of hazardous materials. Special films can show a variety of conditions (temperature changes due to presence of chemicals, bacterial growth, and vegetation discoloration).

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Chapter 5 EVIDENCE COLLECTION Section A - Introduction 5.1 General Considerations •

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After identifying, photographing, and sketching the evidence, review the collection and preservation instructions for that specific type of evidence. Remember to initial and date the evidence or containers to allow positive identification. Take control samples, where appropriate. Druggist folds, using bond paper, make excellent collection containers for many types of evidence (see fig 2.10). Photography is often the best way of recording injuries. Photograph all injuries close-up, with and without scale as well as an overall photograph, which can be used to depict the location of the close-ups of all injuries. An identification photograph of the victim’s face is also appropriate. To prevent contamination, do not store or pack evidence collected from victims and suspects together. Personal clothing worn by victims/suspects that has been washed may still contain trace evidence, particularly if washed in cold water.

Section B - Body Fluid Evidence 5.2 Biological Hazards Handling biological fluids and stains is hazardous due to 92

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bloodborne pathogens. Hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus are of particular concern. Treat all blood and bloodstained objects as sources of bloodborne pathogens. See chapter 3 for safety instructions. 5.3 Blood Evidence Bloodstained Items: Bloodstains offer two types of information: Interpreting bloodstain patterns may help reconstruct the events. Contact the servicing FSC or local law enforcement blood spatter expert for assistance with blood spatter analysis. The blood donor may be identified through analyses of the bloodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s genetic factors (deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)). Bloodstains on Moveable Objects: Collection: Collect the items on which the bloodstains are present. Known Sample: Obtain known blood samples from the people suspected of leaving the bloodstains. Preservation: Refrigerate and send to the lab as soon as possible. Packaging: Pack in separate paper containers after stains are thoroughly dry. Do not pack with refrigerants or in dry ice when shipping. Bloodstains on Large Objects: Collection: Collect as much of the stain as possible. Take close-up and overall photographs of bloodstains, with and without scale. Cut out the stain if possible. If the bloodstain is dried, scrape the stain onto a clean piece of paper with an unused razorblade or similar instrument; use only 93

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one blade for each stain. Send the razor blade with the stain evidence; note â&#x20AC;&#x153;SHARP HAZARDâ&#x20AC;? on the packaging. As the last resort, an alternate method is to collect wet bloodstains with a sterile cotton swab. If the stain is dry, lightly moisten a cotton swab with distilled water and swab the stain. Saturate the cotton swab with as much blood as possible. It is important not to dilute the stain too much. Air-dry the swab. Control Sample: Scrape or swab from an uncontaminated area of the surface where the stain was found. Known Sample: Obtain known blood samples from possible donors. Preservation: Refrigerate and send to the lab as soon as possible. Packaging: Pack in separate paper containers (e.g., druggist folds) after stains are thoroughly dry. Do not pack with refrigerants or in dry ice when shipping. Obtaining Known Blood Samples From Living People: Make sure you have the legal authority to seize blood evidence (consent or search authorization). Only medical specialists will seize blood from living people. Follow instructions contained in the sexual assault evidence collection kit for taking blood samples from sexual assault victims and suspects. Collection: Take one purple top tube (for DNA). For blood alcohol or toxicology, consult testing lab for desired collection method. Preservation: Refrigerate and send to the lab as soon as possible. 94

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Packaging: Use padding to prevent breakage. Do not pack with refrigerants or in dry ice when shipping. Use biohazard labels. Obtaining Known Blood from Decedents: Collection: Blood should be collected from the heart or femoral artery, if possible. Take one purple top tube (for DNA) if sufficient quantity is available. For blood alcohol or toxicology, consult testing lab for desired collection method. Preservation: Refrigerate and send to the lab as soon as possible. Packaging: Use padding to prevent breakage. Do not pack with refrigerants or in dry ice when shipping. 5.4 Semen Evidence Search for semen stains on all items associated with a sexual assault. Blood type and other genetic information about the donor may be determined from the analyses of semen. Visible Semen Stains: Marking Stains: Use a pen or other marker to circle any suspected wet semen observable on sheets, items of clothing, or other objects. Stains may not be visible after they dry. If the stains are located on a bed sheet, mark the side that was exposed during the assault and indicate which end was at the head and which was at the foot of the bed. Allow wet stains to air-dry before folding. Collection: Collect objects on which stains are found. Scrape dried semen stains from large objects in the same manner as bloodstains (see paragraph 5.3). For sexual assault victims and 95

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suspects, follow instructions in the sexual assault kit. Control Sample: If sending the object, no control sample is required. Otherwise, scrape or obtain a sample from an uncontaminated area on the surface where the stain was found. Known Sample: Obtain known blood and saliva samples from possible donors (see paragraph 5.3). Preservation: Refrigerate and ship to the lab as soon as possible. Packaging: Pack in separate paper containers after stains are thoroughly air-dried. Do not pack with refrigerants or in dry ice when shipping. Latent Semen Stains: Dried semen stains may not be visible without the use of special light sources. UV and laser light will help in locating some stains. FSCs have these special light sources and can assist in processing this evidence. Collection: Collect all moveable items on which stains may be present, whether visible or not. For sexual assault victims and suspects, follow instructions in the sexual assault kit. Control Sample: If sending the object, no control sample is required. Otherwise, scrape or obtain a sample from an uncontaminated area on the surface where the stain was found. Known Sample: Obtain known blood and saliva samples from possible donors (see paragraph 5.3). Preservation: Refrigerate and ship to the lab as soon as possible. Packaging: Pack in separate paper containers after thoroughly airdrying. Do not pack with refrigerants or in dry ice when shipping.

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5.5 Saliva Evidence Saliva may be found on cigarette butts, envelope seals, postage stamps, the rims of drinking containers, and around bite marks. Analysis of saliva can yield additional genetic information about the donor. Do not touch items suspected to contain saliva samples with bare hands. Saliva on Moveable Objects: Collection: Collect items on which saliva is suspected to be present. Known Sample: Obtain known blood and saliva samples from possible donors (see paragraph 5.3). Preservation: Refrigerate and ship to the lab as soon as possible. Packaging: Pack in separate paper containers after thoroughly airdrying. Do not pack with refrigerants or in dry ice when shipping. Saliva on Skin: Saliva on skin can be from biting, spitting, licking, sucking, etc. Collection: Swab the skin with a cotton swab that has been moistened with distilled water. Collect clothing if a bite was through fabric. Circle area on clothing where the bite occurred. Control Sample: Swab skin in an area away from the location thought to contain saliva. No control is needed for clothing if it is being sent to the lab. Known Sample: Obtain known blood and saliva samples from victims and possible donors (see paragraph 5.3). Preservation: Refrigerate and send to the lab as soon as possible. Packaging: Pack swabs and items of clothing in separate paper 97

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containers after thoroughly air-drying. Do not pack with refrigerants or in dry ice when shipping. Taking Known Saliva Samples: Collection: Collect a large saliva sample in the middle of a piece of filter paper (have the donor spit). Do not touch filter paper with bare hands. Air dry. Preservation: Refrigerate and ship to the lab as soon as possible. Packaging: Pack in a paper container after thoroughly air-drying. Do not pack with refrigerants or in dry ice when shipping. 5.6 Urine Evidence General Considerations: Urine is usually collected for drug analysis. Occasionally, urine analysis will identify genetic markers of the donor. Urine taken from a living military member for the purpose of drug screening must be collected according to the protocol established by the certified DOD drug-testing lab to which it will be submitted. Urine Taken From Decedents: Collection: With a syringe, collect at least one ounce (30 cubic centimeters(cc)) from the urinary bladder. Preservation: Refrigerate. If testing for steroids, freeze the sample and contact your servicing FSC for lab and shipping information. Packaging: Pack in a clean, unused urine specimen cup. Do not pack with refrigerants or in dry ice when shipping. Urine for Serological Testing: The urine donor can sometimes be 98

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identified through serological testing of the urine. This is useful when the source of the urine is disputed. Collection: Collect at least one ounce (30cc). Urine mixed with water, e.g., in toilet bowls, is usually too diluted to allow for meaningful serological analysis. Consult the serology section at the crime lab. Known Sample: Obtain known blood and saliva samples from donors (see paragraph 5.3). Preservation: Refrigerate and send to the AFIP for toxicology or USACIL for DNA as soon as possible. Packaging: Pack in a clean, unused urine specimen cup. Do not pack with refrigerants or in dry ice when shipping to USACIL. Do refrigerate appropriately if sending to AFIP. 5.7 Vaginal Fluid Evidence Vaginal fluids are usually collected in conjunction with a medical examination in sexual assault cases. Refer to instructions contained in the sexual assault kit. 5.8 Sweat Evidence The analysis of sweat can sometimes offer meaningful serological information. Consult the serology section at the crime lab. 5.9 Vitreous Fluid Evidence Vitreous fluid is sometimes collected at autopsy and submitted for toxicological analysis. Some studies suggest vitreous fluid can be analyzed to estimate time of death; however, most medical examiners do not rely on vitreous fluid analysis for time of death calculations. 99

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5.10 Stomach Content Evidence Vomit found at scenes has limited use due to the high level of bacterial activity, which quickly degrades the sample. At autopsy, the visual examination of stomach content may assist in estimating the time of death (time since last meal). Sometimes pills and pill capsules can be found in stomach content. The pathologist will usually retain samples for toxicological analysis. If a toxicological analysis of stomach content is conducted, ensure blood and urine is also analyzed. Section C - Other Physical Evidence 5.11 Fire Debris and Accelerant Evidence Fire Debris for Accelerant Analysis: Collect debris from the suspected point of origin, including ends of boards and other absorbent materials possibly exposed to accelerants. Also collect odd-colored ashes. Collection: Collect enough material to fill container two-thirds full. Control Sample: Collect similar burned or unburned materials (soil, carpet, wood, etc.) away from the point of origin or the area in question. Packaging: Pack in unused, unlined, non-rusty, metal paint cans. Use clean glass jars with tight fitting lids if paint cans are unavailable. Normally, fire debris packaged in this manner can be submitted to the laboratory in the usual manner. If the odor of an accelerant is strongly evident, see paragraph 5.12. Consult your local transportation office for the appropriate method for sending 100

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fire debris to the laboratory. 5.12 Flammable Liquids Collection: Collect at least one ounce (30cc). Control Sample: Collect samples from any suspected source of the accelerant. Packaging: Pack in unused, non-rusty, metal paint cans. Use clean glass jars with tight fitting lids if paint cans are unavailable. Consult your crime lab and transportation office for the appropriate method for sending flammable liquids to the laboratory. These normally have to be sent under a government bill of lading. The laboratory can also provide guidance on how much of the flammable liquid to submit. 5.13 Bomb Scene Debris and Explosives Evidence Collection: Collect all materials that could be part of an explosive device. Packaging: Pack in clean containers. Use padding to prevent shifting, breakage, or contact with other items while in transit. If explosive material itself is collected, consult with the lab before sending it. Consult your transportation office regarding restrictions on transporting suspected explosive materials. If EOD has dearmed the device, collect all of the remaining debris. If a de-armer employing any type of cartridge has been utilized, place a piece of tape over the end of the cartridge casing and submit it to the laboratory along with the evidence. 5.14 Drug and Poison Evidence Liquids: Unknown liquids may be volatile or extremely 101

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hazardous. Due to the potential danger involved and various packaging requirements, you should consult your crime lab before collecting unknown liquids. Powders, Pills, and Solids: Collection: Collect all available up to one ounce (30 grams). Packaging: Pack in the container in which the items are found, if leak proof and sealable. Double-pack for safety purposes. 5.15 Fingerprint Evidence Generally, investigators should process nonporous (glass, aluminum cans, knives, etc.) surfaces in the field. Before processing, consider whether or not the processing may destroy other evidence which may be present (e.g., blood, paint, fibers, etc.). The decision on whether or not to process for prints must be based on considering which evidence may have the most potential value under the circumstances of the specific case under investigation. Send items with porous surfaces (e.g., paper and cardboard) to the crime lab for chemical processing. 5.16 Fingerprint Fuming Technique • • • • •

Use cyanoacrylate (superglue) to develop latent fingerprints on all nonporous objects. Take the following precautions when using superglue: Wear rubber gloves and eye protection. Fume only in a well-ventilated area. Fuming some items (electrical components, magnetic media, and items containing serological material) may cause damage and affect later analysis. 102

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Place item to be fumed into a closed container such as a glass jar, coffee can, fish tank, or metal trash can lined with a plastic trash bag. Place a test print (a fingerprint intentionally made by the investigator) on a dark object and put it in the fuming container with the evidence. Place about 10 drops of cyanoacrylate (size of a quarter) onto a piece of aluminum foil. Place the foil and evidence into the container and seal it. The evaporation process can be hastened by use of a low heat source such as a coffee cup warmer or light bulb. Place the foil with the cyanoacrylate on it onto the coffee warmer. Do not use excessive heat sources, as they can cause toxic fumes to be produced. In dry climates, a container of hot (not boiling) water should be placed with the evidence while it is fuming; the water will increase the humidity in the container, improving the development process. Send small objects to the lab after fuming. Don’t try to further develop the fingerprints.

5.17 Fingerprint Powders • • •

Black and white powders are most common. Select a powder that contrasts with the background. Use powders on nonporous surfaces that are not practical to process with cyanoacrylate, or to send to the laboratory. Black or bichromatic fingerprint powder, a fiberglass fingerprint brush or feather duster, fingerprint-lifting tape and white cards are sufficient supplies for processing most 103

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nonporous surfaces for latent fingerprints. A magnetic brush and magnetic powder work well on nonporous, non-metallic objects and surfaces. Special powders and laser light may help locate fingerprints. Your servicing FSC can help process scenes using special powders and equipment. Be sure to photograph developed prints before lifting. Evidence processed with powder should not be forwarded to the laboratory.

5.18 Record Ink Fingerprints Latent palms prints, and prints from other areas of the fingers and hands, are frequently developed at crime scenes. Ink fingerprints are required for comparison with developed latent prints. Record finger and palm prints should be taken from all victims and suspects and submitted to the laboratory with the evidence. 5.19 Firearm and Ammunition Evidence Firearms: General Considerations: There may be latent fingerprint or bloodstain pattern evidence on the weapon. The weapon may be sent to the lab for fingerprint processing (after being processed by superglue fuming), ballistics comparisons, functional checks, or for bloodstain analysis (serology or pattern analysis). Ensure the weapon is safe and diagram the positions of expended and unexpended rounds in the weapon. Remove the rounds from the weapon. Collection: Collect the weapon. Note serial number for 104

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identification. If possible, date and initial the weapon. Preservation: Keep weapon from conditions, which may cause rusting. Packaging: Wrap in paper and pack to prevent shifting in transit. Mark the package â&#x20AC;&#x153;FIREARMS.â&#x20AC;? Ammunition, Bullets, and Casings: General Considerations: Look for expended casings when the weapon involved is a semiautomatic weapon that has been fired. Casings may have latent fingerprints on them. Expended bullets and casings may be matched to a particular weapon at the lab. Avoid handling bullets in a way that can damage the rifling. Identify the number of rounds expended and attempt to account for all expended rounds. Measure and photograph all bullets before they are collected. Number each bullet (or bullet hole) with a large sign so it can be seen in the photograph. Identify each numbered bullet (or bullet hole) on the scene sketches. Collection: Collect all expended bullets and casings. Place in sealed containers; initial and date containers. Control Sample: If available, seize unexpended ammunition (10 to 20 rounds) of the type loaded in the weapon for tests at the lab. Packaging: Pack to prevent shifting, scratching, or damaging the evidence.

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5.20 Gunshot Residue (GSR) Evidence •

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Collection of GSR from the hands may disturb other evidence, such as hairs and fibers, which might be present. A decision may have to be made as to which evidence is potentially the most important based on case circumstances. Gunshot residue is extremely fragile. The more time that passes between the time of the incident and the time of collection reduces the likelihood that a detectable amount of GSR will remain on the hands. Whenever possible, collection of GSR from a deceased person should be made at the scene before the body is moved. If this is not possible, the deceased’s hands can be loosely covered with paper bags secured at the wrists until collections can be made. Collect the bags as evidence after removal. Since gunshot residue is extremely fragile, collections from live subjects should be made as soon as possible; their actions should be restricted until collections are complete. Washing or wiping of the hands should be prevented as it will severely reduce or eliminate any GSR, which may be present. If soot or smokeless powder particles are visible on the hands, photographic documentation should be considered. Smokeless powder particles can be collected using a short length of adhesive tape. NOTE: The gunshot residue collected using the GSR kits is not generally visible unless magnified. GSR should be collected using the instructions provided with the collection kit. The person doing the collecting must wear gloves. Care must be taken not to contaminate the collection 106

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materials. Agents who have recently fired a weapon (within the past day) should not do the collecting. 5.21 Glass Evidence Glass is frequently broken or shattered during the commission of crimes. Two distinct determinations can be made from examination of glass evidence: the first is determining whether or not fragments of recovered glass could have originated from a specific item or items; the second is direction-of-force (was the window broken from the inside or the outside). Close examination of the edges of broken glass may indicate whether the glass was broken from inside or outside of the building. “Staged” breaking and entering scenes can sometimes be identified through directionof-force determinations. Glass Comparison: Particles of glass from the broken item may often be recovered from the suspect’s clothing to include shoes (in which it may be embedded in the sole) or even from their hair or headgear. Collection: Photograph and document the location of glass and glass fragments on the crime scene sketch. Collect the clothing, shoes, etc., of suspects and seal separately into evidence containers. Collect all glass present at the scene, including any glass in the window or doorframe. Mark pieces removed from the frame to indicate which side faced inside. Combing of the suspect’s hair should be accomplished if the suspect is identified shortly after the crime occurrence as the hair may contain small glass fragments. Use a clean comb over brown wrapping paper and fold the paper in a manner to contain the residue and send to USACIL. 107

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Known Sample: Collect samples of each glass item, which has been broken (e.g., each pane of glass), for comparison with glass found on the suspect’s clothing, shoes, etc. If the item is large, such as a large, glass pane, collect samples that can be identified as coming from different areas of the pane (near edge of each side, from center area, etc.) Packaging: Wrap large pieces separately in cotton. Pack small fragments together in a small container, such as a druggist fold. Prevent shifting during transit. Mark “FRAGILE” and “SHARP 5.22 Hair and Fiber Evidence General Considerations: Extra precautions are necessary during collection, packaging, and transportation to avoid accidental fiber transfers. Never have the same person collect different objects, which might have been involved in a transfer or cross-transfer of fibers. For example, fibers from the clothing of a victim and a subject in a sexual assault case can be accidentally transferred to each other if the clothes are collected in the same room, collected by the same person, brought into the same room or brought into contact with a common surface (such as a table top), etc. Hairs and Fibers on Small Objects or Items of Clothing: Collection: If hair and fibers are visible, they should be collected separately from, and before the item they are attached to. Known Sample: Collect hairs from possible donors. Collect materials, which could have contributed fibers. Preservation: Refrigerate if you think body fluids are present. 108

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Packaging: Pack each item in a separate paper container. Tightly seal each container and immediately transfer the container to the evidence custodian. The evidence custodian should sign for the item as a sealed container (e.g., under no circumstances should the container be breached in order of the evidence custodian to inventory the evidence as this may result in lost and/or contaminated evidence. Hairs and Fibers on Large or Immovable Objects: Collection: Collect any visible trace materials first, using tweezers, and record the location from which they are recovered. Place the adhesive side of an 8- to 9- inch piece of clear adhesive tape (such as Number 810 Scotch Magic Tape) onto the item, hold one end of the tape while running a finger over it using moderate pressure. (Scotch Magic Tape is a trademark of the 3M Corporation). Make several lifts, slightly overlapping each other, with the same piece of tape. Do not overload the tape (as evidenced by the adhesive losing itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tackiness) or cover such a large area that you cannot identify where you collected the evidence. Place the lift tape onto a transparent surface, such as a document protector, and seal in an envelope. Do not put the lift tape on paper or cards, or stick the adhesive sides of the tape together. Known Sample: Collect hairs from donors (see paragraph 5.22). Collect materials which could have contributed fibers (clothing, carpeting, rugs, couch covers, car seat covers, etc.). For larger items which cannot be reasonably sent to the lab, cut out a fabric sample which is representative of the whole item(s). 109

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Packaging: Pack individually collected samples in druggist folds and double-seal in an envelope. Place lift tapes in separate envelopes. Collecting Known Hair Samples: Consult legal authority regarding search authorization for seizing hair samples. Collection: Collect about 20 pulled hairs. Hairs must be representative specimens from different parts of the head and body. Keep hairs from different parts of the body separate and label accordingly. Packaging: Pack in a druggist fold and double-seal in separate envelopes. 5.23 Hazardous Materials Evidence Before collecting hazardous evidence, get advice from people trained in handling hazardous material. In many cases, they will collect, package, and store the evidence for you. Cooperate with them to ensure proper chain-of-custody is maintained throughout the process. In cases where you seize hazardous materials, follow the guidance of the local environmental specialists for collection and storage. 5.24 Trace Metals Evidence Trace metal examinations of suspected bullet ricochets, suspected bullet holes in aircraft, toolmarks, etc., can sometimes yield valuable information. Collection: Take items on which the trace metal is present. Control Sample. Collect samples of the material on which the 110

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trace metal is present, and from a location near, but not directly adjacent to, the area containing the evidence. Known Sample: Take any tools, bullets, or materials that may have made the mark. Do not disassemble. Packaging: Pack to protect against accidental transfers or contact with the area in question. 5.25 Paint Evidence Paint Chips or Transfers: Chips and smears frequently occur when two objects come in contact with each other and where one, or both, have painted surfaces. Paint evidence may be present in breaking and entering cases where a tool is used to pry open doors, windows, etc. Remember that paint from the scene may also be found on tools recovered from suspects. Paint may also come into play in incidents involving vehicles. Collection: Collect paint chips. Collect small objects containing paint transfers. Cut out a section of larger objects containing transfers. Control Sample: Collect a sample of unmarked surface near the damaged area of the material containing the transfer. Known Sample: Collect any item or paint from the suspected source of the transfer. On vehicles, take paint samples from several places around the damaged area, including each damaged body panel or part. It is important to take the full thickness of the paint, all the way down to the metal or body of the vehicle. Paint flakes can be removed from surfaces by a number of methods. These include, but are not limited to: lifting or prying loosely attached flakes, cutting samples of the entire paint layer structure using a clean knife or blade, or dislodging by impacting the opposite side 111

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of the painted surface. When cutting, it is imperative that the blade be inserted through all layers to the parent surface. Packaging: Double pack chips in a pill box or druggist fold and plastic bag. Do not allow objects containing smears to contact other evidence. Seal known paint samples in separate containers. 5.26 Liquid Paint Samples These collection procedures are designed for criminal cases where comparison of known and suspected paint samples is required. For paint seized in fraud cases, consult your servicing FSC for guidance. Collection: Collect all of the available sample up to 4 fluid ounces, but not less than 1 fluid ounce. Packaging: Pack in friction top paint cans or large mouth screw top jars. If glass, pack to prevent breakage. Double package to prevent leakage. 5.27 Questioned Document Evidence General Considerations: Wear cotton gloves when handling questioned documents. There may be valuable latent fingerprints present on the documents. Make one working copy of the original questioned documents. Maintain the originals as evidence in paper envelopes. Indented Writings and Handwritten Documents. There may be indented writing in a document which may yield valuable information. Some indented writing can be deciphered with oblique lighting. The crime lab has other specialized equipment to develop indented writing in documents. Also, you can frequently identify or eliminate a person as the author of a document through 112

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handwriting analysis. Collection: Collect original documents if available. Collect copies only if originals are not available. Collect paper pads that may contain indented writing. Known Sample: Obtain paper and writing instruments suspected to have been used to create the questioned documents. Obtain handwriting samples from people who may have authored the document. Packaging: Pack in large paper envelopes; do not fold. Taking Handwriting Samples. General Considerations: Taking dictated handwriting samples does not require a search authorization; however, seizing existing documents may. If the person is deceased, obtain a representative sample of deceasedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s writing, such as letters written to family and friends, records completed on the job, or personnel or medical records containing writing(s) that were made by the deceased. If the person is alive, obtain existing writings made by the person and samples taken under controlled conditions. Collection: For existing writings, collect samples similar to the questioned document (cursive, printed, etc.) that were created at about the same time as the questioned document. For dictated samples, collect 20 samples for questioned signatures. If the questioned document contains 20 or more written words, five or more specimens should be sufficient. Have the person write a few samples with the unfamiliar writing hand. Have the person use a writing instrument similar to the one used on 113

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the questioned document. If the instrument is not a ballpoint pen, also have the person write some samples with a ballpoint pen. Attempt to duplicate the writing conditions, if known, that existed when the questioned document was written (standing, sitting, driving, paper thickness). Provide the person with prepared documents, which have approximately the same space constraints as the questioned documents (e.g., if the document in question is a personal check, construct simulated checks). Dictate what you want the person to write. Do not give instructions on spelling or punctuation, as the presence or lack of errors is important. Do not allow the person to see the questioned writing before providing the handwriting samples. Remove each sample from the writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s view before continuing with the next sample. Number, initial, and date the backs of the samples in the order in which they were taken. If the writer appears to be intentionally disguising the writing, consider speeding up the process to make disguising more difficult. Packaging: Pack in a paper envelope. Typewritten Documents: Collection: Collect all questioned documents, ribbons, correction tape, and elements (typing balls, daisy wheels, etc.) from the typewriter, which you think created the document. Known Sample: Do not use the suspect ribbon to take exemplars. Use a ribbon of the same type. Type at least one copy, in full word-for-word order of the typing 114

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contained in the questioned document. Include partial copies in light, medium, and heavy degrees of touch. Get samples of every upper and lower case character on the keyboard, including numbers and symbols. Often, this step can preclude the need to seize integral parts of the machine, i.e., daisywheel, type ball. Mark samples with the typewriter model, serial number, date, and initials. Do not attempt to â&#x20AC;&#x153;readâ&#x20AC;? the suspect ribbon in the field. This may prevent automated examination of the ribbon in the lab. Packaging: Pack in a paper envelope. Photocopied Documents: Photocopies can sometimes be identified with the machine producing them if the samples and questioned copies were produced about the same time. Two sets of questioned photocopies can sometimes be identified as having been produced on the same machine. Brands and manufacturers can possibly be determined by comparison with a reference file at the lab Collection: Collect questioned copies. Control Sample. Send one sheet from the ream of paper used for the known samples. Known Sample: Make nine copies of a piece of paper with some writing or typewriting. Make nine copies of a blank sheet of paper. Make nine copies with no paper on the glass and the cover of the copier down at the center darkness setting of the copier. Make nine copies with no paper and the cover up. 115

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Make two copies at the darkest setting with no paper on the glass and the lid down. Make two copies at the lightest setting with no paper on the glass and the lid down. Obtain documents that were made on the same machine during the same time frame as the offense. Obtain photocopier maintenance records. Packaging: Pack in paper envelopes. Annotate envelopes for known samples indicating the collection method. 5.28 Shoe, Tire, and Tool Impression Evidence Impressions in Dust: Look for impressions in dust by shining a flashlight indirectly across the floor and other surfaces when the room is dark. Collection: Photograph dustprints using indirect lighting before attempting to lift. Use footprint lifters (gel or adhesive tape) to lift dustprints. Consult your servicing FSC regarding the use of electrostatic dustprint lifters. Collect lifted prints. Known Sample: Collect shoes or tires for comparison with impressions recovered from the scene. Packaging: Pack in any container that will prevent contamination of the impression. Impressions in Soil and Snow: Collection: Photograph impressions, with and without scale, using indirect lighting to enhance details within the impression. Sketch and measure distances between corresponding foot 116

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impressions. These measurements may yield information about the gait of the person who made the impressions. Sketch and measure the distance between tire impressions as an indication of the wheelbase of the vehicle involved. Cast impressions using dental stone; it provides greater detail, is stronger, and generates less heat than plaster of Paris. Mix water with dental stone to a pancake batter consistency (about three parts dental stone to one part water). Remove any items which may have fallen into the impression after it was made (e.g., leaves blown into the print). Cast all shoe impressions available. Cast sufficient tire impressions to record the entire circumference of the tire (approximately nine feet in 18-inch sections). Do not attempt to remove the dirt adhering to the casts. Lab technicians prefer to remove the soil at the lab. The best method of casting impressions in snow is to spray the snow with commercially available spray wax. This fixes the impression in the snow and insulates it from the casting material. Another method to preserve snow prints is to sift two or three light coatings of dry dental stone into the impression and moisten each coating with a fine mist of water. Casting snow impressions is difficult; contact your FSC for guidance. Mark casts with initials, date, and arrow pointing north before they harden. Wait at least 48 hours before mailing casts to the lab to ensure they are thoroughly dry. Collect soil as described in paragraph 5.29. Known Sample: If available, collect the shoes or tires that made the impressions for comparison. Packaging: Pack each cast in a separate paper container to prevent 117

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mold. Send photographs and negatives in paper envelopes. Impressions in Blood, Ink, Paint, Etc.: Collection: Photograph the impression (see paragraph 2.7). If possible, collect the entire item on which the impression was found. If you cannot collect the entire item, cut the impression from the item. Known Sample: If available, collect objects or items suspected to have made the print. Preservation: Refrigerate prints made in body fluids. Packaging: Pack in individual paper containers. Tool Impressions: Tool impressions are frequently found at breaking and entering scenes and in intentional property damage cases. The type of tool used to make the toolmark may be determined from the class characteristics discernible in the impression. Sometimes, you may be able to identify a particular tool as having made the toolmark. Remember that there could be paint or other material present that may help associate the tool, which made the impression. Collection: Photograph the toolmark using oblique lighting. Collect the toolmark if possible. Recovery of the impression may involve cutting out material containing the toolmark. If you must cast the toolmark, use silicone rubber. Known Sample: If available, collect the tool suspected to have made the impression. Do not disassemble. Packaging: Protect toolmarks from rubbing against anything during storage or transit.

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5.29 Soil Evidence In some cases, it is helpful to determine if the soil on footwear, clothing, tools, or vehicles could have come from a particular location. Soil examinations may be helpful in such cases. Send a sketch to the lab with your evidence, showing where each sample was collected. Collection: Collect smaller items on which soil is found (shoes, tools, tires, floor mats, clothing, etc.). If the item cannot be sent to the laboratory, attempt to remove the soil from the item using a clean instrument for each separate area. If only trace amounts of soil are present, contact the laboratory for guidance. Known Sample: If distinct impressions are present, collect at least one sample from an area adjacent to each of the impressions. The sample should be taken to a depth equal to that of the impression. Additionally, collect at least six soil samples from the general crime scene area. A minimum of six known samples should be collected from each separate area that you may want compared with any questioned soil sample. All known samples should consist of approximately one-half cup of soil. Include a sketch as to the location of each sample when submitting to the laboratory. Whenever possible, the subject should be asked, under rights advisement, where the questioned soil originated and an equal number of â&#x20AC;&#x153;alibiâ&#x20AC;? samples should be collected as well. Packaging: Dry soil before packaging. Wrap small items separately to prevent losing any soil. Pack scraped samples from larger items into film canisters, new paint cans, clean baby food jars, or plastic urine cups. Pack known and questioned samples in separate shipping containers. Take steps to preserve any visible layering of soil such that it will remain intact upon transmittal to 119

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the laboratory. 5.30 Computer Related Evidence It is extremely easy to alter or damage information/evidence stored on a computer if proper shutdown procedures are not followed. If the computer is running and the agent performing the collection has not had any formal training in handling computer evidence, he should consult with USACIL, the CCRA or an agent trained in proper procedures. If coordination is not possible, examine the screen and document (note, photograph, etc.) what programs are running. Once completed, unplug the CPU power cord from the wall or surge protector. Ensure a complete record is made of every step taken prior to the shutdown. NOTE: If you see what appears to be a destructive process running on the system, such as a formatting of the disk drives, immediately disconnect the power. Central Processing Unit (CPU): Photograph the computer; including all connections. Using adhesive labels, label each of the computer connections. Using adhesive labels, label each of the cables connected to the computer. Disconnect all the cables from the computer. Place one blank diskette of the appropriate size into each of the computer diskette drives. This will protect the disk drive while it is being moved. On most 5.25" diskette drives, a handle must be turned to lock the diskette in place. Photograph the location of manuals and documentation in relation 120

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to the computer. This may provide important information during analysis. Wrap in bubble wrap. Place in a box or crate to prevent shifting. Monitor: If the computer is on and you are sure no applications which may damage the system/data are running, photograph and manually copy information on the screen. Otherwise, disconnect power to the computer at its source (i.e., cable to computer, wall outlet, laptop battery, UPS, etc.). Videotape of a monitor is usually of poor quality due to the refresh rate of the monitor. This produces a blurred image when played back. If the monitor has removable cables, attach hand numbered adhesive labels to the cables and their associated connecting points. Monitors are fragile and require special handling. Wrap in bubble wrap. Place in box or crate to prevent shifting. Pointing devices: (Mouse, light pen, wand, etc.) If the pointing device has removable cables, attach hand numbered adhesive labels to the cables and their associated connecting points. Typically, pointing devices can be boxed or bagged with other items. Keyboard: If the keyboard has removable cables, attach hand numbered adhesive labels to the cables and their associated connecting points. If any other devices are attached to the keyboard or if the keyboard is attached to another device, label all connecting points and cables. Wrap in bubble wrap. Place in box or crate to prevent shifting. 121

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Printers: If the printer has removable cables, attach hand numbered adhesive labels to the cables and the associated connecting points. Because of the variety of printers available and the different capabilities, be sure to collect printer ribbons, font cartridges, print wheels or any other item associated with a printer. Scanners: If the scanner has removable cables, attach hand numbered adhesive labels to the cables and their associated connecting points. Some scanners are extremely fragile and care must be exercised when handling them. If the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manual for the scanner is available, determine the proper way to prepare the scanner for shipping. External drives: If the external drive has removable cables, attach hand numbered adhesive labels to the cables and their associated connecting points. There are a number of different types of external drives. If the external drive uses removable media, the media should be removed prior to packaging the drive for shipping. The media that is removed should be marked to indicate the media was removed from the drive. Wrap in bubble wrap. Place in box or crate to prevent shifting Other Devices: If any other device not listed above is connected to a computer 122

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system, take a still photograph of the item and note the location of the device. If the device is connected to the computer and has removable cables, attach hand numbered adhesive labels to the cables and their associated connecting points. Floppy diskettes and other removable media: Floppy diskettes and other removable media require special attention during the collection phase. This media could be found in a variety of locations at a crime scene. It is important to note the location and other pertinent information about the collection of floppy diskettes and other removable media. If floppy diskettes or other removable media are stored in a diskette case, box or other storage container, it is recommended that the media remain in the storage container when it is collected. Diskettes are coated with a magnetic media similar to high-quality rust. If they are packed loosely and allowed to strike each other repeatedly during transit, the data will normally be damaged. Make sure they are packed in a manner to reduce this possibility. Protect: Write protect 5 Âźinch disks by placing tape over the notch. Initial and date on corners only using laundry marker. Write protect 3 Â˝inch disks by placing the write protect tab in the open position. Initial and date using a laundry marker. Write protect reel-to-reel tapes by pulling small plastic write enable ring off (located on back of tape around hub). Write initials and date on first 10-13 feet (leader) of tape. Write-protect cassette tapes by removing record tab. Scratch initials and date into plastic surface of cassette casing. 123

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Write protect disk cartridges (removable hard drives) by placing tape over notch. Scratch initials and date into plastic surface. Write protect cartridge tapes by turning dial until arrow is aligned with â&#x20AC;&#x153;safeâ&#x20AC;? mark or white dot is facing out. Scratch initials and date into plastic surface of cartridge casing. Mark initials and date on ribbon containers; do not mark on the ribbon itself. Remember, printer ribbons, like typewriter ribbons, may contain the last document typed. Affix an identifying gummed label to software evidence. Pack in a paper container. Cables and Wires: Label both ends of each cable describing connectors (to assist in reassembly). Label each connector. Place coiled cables in a paper bag and seal. Personal Digital Assistants (PDA): If there are any cables attached to the PDA, label cables and ports to show how the system was configured when found. If a PCMCIA is in the PDA when found, leave it in the PDA. Wrap PDAs and PCMCIAs in bubble wrap. Place in a box to prevent shifting. Electronic Telephone and Answering Machine Evidence: General Considerations: If you locate an electronic phone instrument, speed dialer, pager, caller identification unit, or answering machine while processing a crime scene, your primary goal is to recover information that can be stored in the device. 124

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Consult the appropriate legal authority regarding your right to search and seize not only the instrument, but information contained in the memory of the instrument. Do not disconnect the instrument from its power source until a specialist has had a chance to evaluate it. Information contained in the memory might be lost. If you suspect advanced telephone services (call forwarding, multilocation ringing, voice mail, etc.) might have been used by the suspect, consult the telephone company security office for assistance. Collect the instrument, all cassette tapes and the operating instructions for the instrument. Remove record tabs from cassette tapes and reflect the change youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made on the evidence tag. Wrap in paper. Place in box or crate for transporting. Transportation: Always remember to transport media at the proper temperature and humidity level. DO NOT take magnetic media through metal detectors, conveyor belts, or X-ray machines as found at security checkpoints. 5.31 Fabrics Introduction: Any and all fabric found near or at the crime scene or missing from the crime scene may be either supportive or necessary evidence in establishing a relationship between the crime and the suspect. Collect and preserve such items carefully to avoid contamination. No object is too large or too small to be of value; do not pass over any item because you doubt its relationship or attachment to the case under investigation. Bear in mind that two or more pieces of fabric from different sources may be able to be fit 125

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back together again to unequivocally establish common origin. The following describes procedures for collecting fabrics, large or small, as well as comparison standards where applicable and possible. Large Articles: Before collecting and packaging large articles, such as mattresses or upholstered chairs, record the exact position of the evidence. For example, indicate in your notes or diagram, which end of a bloodstained mattress was next to the headboard. Care should be taken during the collection and preservation process not to loosen any trace materials. Wet surfaces should be allowed to air dry before packing. Large pieces of fabric should be carefully folded, (relevant surface to the inside, if applicable, to include marking this surface to identify it, protecting any torn edges, and placed in a clean paper bag, or securely wrapped in brown wrapping paper, and properly marked for identification. If clothing must be cut for removal, be careful not to cut through points of significance such as bullet holes or knife wound areas. Plastic bags and bottles are not satisfactory for packaging any material. Package large articles, such as mattresses and upholstered chairs, intact in large crates or boxes. Do not tear, stretch or handle fabrics roughly. Small Articles: Look carefully for small articles of fabric or fabric yarns throughout the general crime scene, at entrances and exits and on 126

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any victims. Do not overlook fibers that may be on the victimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mouth, feet or hands. Search for imprints of fabric weave in painted surfaces, putty or on other objects. Handle these carefully, do not contaminate with fingerprints or other impressions. Collect small articles carefully with tweezers, ensuring that torn edges are protected. Place in small containers but not so small as to require folding which will cause distortion of threads Comparison Standard: Comparison standards are fabric items that can be identified and collected at the crime scene which might later be compared with fabric or fibers found on the suspect. For example, a piece of torn clothing found on a victim, a torn bed sheet or curtain might later provide an important link to a fiber found on the suspectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothing. 5.32 Miscellaneous Introduction: Such items as cigarette butts-tobacco, jewelry, bottles, jars, drinking glasses, safe insulation, cosmetics, building materials, wood and other small items can serve as evidence to connect a suspect to a crime. Cigarette Butts-Tobacco: Collection: Pick up the cigarette butt on a piece of paper or with tweezers and place in a small paper bag. Do not handle the cigarette butt directly with your hands. Packaging: Place the butt into a small paper bag and mark the bag with your initials, date, and time. Empty tobacco material from 127

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pipes or clothes pockets into a paper type pillbox. Mark and seal as above. Jewelry: Collection: Handle with tweezers or cloth gloves. Superglue for fingerprints. Packaging: Place in a suitable crushproof container and mark with your initials, date and time. Bottles, Jars, Drinking Glasses: Collection: Insert two or more fingers into large mouth vessels. Place the index fingers on the top and bottom of small mouth vessels. Do not contaminate or spill any substance in the vessel that may have evidence value. If a drinking glass or bottle without a lid contains a liquid, then the liquid should be poured into a sealable container, which will not contaminate the liquid. Prior to superglue fuming the evidence, swab the outside lip for possible DNA. Call the Serology Division at the laboratory for further instructions. Packaging: Place the items into a crushproof container after marking the item, if possible for identification and fuming for fingerprints. If the bottle contains a liquid, which has an evidentiary value, then fume the item with the liquid, after ensuring the lid is closed. Caution: Be sure the liquid is not flammable. If the liquid is of no evidentiary value then discard it. Small Objects: At each crime scene, search for small objects such as burned matches, button or broken buttons, particles of glass, broken fingernails, cigarette butts, etc. Follow procedures outlined in this 128

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handbook for each of the known items. If you do not have specific directions for an item of evidence, place it in a crushproof container or heat sealed bag, whichever is appropriate, without touching it directly with your fingers, seal, and identify the container by properly marking it. Section D - Injury Evidence (Asphyxial Injuries) General Considerations: Externally, the skin of the victim may take on a bluish hue, due to the increased amount of poorly oxygenated blood in the system. 5.33 Manual Strangulation • •

•

The hyoid bone is usually broken in cases of manual strangulation. The hyoid bone is located deep in the neck, above the larynx and below the base of the tongue. Fingernail marks, abrasions, and contusions are common on the victim’s neck. These may be caused by the victim, struggling against his assailant, or by the assailant, fighting against the victim. Cyanosis and petechial hemorrhages will usually be present.

5.34 Ligature Strangulation • • •

The ligature mark is usually horizontal, completely encircling the neck below the larynx (figure 5.1) (as opposed to the vshape mark on a hanging victim (figure 5.2)). The ligature will often leave a pattern abrasion on the neck. Fibers may be present in the ligature mark even if the ligature is missing. 129

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Internal injuries may be found in the neck, but are not always present. The hyoid bone may be broken; this does not characteristically occur in hanging victims. Other neck structures may also be damaged. The decedent’s face and upper chest may have a dusky purple discoloration. Petechial hemorrhages may be present.

Figure 5.1 Ligature Strangulation

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5.35 Hanging The appearance of marks on the neck is important in distinguishing a hanging from ligature strangulation. In hangings, the noose causes a furrow or impression in the skin of the neck. This inverted v-shaped impression follows the position of the noose on the neck, coming to a peak at the point of suspension. The impression may disappear at the suspension point because the ligature is applying no force to the neck there. The furrow is usually above the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Adamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apple." The furrow will usually remain on the neck, even if the deceased has been cut down and moved to suggest another manner of death.

Figure 5.2 Hanging â&#x20AC;˘

Any pattern present on the ligature is usually transferred to the 131

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neck as pattern abrasions (See figure 5.3). The pathologist should remove the ligature at the time of the autopsy. If the ligature material must be cut at the scene: Cut it midway between the body and the point of attachment to the supporting structure (doorknob, rafter, etc.). Each cut end should be identified as such. Photograph the knot at the support point before you untie it. If at all possible, remove a section of the support point to allow the knot to remain intact. Take it to the autopsy for examination by the pathologist. Leave the remaining ligature material attached to the body. The face of a hanging victim may appear congested, and the tongue may be protruding from the mouth. The tongue may turn dark from drying. Lividity will appear in the lower portions of the arms and legs. If lividity appears in an area inconsistent with the position of the hanging body, the victim may have been hanged post mortem.

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Figure 5.3 Pattern Abrasion 5.36 Choking Most choking deaths are accidental. If a visible object in the mouth caused choking, leave the object for removal at autopsy. Objects, which are not visible, will be identified and removed at autopsy. 5.37 Smothering Look for physical trauma resulting from a struggle. Depending on the age and condition of the decedent, there may be evidence linking the decedent with the suspect (e.g., trace evidence under the decedentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fingernails). 5.38 Mechanical Asphyxia These are almost always accidental. Photograph all injuries at the scene if the decedent has not been removed from the situation. 133

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Otherwise, photograph injuries at autopsy. 5.39 Chemical Asphyxia •

Note the position of the body and whether or not lividity is present. • Lividity associated with carbon monoxide poisoning is generally a bright, cherry-red color. • Evaluate whether lividity is consistent with body position. • Fossil fuel heaters should be made safe by the fire department or by a competent technician. Look for evidence of tampering. Only a trained technician should test the heater. • If the carbon monoxide came from a vehicle, determine: If the vehicle was still running when it was discovered. Location of the keys and position of the ignition. Gas gauge level. If a hose was run from the exhaust pipe to the inside of the vehicle. If the windows were sealed and the type of substance, if any, used to seal them (tape, rags, etc.). If the vehicle was in a locked garage, note the position of the garage door, and whether there were attempts to seal it. Collect hoses, tape, items used to seal the doors; etc., and preserve them for fingerprint or other analysis. 5.40 Autoerotic Misadventure • •

These cases commonly include the following physical evidence: Signs of repeated activity, such as abrasions or rope burns on suspension points. 134

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Padded or wide ligature. Presence of pornography, strategically placed mirrors, crossdressing, cameras, and bondage paraphernalia.

Section E - Injury Evidence (Blunt Force Injuries) General Considerations. Blunt forces tear, crush, and shear tissues. Blunt forces are transmitted by objects, which have relatively broad or rounded edges. The pattern and appearance of blunt force injuries vary depending on the amount of force, the location of the wound, and the type of weapon. Blunt force trauma can also cause skeletal fractures, if sufficient force is used. Abrasions, contusions and lacerations are the three general types of blunt force injury. Also, a blunt force injury can display any combination of these types of injuries. 5.41 Abrasions • • • •

An abrasion is an injury caused by the scraping and removal of the superficial layer of skin. Abrasions can also be called scratches, grazes, or impact impressions. The affected area often forms a reddish-brown scab as the skin oozes fluid and dries. Patterns of the weapon may be imparted to the skin, and are referred to as “pattern abrasions.” While there may be significant internal injuries, an abrasion may be the only visible injury.

5.42 Contusions •

Contusions (or bruises) are areas of bleeding into soft tissue 135

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•

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due to the crushing and rupture of blood vessels by a blunt force. The skin is not necessarily broken. Everyone bruises differently, depending on gender, age, or disease (including alcoholism). Also, the severity of the bruise depends upon the tissue structure and blood supply of the area wounded. Contusions take time to develop and may not appear at the exact site of impact on the skin. Contusions do not necessarily reflect the intensity of the blow. Bruises may or may not transmit a pattern of the object that caused them. Occasionally, contusions may be produced post mortem within a few hours of death. Careful observation should be made, however, so as to not confuse bruising with livor mortis. Contusions undergo a series of color changes during a healing process that can take days or weeks. Because the aging of bruises is very imprecise, descriptions of them should usually be limited to “old” or “new.” Photograph contusions over several days to note development and color change. Be careful not to misinterpret Mongolian spots as contusions. Suspect contusions should be incised in deceased persons to determine if hemorrhage is present. In living victims, a follow-up examination should be conducted to identify changes in the marks. Swab bite marks for saliva evidence (see paragraph 4.5). Consult your servicing FSC or a forensic odontologist for advice on casting bite mark impressions.

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5.43 Lacerations • •

•

• •

Lacerations are tears in tissue caused by either a shearing or crushing blow. Lacerations may be external, as described below, or internal, involving the tearing of organ tissues. Lacerations normally have ragged edges with abraded, contused margins (See Figure 5.4). Since different components of tissue differ in strength, a laceration will not completely separate the more resilient parts of the tissue. These parts, usually nerves and blood vessels, form bridges between either side of the wound. Note: A laceration should not be confused with an incised wound, which is caused by sharp force trauma. There is no bridging of tissues in an incised wound. The undercutting or shelving of tissues can sometimes determine the direction of applied force. Displaced tissues are on the side opposite the direction from which the blow originated. For instance, if the blow was delivered from the victim’s left, shelved tissues will be observed on the right side of the laceration. An avulsion is a form of laceration where the force impacting the body hits at such an angle as to rip skin and soft tissue from the body. Trace evidence transfer is possible between the weapon and the victim. Paint, debris, or fragments of the weapon may be found in the wound. Hair, blood, or fibers from the victim may be found on the weapon.

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The size and shape of the laceration can sometimes suggest the type of weapon used.

â&#x20AC;˘ Figure 5.4 Lacerations 5.44 Blunt Force Brain Injury In addition to the normal abrasions, contusions, and lacerations that are observed externally on the head, certain types of brain contusions may be used to determine if fatal blunt force was received due to a blow or a fall. These injuries may not appear in all cases. Coup Injury: A coup injury is a brain contusion located directly under the site of blunt force impact. It is caused by the bending in of the skull, or transfer of energy from the blow, with compression of the brain. (See figure 5.5).

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Figure 5.5 Coup Injury Contrecoup Injury: A contrecoup injury is a contusion located on the opposite side of the brain from the site of blunt force impact. A fall causes contrecoup injuries (See figure 5.6).

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Figure 5.6 Contrecoup Injury Both kinds of contusions may be present on the brain at the same time, or they can appear by themselves. In a fall, the contrecoup injury will usually be more severe than the coup. In a blow, the coup injury will be more severe than the contrecoup. Section F - Injury Evidence (Sharp Force Injury) General Considerations. Knives, scissors, and other pointed or edged instruments generally produce two types of injuries, incised wounds and stab wounds.

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5.45 Incised Wounds • Drawing a sharp object across the skin causes incised wounds (or cuts). Generally, the wound is longer than it is deep. In this type of wound, the flesh is divided completely. There is no bridging of nerves or blood vessels (See figure 5.7).

Figure 5.7 Incised Wound • • •

•

The length and depth of the wound will not provide specific information about the weapon. The edges of an incised wound are typically free from abrasion or contusion. Persons defending themselves from knife attacks often sustain incised wounds. These wounds are most commonly located on the forearms, palms, fingers, and backs of the hands and can be quite severe. They are usually referred to as “defensive” injuries. Hesitation wounds are usually seen in suicides and suicide attempts as the victim gathers the courage to complete the act. They are usually multiple, parallel, incised wounds found on the wrists and neck. Hesitation wounds on the wrists are usually found between the base of the palm and the elbow 141

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(See Figure 5.8).

Figure 5.8 Hesitation Wounds 5.46 Stab Wounds •

•

Stab wounds are produced when sharp objects are driven into the body. These wounds are usually deeper than they are long. Stab wounds are usually homicidal, although there are cases of self-inflicted, fatal stab wounds. After the instrument punctures the skin, it takes very little pressure to shove it further into the body unless it hits a bone. The exact length of the blade or instrument cannot be determined from the wound track, as the wounded area of the body could have been compressed when injured (See figure 5.9). However, “hilt” marks from where the handle of the knife impacted the skin may be evident in cases where the blade fully penetrated the body.

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The width of a blade (measured across from sharp edge to dull edge) cannot be measured exactly, as the knife may have been drawn through the injured tissues. However, if there are multiple wounds (especially with penetration of solid organs such as the liver or bone), an approximation can be made.

Figure 5.9 Stab Wounds •

The shape of a stab wound is dependent upon the shape of the instrument and “Langor’s lines of cleavage” (See figure 5.10).

Figure 5.10 Langor’s Lines of Cleavage 143

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Langor’s lines are elastic fibers in the skin that run in the direction that the skin is being stretched over the body. Stab wounds will gape if the stab is across or perpendicular to the lines; it will gape less if the stab is parallel to the lines. Gaping wounds can be brought back to their normal size by pulling both sides of the skin together. In some instances, the orientation of a knife (location of the dull edge versus sharp edge of the blade) can be determined by doing this. After a knife has been shoved into the body, the twisting of the knife or the struggling of the victim when it is removed can cause “Y” or “L” shaped wounds. It is possible to have more internal wound tracks than external stab wounds on the body if the assailant fails to completely remove the sharp instrument prior to a subsequent thrust. Some stab wounds may bleed; others may not. If the stab wound is made after the heart stops, there is no blood pressure to force blood from the wound. However, gravity may still draw blood out of the wound. Due to the differing elasticity's of parts of the body, stab wound tracks may or may not appear to follow a straight path (See figure 5.11).

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Figure 5.11 Stab Wound Paths 5.47 Chop Wounds Chopping wounds demonstrate a combination of both blunt and sharp force injuries. A chop will divide tissues cleanly. However, due to the width of the chopping instrument, a contused or abraded margin may be present around the margin of the wound. Section G - Injury Evidence (Firearm Injuries) General Considerations: A firearm is often the tool used in successful homicides and suicides. Accidental discharges are less frequent but can also have deadly results. Examination of firearm wounds can provide information about the range of fire (the distance from the weapon to the victim), the direction of fire, and the type of weapon used. Since the interpretation of firearm wounds is an acquired skill, investigators should work closely with 145

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the pathologist to determine the specifics of the weapon and ammunition involved; the direction, distance and angle of fire; and the number of shots fired. Wounds made by firearms are usually grouped into two general categories: gunshot wounds (handguns and rifles), and shotgun wounds. 5.48 Gunshot Wounds When a handgun or rifle is discharged, fire, smoke, a bullet, and burned and unburned powder exit the barrel. Gunshot wounds have many different appearances, which are dependent upon the proximity of the weapon to the target and the bullet’s direction of travel. Common characteristics of handgun and rifle wounds are described below: Entrance Wounds: • A reddish zone of abraded skin surrounds most entrance wounds, no matter the range. The abrasion forms a ring around the entrance wound. • It is not possible to determine a bullet’s trajectory through the body from examination of the entrance wound alone. • Ricochet entrance wounds will not have typical entrance wound characteristics because the bullet is not entering the body cleanly in a “nose on” position. These wounds may be irregular in shape. Exit Wounds: • Exit wounds, regardless of the type of entrance wound, all have the same general characteristics. Exit wounds can come in almost any shape or size. They are usually more irregularly 146

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shaped than entrance wounds. Exit wounds are usually larger than entrance wounds and, except on rare occasions, do not have an abrasion ring. Various factors contribute to the appearance of the exit wound. As a consequence of the tumbling that a bullet does while passing through tissue, the bullet may become deformed as it travels in the body. That is why the exit wound is usually larger and more irregular than entrance wounds. Bullets may sometimes be found just under the skin, partly protruding from the skin, or loose in the clothing around the exit wound. As the skin dries, the wound may look more and more like an entrance wound. The absence of gunshot powder residue on the surrounding skin or clothing (in the case of close range gunshot wounds) may assist in identifying the injury as an exit wound.

Stellate Exit Wounds: • The size and shape of the exit wound usually depends on what part of the body the bullet exits. In slack skin, the exit wound tends to be smaller and slit-shaped. However, in areas of the body where the skin is stretched across the surface of a bone (such as the scalp), the exit wound is usually larger and more irregular, and often star-shaped (or stellate). • Stellate exit wounds are sometimes confused with contact entrance wounds. Be sure to work closely with the medical examiner or forensic pathologist for proper identification.

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Shored Exit Wounds: In some circumstances, an exit wound may have an abrasion ring and have a regular shape. This would be seen in cases where the injured person was up against a hard surface, such as a wall or floor, or wearing constrictive clothing, such as a bra or belt. In these instances, the hard surface or clothing supports the skin, keeping it from tearing into an irregular shape. Effect of Distance on Gunshot Wounds: Distance is an important factor affecting the appearance of a gunshot wound. Weapons can be in contact or near contact with or at intermediate or distant range from a target. Contact Gunshot Wounds: When the muzzle of a gun is held against the body at the time of firing, gas, soot, powder, and metallic particles from the bullet are shot into the wound tract along with the bullet. Because a gun can be held against a body in several ways, contact wounds are further classified as hard, loose, angled, or incomplete (a variation of angled). Hard Contact Wounds: • With hard contact wounds, the muzzle of the gun is pushed against the skin, indenting it so that the skin wraps around the muzzle. • The wound is burned by hot gases and blackened by soot. Soot is often “burned into” the skin (See figure 5.12) and cannot be completely removed either by washing or scrubbing.

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Figure 5.12 Hard Contact Wound •

• •

All the material emerging from the muzzle will be driven into the wound, often leaving very little external evidence that one is dealing with a contact wound. In cases where no soot can be seen, further autopsy analysis may reveal microscopic soot and powder grains. Muscle surrounding the entrance wound may have a cherryred color, due to carboxyhemoglobin formation from the carbon monoxide in the muzzle gas. Hard contact wounds over areas of the body where the skin is supported by flat, underlying bone are usually star-shaped, or stellate. They are caused by the energy of the gases escaping from the barrel of the gun. The gases, having little room to expand between the skin and the bone, cause the skin to balloon and lacerate (See figure 5.13). Soot, smoke, and powder are blown into the wound. These wounds are typically found on the skull. Small caliber, low energy weapons may 149

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not always produce enough energy to cause these characteristics.

Figure 5.13 Hard contact wound over flat bone â&#x20AC;˘

The wound may exhibit an adjacent abrasion caused when the skin is squeezed against the weapon by the gases forced into the wound.

Loose Contact Wounds: If the gun muzzle is in contact with the skin, but not pushed firmly against the body at the time of discharge, a loose contact wound is made (See figure 5.14). Since the skin does not make a seal around the muzzle, hot gases can escape and form a circle of soot around the wound. Soot, smoke, and powder will be present inside the wound. Most of this soot can be wiped away easily.

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Figure 5.14 Loose Contact Wound Angled Contact Wounds: • An angled contact wound is created when the gun barrel is held at an angle to the skin such that the complete circumference of the muzzle does not make contact. • Gas and soot escaping from the space between the muzzle and the skin radiate outward, causing two patterns of soot. The first pattern is a blackened, seared zone and can be pearshaped, circular, or oval (See Figure 5.15). The second pattern is usually light gray and fan-shaped. The entrance wound is often located at the base of the blackened, seared zone. • As the angle between the gun and the skin increases, the entrance hole will be found more toward the center of the blackened zone. Most of the blackened, seared zone will appear opposite where the muzzle made contact with the skin. This indicates the direction the gun was angled when it was fired.

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Figure 5.15 Angled Contact Wound Incomplete Contact Wounds: Incomplete contact wounds are a variation of angled contact wounds, but occur over a body surface that is rounded or not completely flat. The weapon is held against the skin, but there is a gap between the muzzle and the uneven skin surface. Hot gasses escape from this gap, forming an area of blackened, seared skin (See figure 5.16). Incomplete contact wounds are often seen on the head.

Figure 5.16 Incomplete Contact Wound Near Contact Gunshot Wounds: â&#x20AC;˘ Near contact wounds fall between contact and intermediate range wounds. In these cases, the muzzle of the weapon is not in contact with the skin, but is held a short distance away. 152

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Near contact entrance wounds are surrounded by a wide zone of powder and soot overlying blackened, seared skin (See figure 5.17). The zone of searing is wider than that seen in loose contact wounds. The soot in the seared zone penetrates the skin and cannot be completely wiped away. Since near and loose contact wounds have similar characteristics, it is not always possible to distinguish the two, especially if the muzzle of the weapon is held perpendicular to the skin. With handguns, small clumps of unburned powder may pile up on the edges of the entrance in the seared zone of the skin. Near-contact wounds with handguns usually occur at ranges less than 10 millimeters (mm). This will vary depending on the caliber, ammunition, and barrel length.

Figure 5.17 Near Contact Wound Intermediate Range Gunshot Wounds: • In this wound, the muzzle of the weapon is held away from the body, but is close enough for powder particles to be projected into and onto the skin. For handguns, powder tattooing begins 153

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at a muzzle-to-target distance of approximately 10-mm. Powder tattoo marks are produced by the impact of powder grains on the skin. Tattooing consists of reddish-brown to orange-red punctuate (small dot or point) lesions surrounding the entrance wound (See figure 5.18). Tattooing may take on an overall circular or oval shape around the entrance wound, depending on the angle of the gun to the target when it was fired, the shape of the target (flat or rounded), and the presence of clothing or hair (which sometimes keeps powder grains from reaching the skin). Vital reaction surrounding powder tattooing indicates that the individual was alive at the time of the shooting. The determination of the presence of the vital reaction is one that can only be made by a pathologist. In addition to tattooing, soot may also be deposited on the skin or clothing. Soot is the product of burning gunpowder and emerges from the muzzle of the weapon when fired. The size and appearance of the soot pattern depends on many factors, including the range of the gun muzzle to the target, the type and caliber of weapon, the barrel length of the weapon, the type of gun powder in the bullets, the angle of the gun to the target, and the material makeup of the target. The distance between the muzzle of the gun and the target is important because it affects the appearance of the soot and powder particle distribution. As the range between the muzzle and the target increases, the size of the area of soot blackening increases, and the density of the soot on the body decreases until it becomes so faint that you cannot identify exactly where the soot begins or ends. 154

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As the distance between the gun muzzle and target increases, the density of the powder particles will decrease until few particles adhere to the target surface.

Figure 5.18 Tattooing Undetermined Range Gunshot Wounds: • When a gun is fired from a distance, the only marks on the target are those produced by the bullet penetrating the skin. The muzzle of the weapon is held far enough away so that neither soot nor unburned powder reaches the target. Without the soot or powder particles, there are no indicators of distance between the gun and target. As a result, wounds from guns fired from a distance are referred to as undetermined range wounds. • The only visible characteristics of the wound may be an abrasion ring and the defect (See figure 5.19). • An undetermined range wound may be difficult to distinguish from an intermediate range wound in certain circumstances. For instance, an intermediate range gunshot wound may look 155

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like a distant range wound if something, such as clothing, comes between the gun and the body, preventing soot and unburned powder from reaching the skin. Only by careful examination of the facts of the case (e.g., was the victim clothed at the time of the shooting?) will you be able to correctly identify a particular gunshot wound. Range determinations cannot be estimated by examination of undetermined range gunshot wounds alone. Bullets fired from 3, 30, or 300 feet will usually produce identical entrance wounds.

Figure 5.19 Undetermined Range Wound Gunshot Wounds Associated with Suicide: â&#x20AC;˘ Head, inter-oral, and chest sites (in that order) are most commonly chosen for suicide with a firearm. The entrance wounds are usually in the contact or near contact range; suicidal gunshot wounds are rarely inflicted from an intermediate or distant range. Suicidal gunshot wounds typically do not appear on the back of the head or body. 156

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Typical suicidal entrance wounds of the head are either to the temple, mouth, under the chin, or between the eyes. The intra-oral gunshot wound is the second most commonly chosen site for suicides with a firearm. The gun inflicting the inter-oral wound can be held in a variety of manners. Intraoral gunshot wounds can have any trajectory within the mouth and still be consistent with a finding of suicide. When right-handed individuals shoot themselves in the side of the head, they typically inflict the injury to the right temple, and most often use the right hand to pull the trigger and the left hand to steady the muzzle against the head. GSR and soot may be present on the back or palm of the hand steadying the muzzle, even if it is not visible. GSR and soot may or may not be present on the hand that was used to pull the trigger, depending on the weapon

5.49 Rifle Wounds •

•

Rifle wounds have similar characteristics to those wounds caused by handguns. However, rifle shots usually involve much more energy than handgun shots. This is a consequence of the greater forces produced by the firing of a rifle. Use the information in the above section to analyze wounds caused by a rifle. A handgun placed in the mouth and fired may produce relatively little structural damage from expanding gasses. However, a rifle shot will cause explosive damage to the mouth and head. The damage is even greater if the individual closes his mouth around the muzzle of the rifle. When studying self-inflicted rifle wounds, care should be 157

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taken to determine whether the injured person was capable of firing the weapon without help. Measurements should be taken of the personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reach and compared with the reach required to fire the rifle. Soft Tissue Damage. Bullets entering soft tissue will travel in a straight line through the body, until they contact bone or some other hard material that causes them to ricochet. The bullet will then travel to wherever its momentum takes it. Beveling. Beveling in gunshot wounds to the skull will indicate entrance and exit wounds. When the bullet contacts the skull, it forces a plug of skull into the interior (See figure 5.20). The plug leaves behind a crater-shaped hole, with the small end of the crater on the outside of the skull, and the larger end on the inside. This beveling can also occur as the bullet exits the skull. This time, however, the larger side of the bevel will be on the exterior of the skull. Note: Beveling is not restricted only to rifle wounds.

Figure 5.20 Beveling 5.50 Shotgun Wounds Wounds produced by shotguns typically portray an appearance quite different from that of rifle and handgun wounds. This 158

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distinctive appearance is a consequence of several differences between these weapons. Shotgun and Ammunition Structure: • Shotguns are constructed differently from rifles and handguns. Shotguns do not have the rifled barrels characteristic of rifles and handguns. Rather, they are constructed with a narrowing of the interior of the barrel, known as “choke.” The choke serves to focus the shot balls as they exit the muzzle. • Rifles and handguns fire one bullet at a time. Shotguns are typically used to fire a shell containing many shot balls. This gives the shooter the ability to cover a wide area. A shotgun can also fire a single ball, known as a “slug.” • Shotgun ammunition is constructed differently from handgun and rifle ammunition. A shotgun shell is usually constructed from paper or plastic and fitted with a brass or steelhead. Inside the shell are the primer, powder, paper or plastic wad, and (usually) lead shot. Shotgun Wounding Effects: Because of the large quantity of projectiles impacting the target, shotguns typically are very destructive at close range. Exit wounds are not common. Instead of an exit wound, shot pellets are more often discovered just underneath the skin on the side of the body opposite the entrance wound. Shotgun Entrance Wounds: Shotgun entrance wounds, like handgun and rifle wounds, portray different characteristics at various ranges of fire. Range of fire can 159

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be easier to estimate with shotgun wounds because of the tendency for shotgun projectiles to spread out over distance. Contact Shotgun Wounds: Contact shotgun wounds are similar to gunshot wounds. In addition to the burning, soot, and powder typical of a gunshot wound, a shotgun entrance wound has an abraded margin because the shot enters the body in one clump (See figure 5.21).

Figure 5.21 Hard Contact Shotgun Wound Stellate Wounds: These may be present on both hard and soft surfaces because of the highly pressurized gases exiting the muzzle of the shotgun. Hard Contact Shotgun Wounds to the Head: â&#x20AC;˘ These wounds blow the skull and brain into pieces. Large fragments of the skull and the brain may be found several feet away from the decedent or imbedded in walls or ceilings. â&#x20AC;˘ While the face of the decedent may be completely unrecognizable at the scene, a forensic pathologist may be 160

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able to re-approximate portions of the face. In these cases, visual identification by family or friends is not suggested. Most contact shotgun wounds of the head are suicidal. The most common sites to discover suicidal shotgun wounds are the temple, mouth, and chest.

Intra-oral Shotgun Wounds: • Intra-oral wounds are often characterized by soot present on the palate, the tongue, and sometimes the lips. • The intra-oral discharge of larger gauge shotguns often creates stretch-mark changes radiating from the mouth and can cause extensive damage to the brain and skull. • When the individual’s mouth is closed around the muzzle of the shotgun, extensive damage to the head is expected. The mouth acts as a seal, trapping the highly pressurized gasses inside the head. Consequently, an intra-oral shotgun discharge often extensively fragments the head. Conversely, if the individual’s mouth is not closed around the shotgun muzzle, there may be less serious damage to the head. Contact Shotgun Wounds to the Trunk: • These wounds are usually circular and have a diameter approximately equal to that of the bore of the weapon. • Soot is not usually visible around the margin of contact wounds. The edges of the wound, however, will be burned and blackened by the hot gases. • The gases that exit the muzzle of the shotgun often cause the chest or abdominal wall to press against the end of the shotgun barrel and, in some cases, make an imprint of the front sight or 161

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muzzle on the skin. A large area of abraded skin may surround the entrance wound. If the skin is pulled back from around a contact entrance wound, the underlying muscle may display a cherry red color.

Near Contact Shotgun Wounds: If the muzzle of a shotgun is held in near contact with the body, a circular area of soot will be deposited upon the skin immediately surrounding the entrance wound. As the distance between the shotgun muzzle and the target increases, the diameter of the soot deposit increases and the density decrease. Close and Intermediate Range Shotgun Wounds: • Distance substantially affects the appearance of shotgun wounds. • An abrasion ring may be present around close and intermediate range shotgun wounds, as the shot tends to enter the body in a clump. • When the distance between the shotgun muzzle and the target increases beyond a few centimeters, faint powder tattooing may occur. This tattooing will be less pronounced than in a gunshot wound because more powder is consumed inside the barrel of a shotgun. • Range affects the wound pattern of a shotgun. At close range, the shot pellets enter the body in one group. • As the muzzle of the shotgun is moved farther from the body, the diameter of a shotgun entrance wound increases until individual pellets separate from the main mass (See figure 5.22). The wound now has a scalloped edge, commonly 162

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referred to as a “cookie cutter” type wound. The size of the shot pattern on the body should be measured to determine the range, keeping in mind that even the best range determination is only an estimate. The most reliable method of determining range is to perform a test fire reproduction using the actual weapon and similar ammunition used in the shooting. Try to duplicate, on paper or clothing, the pattern of the wound on the body. The crime lab best does this. As the range further increases, the shot wad will separate from the main shot mass. The wad may impact the side of the entrance wound before entering the body at relatively close ranges. This will create an irregular area of abraded margin on one side of the entrance wound. Beyond a range of 3 to 8 feet, the shotgun wad will drift off to one side of the discharge until it impacts the skin adjacent to the entrance site and does not enter. At this range, the wad will leave its imprint (usually circular or oval) on the skin.

Shot hole

Individual Shot Balls

Long Figure Range 5.22 Shotgun Intermediate Wounds: Range Shotgun Wound • Shot fired from a shotgun no longer travels in a clump and may become quite dispersed at long range. 163

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The defects created in the skin are dependent upon the size of the shot used. Defects caused by birdshot will be small and round, with tiny marginal abrasions. Buckshot will produce defects that may appear like bullet wounds. The skin may be contused or abraded from the impact of the wadding, which usually does not enter the body at these distances. If shot strikes an intermediate target (door, tree, heavy clothing, etc.) before impacting the body, range estimates from the shot pattern on the body will not be accurate. The only reliable way to determine the range is to perform a test fire reconstruction for the shotgun in question using a similar intermediate target.

5.51 Firearms and Clothing • • •

•

Clothing can alter the appearance of entrance and exit wounds. It can prevent soot or powder from reaching the skin and can cause gunshot powder to redistribute unpredictably. Whether powder perforates clothing to mark the skin depends on the nature of the material, the number of layers of cloth, and the physical shape of the powder. With hard contact wounds, soot and powder are usually driven completely into the wound tract. However, with near contact wounds, clothing may absorb the soot that would ordinarily be deposited on the skin and prevent or minimize burning of the skin by hot gases. But the edges of the clothing may be singed. Complete absorption of soot and powder by clothing can occur 164

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with intermediate range gunshot wounds. For example, an intermediate range entrance wound under clothing may not have powder tattooing of the skin; it may look like an undetermined range entrance wound. Always seize the clothing of a firearm wound victim as evidence. While powder may not be readily visible over the outer surface of clothing, microscopic examination may reveal fragments of powder caught in the weave of the material.

Section H - Injury Evidence (Thermal Injuries) General Considerations: Most injuries and deaths caused by fire are accidental. However, if a person is killed in a fire that was deliberately set, the death is usually ruled as a homicide. 5.52 Burn Classification • • • • •

Burns are classified according to the depth of tissue damage. First-degree burns are superficial. Damage is limited to the outer layer of skin and has a reddish appearance. Second-degree burns are red and often show blistering. There is damage to the upper layers of the skin. These burns will usually heal without scarring. Third degree burns damage the entire thickness of the skin. They may appear white and leathery, or black and burned. These burns will heal with scarring. Fourth degree burns extend beyond the skin into the tissues below. There is complete charring of tissue and destruction of skin.

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5.53 Cause of Death • • •

Deaths due to fire can either be immediate or delayed. Immediate deaths are the result of burns to the skin or smoke inhalation. Delayed deaths occur in the period of time after the fire and are usually the result of shock, fluid loss, infection, or respiratory failure.

5.54 Thermal Injuries •

• • • •

•

Dead fire victims may appear to be in a defensive posture - the arms are up in front of the chest and face like a boxer. The “cooking” of the arm muscles by the fire causes this. This position is natural in deaths by fire and is not an indicator that the deceased was trying to protect him or herself from something before death. Excessive shrinking of the muscles can sometimes cause fractures of the extremities of fire victims. Heat fractures of the skull can appear as cracks on either side above the temples. Epidural or subdural hemorrhages can also occur and should not be confused with blunt force injury. Steam pressure within the cranial vault may cause outward breakage of the skull and the protrusion of brain tissue. Most deaths from fires are the result of smoke inhalation and not specifically from burns. Because of the quick buildup of smoke and toxic gasses, most victims lose consciousness and die before the fire actually reaches them. The presence of soot inside the lungs is an indicator that the person was alive at the time of the fire. 166

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X-ray burned bodies before autopsy. Ensure a blood sample is taken to establish the concentration of carbon monoxide in the blood.

Section I - Injury Evidence (Explosive Injuries) 5.55 General Considerations • The amount of damage a body suffers in an explosion is directly related to the amount of explosive force that reaches the body. • Fragmentation of the body may be considerable to a victim near an explosion; however, complete fragmentation usually occurs only in serious aircraft crashes and very powerful explosions. • Be as thorough as possible in any search involving explosion victims. Small bone and tissue fragments may be all that is left. These small parts may be enough for DNA identification. • Teeth are especially important evidence. A dental identification may be possible if enough teeth are recovered. • Be sure to collect all recognizable body fragments, bones, and tissues for submission to the servicing medical examiner. If many victims are involved, contact your servicing FSC for assistance in identification and separation of body fragments. Special collection techniques may be required. • If a fire accompanies an explosion, it may be difficult to identify actual bone or tissue. Contact your servicing FSC to arrange for the assistance of a forensic anthropologist. • Explosive force may hurl projectiles of all shapes and sizes.

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5.56 Explosive Injuries •

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Depending on the amount of explosive force involved, the projectile may pierce the skin and enter the body, or simply bounce off the skin. If the projectile enters the skin, an abraded margin may be present around the entrance wound. If the projectile bounces off the skin, a patterned injury or simple contusion may result. X-ray bodies to locate fragments of explosive devices. Fragmentation grenades generate both explosive force and many projectiles. If the victim is in very close proximity to the grenade at the time of detonation, both fragmentation of body parts and projectile injuries are to be expected.

Section J - Injury Evidence (Electrical Injuries) 5.57 General Considerations •

• •

Deaths and injuries caused by electricity are rare and usually accidental. However, military safety concerns often require a thorough investigation of the circumstances that resulted in the person’s death or injury. Electrocution is the death or injury of a person who, through contact with an electrical source, receives a flow of electricity through the body. Low voltage cases usually involve a household appliance or electrical cord. An examination of the suspect device is essential for a thorough investigation. Some cases may require a “team” approach, involving the assisting pathologist, the investigator, and a qualified electrician. 168

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5.58 Electrical Injuries • •

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High-voltage electrocutions (those involving more than 1,000 volts) usually present extensive burns and are relatively easy to identify. Low-voltage electrocutions (those involving less than 1,000 volts) often are the result of contact with household current (110-120 volts). No visible injury may be evident in lowvoltage deaths. The path of electricity through the body runs from the point of contact to the point of grounding. For example, if a person handles a “live” wire, the electricity will run from his hand, through the body along major blood vessels, and exit at one or both of the feet. The most dangerous path through the body is from the left arm to the right leg. If current runs through the brain or spinal cord, the person may asphyxiate due to interference with the nervous system’s control of respiration. If current runs through the heart, ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest may occur. The presence of electrical burns depends on the voltage, the amount of current flow, the area of contact, and the duration of contact. Burns may be present at both the entry and exit points of the current. Electrical burns often appear round, whitish and crater-like or may resemble a second or third degree burn.

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Section K - Injury Evidence (Drug and Poison Injuries) 5.59 Injuries Associated with Drug Abuse The abuse of most drugs does not usually create visible external injury on the human body. However, prolonged drug abuse can cause disease and infection. The key to any drug related injury or death is the toxicology of the victim’s body fluids. Heroin: • Heroin is a powerful narcotic drug, derived from opium. It is usually injected into the body. • The injuries or diseases associated with heroin addiction are the result of the drug being introduced into the system. Addicts typically inject themselves with used or shared needles. As a result, diseases such as hepatitis B (HBV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can be easily transmitted. • If the heroin is too pure or laced with some kind of dangerous cutting agent, death can result. • Because of the non-sterile conditions under which heroin is injected, skin ulcers and scars may be present. The scars are usually present over veins of the arms, backs of the hands, neck, legs, and penis. Ulcers may appear in the same places and may appear bloody, scabbed-over, and infected. Cocaine: • Cocaine is a stimulant and is usually smoked or sniffed. • Smoking of crack cocaine has been known to cause immediate 170

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death, due to fatal heart arrhythmia. Habitual cocaine snorting can cause irritation, congestion, and atrophy of the skin inside the nose. It can also cause deterioration of the nasal septum. Some cocaine users and dealers use flammable liquids to make crack (rock cocaine). Typically these liquids are heated to accelerate the manufacturing process. If the liquid ignites, serious burns can result.

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD): • While use of LSD usually causes no obvious physical changes, mental injury can result from impure manufacturing processes. • LSD users have been known to engage in suicidal activity while on the drug. LSD is hard to detect with toxicology. • Remember that LSD can be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. Always wear latex gloves when conducting investigative activity involving LSD. Marijuana: No specific injuries are usually associated with marijuana use. However, accidental deaths have been known to occur from falls or vehicle accidents while the user is experiencing the effects of the drug. Barbiturates: Barbiturates are depressants and are usually taken orally. An overdose of barbiturates can cause death, but there are no external injures usually associated with their use. 171

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5.60 Poison Related Injuries General Considerations: • A poison is a substance that causes a person to become sick or die. Usually, it works by attacking one of the major organs or the autonomic nervous system. Homicidal poisonings are rare, but do occur occasionally. Suicidal poisonings are more common. • The symptoms of some poisons are similar to the symptoms of some natural diseases. Consequently, toxicology of the affected person’s body fluids or tissues is absolutely necessary to determine if the person has been poisoned. • The biological sample (usually blood) should be taken as soon as possible after the suspected poisoning incident, regardless of whether the victim is alive or dead. • If the person is alive, the poison must be identified because an antidote may exist. • A scene investigation and a history of what the person has eaten or drank should be obtained from the victim or the victim’s family, friends, or co-workers. Provide this information to the attending medical examiner as soon as possible. 5.61 Injuries or Vital Reactions to Common Poisons Carbon Monoxide (CO): • CO blocks the exchange of oxygen in the body on a cellular level, causing the victim to asphyxiate. It is an odorless, colorless, non-irritating gas. It is slightly lighter than air. 172

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The most notable reaction to carbon monoxide poisoning is bright-red lividity, which is easy to see in light skinned persons. However, in both light and dark skinned persons, the fingernail beds will appear red or pink (usually they are a purple color in decedents). At autopsy, the blood and muscles in the affected person’s body may appear to be brighter red than normal. In healthy people, carbon monoxide blood saturation in excess of 50% can be fatal. In unhealthy people, carbon monoxide blood saturation lower than 30% can be fatal. Even when life saving measures are taken to remove the carbon monoxide from the victim’s system, the victim could still die or remain in a coma. Brain damage that occurs when a person has a high blood saturation of carbon monoxide may be irreversible. Alcohol and barbiturates may accelerate the toxic affects of carbon monoxide.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2): • CO2 is an odorless, colorless, non-irritating gas that is heavier than air. CO2 may cause asphyxia by excluding oxygen from the body. • Since carbon dioxide is a natural byproduct of respiration, there is no obvious symptom to indicate this form of poisoning. • Most physical changes associated with carbon dioxide poisoning are those normally seen in any asphyxia case, including petechial hemorrhages in the whites of the eyes and petechial hemorrhages on organs such as the heart and lungs. 173

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Cyanide: • Cyanide causes asphyxia by affecting essential enzymes involved in respiration. Cyanide is very fast acting and can cause death in a few seconds. • Cyanide can cause cherry-red lividity, similar to that found in a carbon monoxide or a freezing victim. However, this red color may not appear in all cases. • One form of cyanide poison smells like bitter almonds; this odor may emanate from the body. However, not everyone can smell this odor, as the ability to do so is a genetic trait. • Extensive corrosion of the stomach may occur in cases where cyanide has been ingested orally. This corrosion may extend to the esophagus, face, and mouth if the person vomited before death. Other Poisons: Due to their acidic or alkaline nature, other poisons may burn the victim’s mouth, nose, and gastrointestinal tract. Insulin: • While not a poison, insulin can be injected in sufficient quantities to cause a person to lapse into a coma or die. Insulin is a substance normally created by the pancreas to control the body’s utilization of glucose (sugar). Animal insulin has been traditionally used to treat diabetics, whose bodies no longer produce enough insulin. • High insulin or low glucose levels in the blood can cause nausea, shakiness, sweating, headache, dizziness, and blurred vision. Untreated high insulin levels can lead to coma and 174

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eventually death. The only way to detect insulin overdose is to have glucose levels in the vitreous humor analyzed. This test is usually not done in normal toxicology. Blood can be tested to determine if the insulin present in the body is human or animal. There are no specific findings at autopsy to suggest that someone has been given an insulin overdose. However, on close inspection of the body, a needle mark may be found. Insulin overdose is hard to detect and difficult to prove. If you suspect you have such a case, be sure to tell your medical examiner and contact the forensic science consultant.

Section L - Injury Evidence (Child Abuse Injuries) 5.62 Common Child Abuse Injuries The following injuries are common to child abuse and should be considered suspicious, especially in the absence of clinical history or when the history given is inconsistent with the injury: Skeletal Systems: • Occult (hidden) bone lesions • Bone injuries that appear out of proportion to the clinical history provided, especially rib fractures, skull fractures and long bone fractures. • Multiple fractures at different stages of healing, which may indicate multiple beatings over time. • Combination of skeletal and soft tissue injury (craniocerebral, visceral, and cutaneous) 175

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Skin and Subcutaneous Tissues: • Abusive injuries involve a body area that is not usually involved in accidental falls of childhood—fleshy body parts such as the arms or legs, buttocks, abdomen, inner thighs, face, mouth, cheeks, genitals, or the back above the buttocks. • Multiple injuries in various stages of healing may indicate repeated beatings. Children who fall and injure themselves accidentally usually have bruises on the bony prominences— chin, forehead, elbow, knee, and shin. • Comparing bruises with a bruise spectrum can assist in estimating whether the bruise is new or old. Immersion, Contact, and Cigarette Burns: • The shapes and locations of these injuries are important considerations in distinguishing between accidental and nonaccidental burns. • Accidental burns are usually asymmetrical, random, and most often on the hands, chest and legs. They usually are devoid of patterns and are poorly defined. Inflicted burns are usually well defined and symmetrical. The burns may appear in a pattern that resembles a glove over the hands or a sock over the feet. • Immersion burns frequently occur over both legs, and can reach up to the abdomen. The knees and popliteal space (area behind the knee) are typically spared as the child may flex his legs when contact is made with the hot water. • Pattern burns result from contact with hot surfaces such as stove burners, irons, and cigarettes. Typical locations are the 176

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back, forearms, and buttocks. Head and Central Nervous System: • A torn frenulum in the mouth is almost always caused by abuse and generally occurs from the forcible insertion of an object into the mouth. • Have the decedent evaluated for the presence of retinal hemorrhages to determine the possibility of shaking prior to death. At autopsy, pay particular attention to the possibility of the victim having detached retinas. • Scalp bruises, subgaleal hematoma, and bald patches are common signs of abuse on the head. More serious head injuries are subdural hematoma and subarachnoid hemorrhages, which may occur with or without external signs of head injury, such as bruises or skull fractures. • The most likely cause of subdural hematoma in children is abuse. Classic subdural hematoma is associated with skull fractures and other outward signs of direct trauma to the head. Severe shaking may cause subdural hematoma with no sign of external injury. A combination of shaking and blunt impact may cause subdural hematoma with external evidence of head trauma (bruising, swelling, or fracture). • Although fractures of the skull do not usually indicate more serious intracranial injury, skull x-rays are important diagnostic tools. Accidental falls from elevated surfaces usually cause single linear fractures of the skull. Nonaccidental trauma is more likely to cause multiple or complex fractures; depressed, wide, or growing fracture; involvement of more than one cranial bone; non-parietal skull fracture; and 177

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associated intracranial injury (subdural hematoma). A serious head injury in a young child without significant history of accident is likely to be a result of abuse. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shaken baby syndromeâ&#x20AC;? is a term that describes a variety of findings, which may include retinal hemorrhages, subdural or subarachnoid hemorrhages, edema, cerebral contusion, cerebral infarction, rib fractures, and injuries resulting from violent shaking or pulling of the limbs. These injuries may exist with little or no external signs of trauma.

Chest and Abdomen: Rib fractures: The force needed to fracture ribs is also likely to injure underlying organs. In rib fractures of the lower thoracic cage, there is a possibility of serious injury to the liver, kidney, or spleen. Abdominal Injuries: Bruises over the abdomen are not common even with major abdominal injury. Children with abuse-related abdominal injury are usually very young (less than 2 years old), are usually treated later than victims of accidental abdominal injuries, and have a high death rate. A blow to the middle abdomen can cause a blowout rupture of a hollow organ (stomach or intestine), the most common abdominal injury. Injuries to solid organs, such as the liver and spleen, may be due to crushing, compressing, or shearing forces.

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Chapter 6 AUTOPSY CONSIDERATIONS 6.1 Jurisdiction of the Body The death of a person on an Army installation raises the question of who has the authority to investigate the death and perform an autopsy. The answer to this question depends upon whether the jurisdiction on the installation is exclusively federal or shared by both the state and Federal governments. Coordinate with your staff judge advocate (SJA) to determine which type of jurisdiction applies to your installation. 6.2 Exclusive Federal Jurisdiction Active Duty Military: When an active duty military member or a reservist on active duty dies on an Army installation under exclusively federal jurisdiction, the installation commander or the Armed Forces Medical Examiner has the authority to order an autopsy of the deceased. Civilians: Under certain circumstances, the installation commander may order an autopsy to be performed without the consent of the next of kin. The commanders of Army and Air Force installations have statutory authority to appoint summary courts-martial to investigate deaths occurring on land under exclusive federal jurisdiction (10 United States Code 4511, 9511). This has been interpreted as including the authority to order an autopsy when necessary to complete an investigation of death. However, there should be a 179

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firm connection between the military, the civilian decedent, and the rationale for military involvement. For instance, if a dependent's death were the result of suspected abuse or neglect, military prosecutorial responsibility would justify the investigation. If there is no legitimate federal interest, the autopsy of a civilian employee or of a person who just happened to be on the installation at the time of their death should probably be undertaken with the consent of the next of kin and in consultation with the SJA. 6.3 Concurrent and Proprietary Jurisdiction Active Duty Military: This shared jurisdiction by state and military authorities gives the state the right of first refusal to investigate a military member's death on the installation. As a result, if an active duty military member or a reservist on active duty dies on an installation in an area of concurrent jurisdiction, the civilian coroner or medical examiner has the option to conduct an investigation or coordinate the matter with the military. If the civilian coroner or medical examiner declines to investigate, consent from the next of kin may be necessary for an autopsy. Civilians: If a civilian dies on an installation under concurrent jurisdiction, the civilian medical examiner or coroner again makes a decision whether or not to conduct an autopsy. However, if the civilian authority declines to become involved, jurisdiction does not pass to the Air Force. The body is instead released to the next of kin, who then must grant permission for an autopsy to be performed.

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6.4 Deaths Occurring Off-Installation Anyone, whether active duty or civilian, who dies off-installation falls under the jurisdiction of the local medical examiner or coroner. The Army can request that the local authorities perform an autopsy or release the body for a military autopsy. 6.5 Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA) •

• • • •

When an Army base is located in another country, the SOFA with that country usually determines jurisdiction. The SOFA usually stipulates that both the U.S. Government and the host country have jurisdiction over active duty and civilian members of the U.S. Army. Each authority (the U.S. or the host country) reserves the right to exercise jurisdiction when its laws have been violated. As a result, military members are responsible for both host country laws and U.S. In circumstances when both authorities have jurisdiction over a particular offense, the Army has the right to exercise jurisdiction over any person of the force with respect to: Offenses committed against the property or security of the United States. Offenses committed against the person or property of another member of the United States. Offenses committed during the performance of an official duty. The host country has the right to exercise jurisdiction with respect to any other offense not covered by U.S. law. The United States usually has no jurisdiction over foreign nationals on its installations overseas. As a general rule in foreign 181

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countries, the Army has jurisdiction over the remains of active duty members, reservists on active duty, civilian employees and civilian dependents of active duty Army members on official orders. 6.6 Circumstances Requiring Autopsy • • • • • •

An autopsy should be conducted in the following circumstances: When the circumstances of the death suggest a crime, suicide, or other act requiring an investigation. When the cause of death might constitute a menace to public health. When a physician is unable to establish cause of death. When decedent was confined in disciplinary custody. When the installation commander, investigating officer, or medical officer requires an autopsy to determine the true cause of death, to secure information for completion of military records, or to protect the welfare of the military community.

6.7 Procedures in Lieu of Autopsy If an autopsy is not going to be conducted (for whatever reason), ensure that needed evidence and documentation is still collected. This may entail swabbing for gunshot residue, taking major case fingerprints, photographing wounds, taking x-rays, and collecting blood and urine samples at the hospital or funeral home. 6.8 Medical Examiner versus Coroner •

The terms medical examiner and coroner may or may not always be synonymous. In some jurisdictions, the coroner is 182

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not a physician, but an elected or appointed official responsible for taking legal charge of the body. As a result, the official may not be qualified to render a sound medicolegal opinion as to cause and manner of death. The medical examiner system is preferred. Recommended standards are that the chief medicolegal officer be a qualified physician who is also a board certified pathologist, skilled in forensic pathology. Civilian medical examiners are usually appointed, not elected. The military operates a medical examiner system with qualified physicians located throughout the world. During the course of a death investigation, you may want to contact the FSC and discuss the involvement of the Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner (OAFME) if the local authorities in your area do not follow generally accepted autopsy procedures. OAFME can review autopsy reports and assist with the investigation if the civilian or host nation autopsy conclusions appear incomplete or questionable.

6.9 Agent Responsibilities at the Autopsy • • • • •

Brief the pathologist on the circumstances of the death and provide whatever documentation and records are needed to review. Tell the pathologist what information and evidence you need from the autopsy. Ensure photographs are taken. Use color film. Photograph full view of the body (front and back, with and without clothing, before and after cleaning). 183

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•

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Photograph face for identification. Photograph each injury (establishing and close-up, with and without scale, before and after cleaning). Photograph other items of evidence discovered during the autopsy. Assist the pathologist in confirming the identity of the decedent. This may be accomplished through visual identification, fingerprint cards, dental records, DNA, etc. Record the names, organizations, and roles of everyone present. Document the findings during the autopsy, opinions of the pathologist (type of weapon used, time of death, bullet trajectory, etc.), and evidence discovered and recovered. Collect evidence (clothing, stains on body, gunshot residue swabbing, fingernail scrapings, bullet fragments, etc.). Sexual assault evidence collection kits can be very useful for collecting evidence from dead victims and suspects. Collect known samples (major case fingerprints, blood, and hairs). See chapter 4. Request full body x-rays of children. Head and torso x-rays should be taken of all deceased, especially badly burned bodies to determine if there are any foreign objects (bullets, knife blades, etc.) present. Ask the pathologist to analyze the stomach contents. This can possibly identify the decedent's last meal and when it was eaten (based on rate of digestion) or identify drugs or medications in the stomach. Stomach content can be helpful in estimating time of death and corroborating or disproving the last feeding of a child. 184

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Ensure a toxicology screen is done. Get a preliminary opinion from the pathologist on the cause and manner of death. Make arrangements to receive a copy of the autopsy report and death certificate.

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Appendix A References Section I Required Publications Not applicable Related Publications CID Regulation 195-1 Field Manual 19-20 Prescribed Forms Not applicable Referenced Forms CID Form 44 – Interview Worksheet DA Form 4137 – Evidence/Property Custody Document DA Form 4002 – Evidence Tag DD Form 2701 – Victim/Witness Assistance Program

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Appendix B CID Investigative Offenses UCMJ Article 77: Principals of an offense listed in this appendix UCMJ Article 78: Accessory after the fact to an offense listed in this appendix. UCMJ Article 80: Attempt to commit and offense listed in this appendix. UCMJ Article 81: Conspiracy to commit an offense listed in this appendix. UCMJ Article 82: Solicitation to mutiny or commit an act of sedition (See Article 94). UCMJ Article 84: Effecting an unlawful enlistment, appointment, or separation. UCMJ Article 92: Violation of a punitive general order or regulation. (This pertains to those criminal offenses not covered by a specific articles such as currency violations, black-marketing in the aggregate amount of $1,000 or more in a 30-day period, or conflict of interest). UCMJ Article 93: Cruelty, Oppression, or maltreatment. UCMJ Article 94: Mutiny, sedition. UCMJ Article 96: a: Releasing without proper authority a prisoner duly committed to his charge. b: Suffering a prisoner duly committed to his charge to escape through design. UCMJ Article 97: Unlawful detention. UCMJ Article 103: a. Captured or abandoned property of a value of $1,000 or more or any property of a sensitive nature as described in appendix G, AR 195-2, failing to secure, report and turnover, B- 1

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selling, or otherwise wrongfully dealing in or disposing of. b. Looting or pillaging. UCMJ Article 107: False official statements when in conjunction with another offense normally investigated by CID. UCMJ Article 108: a. Selling or otherwise disposing of military property of the United States of an aggregate value of $1,000 or more, or any property of a sensitive nature as described in appendix G, AR 195-2. b. Willfully damaging, destroying or losing, or willfully suffering to be lost, damaged, destroyed, sold, or wrongfully disposed of military property of the United States of a value or damage of $1,000 or more. UCMJ Article 109: Wasting, spoiling destroying, or damaging any property other than military property of the United States of an aggregate value or damage of $1,000 or more. UCMJ Article 110: Hazarding or suffering to be hazarded any vessel of the Armed Forces. UCMJ Article 112a: Wrongful use, possession, manufacture, distribution, introduction, importation, exportation of controlled substances (except as provided in paragraph 3-3a(2), AR 195-2). UCMJ Article 115: Malingering involving intentional selfinflicted injury requiring hospitalization. UCMJ Article 116: Riot UCMJ Article 118: Murder UCMJ Article 119: Manslaughter UCMJ Article 120: Rape or carnal knowledge UCMJ Article 121: a. Larceny of wrongful appropriation of property, including aircraft or vessels, of an aggregate value of $1,000 or more. b. Larceny of a motor vehicle of a value of $1,000 or more. c. Larceny or wrongful appropriation of any B-2

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property of a sensitive nature, as defined in appendix G, AR 195-2. d. Wrongful appropriation of a motor vehicle when damage of $1,000 or more results. UCMJ Article 122: Robbery. UCMJ Article 123: Forgery UCMJ Article 123a: Check, worthless, making drawing, uttering, or delivering, with intent to defraud (for procurement of any article or thing of value) in the aggregate amount of $1,000 or more. UCMJ Article 124: Maiming. UCMJ Article 125: Sodomy UCMJ Article 126: a. Aggravated arson. b. Simple arson where property damages is of a value of $1,000 or more. UCMJ Article 127: Extortion UCMJ Article 128: a. Assault (consummated by a battery) on a child under the age of 16 years. b. Aggravated assault when the victim is hospitalized as a result. UCMJ Article 129: Burglary, when associated with another crime normally investigated by the USACIDC. UCMJ Article 130: Housebreaking, when associated with another crime normally investigated by CID. UCMJ Article 131: Perjury. UCMJ Article 132: Frauds against the United States when the amount involved is $500 or more. UCMJ Article 134: Assault a: Indecent. b. With intent to commit voluntary manslaughter, robbery, sodomy, arson, or burglary. c. With intent to murder or rape. UCMJ Article 134: Bigamy UCMJ Article 134: Bribe or graft; accepting, asking, receiving, offering, promising, or giving. B- 3

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UCMJ Article 134: Burning with the intent to defraud. UCMJ Article 134: False or unauthorized military pass, permit discharge certificate, or identification card; making altering, selling, processing, counterfeiting, or using with intent to defraud or deceive. UCMJ Article 134: False pretenses, obtaining services under, of a value of $1,000 or more. UCMJ Article 134: Homicide, negligent. UCMJ Article 134: Impersonating an officer, warrant officer, noncommissioned or petty officer or agent of superior authority, with intent to defraud. UCMJ Article 134: Indecent acts or liberties with a child under the age of 16. UCMJ Article 134: Kidnapping. UCMJ Article 134: Mail, taking, opening, secreting, destroying, or stealing. UCMJ Article 134: Mails, depositing or causing to be deposited obscene or indecent matters in. UCMJ Article 134: Misprision of a felony. UCMJ Article 134: Obstructing justice. UCMJ Article 134: Pandering. UCMJ Article 134: Perjury, subornation of. UCMJ Article 134: Public record, wrongfully altering concealing, removing, mutilating, obliterating, or destroying. UCMJ Article 134: Soliciting another to commit an offense listed in this appendix (other than article 94). UCMJ Article 134: Stolen property, knowingly receiving, buying, and concealing, of an aggregate value of $1,000 or more. UCMJ Article 134: Threat or hoax, bomb. B-4

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Glossary Section I Abbreviations AFAP AIDS ALS cc CCI CPU CO CO2 CRT DPF DNA EOD EPA F FACAT FAO FAC FSC GSR HBV HIV LAN LSD

Army Family Advocacy Program acquired immunodeficiency syndrome alternate light source cubic centimeter Computer Crime Investigator central processing unit carbon monoxide carbon dioxide cathode ray tube Diaper Pail Fraternity deoxyribonucleic acid Explosive Ordnance Disposal Environmental Protection Agency Fahrenheit Family Advocacy Command Assistance Team Family Advocacy Officer Family Advocacy Committee Forensic Science Consultant gunshot residue hepatitis B virus human immunodeficiency virus local area network lysergic acid diethylamide Glossary-1

CIDP 195-10 mm NAMBLA NCIC OAFME OSHA PCMCIA PDA PPE SJA UPS USACIL UV

30 June 1999 millimeter North American Man-Boy Love Association National Crime Information Center Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner Occupational Safety and Health Administration Personal Computer Memory Card International Association personal digital assistant personal protective equipment Staff Judge Advocate uninterrupted power supply US Army Criminal Investigations Laboratory ultraviolet

Section II Terms Abrasion. A scraping away of a portion of skin or of a mucous membrane as a result of injury or mechanical means. Algor Mortis. Cooling of the body following death. Alkaloid. One of a group of organic alkaline substances obtained from plants. Alkaloids react with acids to form salts that are used for medicinal purposes (atropine, morphine, nicotine, quinine). Alternate Light Source (ALS). A specialized light used to cause certain materials to fluoresce, similar to a laser. Anticipated Exposure. When the individual is expecting to be Glossary- 2

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exposed to blood, body fluids, or body tissue and has ample time to take the appropriate precautions to reduce the risk. Anticoagulant. Something that counteracts coagulation of the blood. Apgar Score. System of scoring an infant’s physical condition one minute after birth. The heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, response to stimuli, and color are each rated 0,1 or 2. The maximum total score is 10. Those with low scores require immediate attention if they are to survive. Asphyxia. Unconsciousness or death resulting from interference with the supply of oxygen to the body. Attended Deaths. Expected deaths arising from diagnosed medical conditions, most of which stem from natural causes. No foul play is suspected in these cases. “Attended” does not necessarily mean anyone witnessed the death. Autoerotic Misadventure. Death occurring from autoerotic practice. Autoerotic practice involves self-induced sexual pleasure. Most autoerotic deaths result from asphyxia. Autopsy. The examination of a corpse to determine the cause and manner of death. Avulsion. A form of laceration where the force impacting the body hits at such and angle as to rip skin and soft tissue from the underlying bone. Biohazard. A biological material that poses an infection threat to humans or their environment. Blast Seat. The actual point of detonation of an explosive device at the scene. Also called seat of the explosion or blast hole. Bloodborne pathogen. Any specific causative agent or disease (typically a bacteria or virus) which is spread through contact with Glossary-3

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blood, body fluids, or body tissue. Blunt Force Injury. A wound which is the product of crushing, tearing force. Tissues are not cleanly divided. Bullet. The metal projectile fired from a pistol or rifle. Cafeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Coronary. Death resulting from pieces of food becoming lodged in the throat and blocking the airway. Carbon Monoxide. A colorless, odorless gas formed by burning carbon or fossil fuels. Carbon monoxide (CO) can interfere with oxygen exchange in the lungs. Carotid Artery. Large artery in the neck. Cartridge or Casing . A tubular case containing the powder and primer of small arms ammunition or shotgun shells. The cartridge or casing is usually constructed out of metal, paper, plastic, or any combination of these materials. Cathode Ray Tube. A vacuum tube in which cathode rays, usually in the form of a slender beam, are projected on a fluorescent screen; a computer monitor. Cause of Death. The disease or injury responsible for initiating the train of events, brief or prolonged, that produced the fatal end result, i.e., gunshot wound to the head, stab wound of the chest. Medical reason for death. Central Processing Unit (CPU). The part of a computer system that operates on data. The CPU is a chip with a number denoting its model and speed (i.e., in DOS-based machines: 486, Pentium; in Macintosh: 68030,68040, Power PC601). Cerebral Infarction. Death of brain tissue. Chemical Asphyxia. Asphyxia, which occurs when the victim inhales a gas or ingests a chemical that prevents the body from using oxygen. Most commonly seen in carbon monoxide Glossary- 4

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poisoning. Class Characteristics. Common characteristics shared by group of like items. Colposcope. Medical device used during examination of body cavities (normally the vagina) which allows for close up examination of tissues and photographing of injury evidence during sexual assault examination. Used non-intrusively during child sexual abuse examinations. Computer Hacker. Someone involved in unauthorized access of privileged or protected computer systems. Contaminated Sharps or “Sharps”. Any contaminated object that can penetrate the skin including needles, scalpels, broken glass, broken tubes. Contaminated. The presence or suspected presence of an infectious material on an item or surface. Contrecoup Injury. A contusion located on the opposite side of the brain from the site of blunt force impact. Control (as in control sample). A sample taken to help eliminate common factors in crime lab testing. For instance, if a blood swabbing was taken from a wall, a “control” swabbing from a nonbloody area of the wall is taken to identify substance on the wall that may appear as contaminants. Contusion. A blunt force injury in which soft tissues have been crushed, resulting in bleeding into the surrounding tissues; the skin is not broken. A bruise. Coroner. Public official, usually not a medical officer, responsible for determining manner of death. Coup Injury. Brain contusion located directly under the site of blunt force impact. Glossary-5

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Craniocrebral Injury. Combination of brain and skull injury. Cunnilingus. Oral stimulation of the vulva or clitoris. Cutaneous. Pertaining to the skin. Cyanide. Among one of the most common and deadly poisons known. Cyanide stops oxygen exchange on a cellular level by interfering with enzymes involved in respiration. Cyanide is very fast acting and can cause death in a few seconds. Cyanoacrylate Ester. Antic ingredient in superglue. It’s also used by investigators worldwide to develope fingerprints at crime scenes and in crime labs. Cyanosis. Blueness of the skin resulting from oxygen deprivation Decontamination. The use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate or destroy bloodborne pathogens on a surface or items to the pint where they are no longer capable of transmitting infection; the surface or item is rendered safe for handling, use or disposal. Degaussing Equipment. Electronic device, which creates a strong magnetic field that can be used to erase magnetic media. (audiotapes, videotapes, computer tapes, floppy disks, etc.). Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA). A molecule found in every nucleated cell of the body that carries the genetic codes that govern the body’s structure and functions. This molecular “blueprint” is different for everyone except identical twins. Diaper Pail Fraternity. Organization of adults who have a fixation for wearing diapers, bedwetting, and infantile behavior. Dura Mater. The outermost membrane of the spinal cord (dura mater spinalis) and brain (dura mater cerebra). Edema. Excess of body fluid in the tissues. Ejaculate. The fluid released by ejaculation. Glossary- 6

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Equivocal Death. Death where the cause is evident, but the manner is not. Esophagus. Muscular canal extending from the pharynx to the stomach, used to carry food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. Exigent. Requiring immediate aid or action. Exposure Incident. A specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane; broken skin; bare skin; or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious material that may occur during the performance of an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s duties. Fellatio. Oral stimulation of the penis. Fibrous. Having or composed of fibers. Fixed Lividity. Lividity is fixed if it does not blanch when pressed with a finger. This indicates blood in the body has finished settling. Fossil Fuel. Fuel ultimately derived from living things (coal, oil, and natural gas). Frenulum. An attachment that connects one body part to another (i.e., frenulum attaching the tongue to the floor of the mouth). Garroting. Strangulation using a ligature, where pressure on the neck is caused by a force other than the body weight. Germicidal Agent. A germ-killing agent. Gunshot Residue (GSR). The products which are generated during the discharge of a firearm and which are expelled from opening in the firearm. These products originate from the bullet, the propellant, the primer mixture and the cartridge case. The gunshot residue of interest, which is collected from a shooterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands, originates primarily from the primer mixture and consists of particles containing antimony, barium and lead. Glossary-7

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Gynecologist. Specialist in the field of gynecology, a branch of medicine concerned with disease, reproductive physiology, and endocrinology of females. Hemoglobin. Part of the red blood cell that contains iron and carries oxygen. Hemorrhage. A relatively large discharge of blood from the blood vessels. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). A highly infectious virus that causes disease marked by inflammation of the liver, jaundice, and fever. Heroin. Powerful narcotic drug derived from morphine (opium plant). It can be snorted, but is usually injected into the body. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Hydrogen Peroxide. A liquid used chiefly in water-based solutions as an antiseptic, bleaching or oxidizing agent, and laboratory reagent. Hymen. A fold of skin partly closing the opening to the vagina. Hyoid Bone. Horseshoe shaped bone in the neck, lying below the base of the tongue. Hyperthermia. Exceptionally high body temperature or fever. Hypochlorite. Liquid bleach. Hypothermia. Subnormal temperature of the body. Hypoxia. Lack of oxygen in the brain. Indented Writing. Impression writing found on materials as a result of their being under the actual material being written on. Individual Characteristics. Those characteristics that made an item different from all others like it. Insulin. Substance normally created by the pancreas to control the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s utilization of glucose (sugar). Glossary- 8

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Immersion. To plunge or dip into a fluid; immersion burns are caused by plunging or dipping into a hot fluid. Incised Wound. A cut that results when a sharp instrument or force is applied to a small, limited area of tissue. Tissues are cleanly divided. The injury is longer than it is deep. Known Sample. A sample from an identified source, typically used by a crime lab in a comparison analysis to establish the origin or a questioned sample. For example, if a sample of blood is found at a crime scene (the “questioned” sample), a known sample must be taken from a suspect for matching. Laceration. A blunt force injury involving the tearing of flesh. The tissues are not cleanly divided. Langor’s Lines of Cleavage. Elastic fibers in the skin that run in the direction that the skin is stretched over the body. Cuts across Langor’s lines tend to be gaping. Larynx. The voice box. Latent Print. A fingerprint, which is not visible, unless treated (developed) in some way. Ligature. Something used to bind, such as a rope, cord, cable, or item of clothing. Livor Mortis or Lividity. Purple discoloration of the skin caused by settling of blood after death. Manner of Death. How the cause of death came into being. The possible manners of death are natural, accidental, homicidal, suicidal, and undetermined. Mass Structured Interview (MSI). Three-Phase technique to eliminate innocent parties. Uses predetermined questions and kinetics to evaluate the interviewee’s responses. Mechanical (Positional) Asphyxia. Suffocation caused by outside Glossary-9

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pressure on the body which prevents the person from breathing. Medical Examiner. Public official, usually a medical officer, responsible for determining manner of death. Medicolegal examination. Medical examination in which the findings relate to both medical and legal considerations. Mongolian Spots. Spots on the skin resulting from excess pigmentation. Motile Sperm. Live, moving sperm. Mucous Membrane. The membrane lining bodily channels. North American Man-Boy Love Association (NAMBLA). Organization that openly advocates adult-child sex and changing laws that make it a crime. Parietal Bones. Bones forming the top and sides of the skull. Pathologist. A specialist who interprets and diagnoses the changes caused by disease in tissues and body fluids. Pediatrician. One who specializes in the care and medical treatment of children. Pedophilia. A diagnosable, sexual dysfunction in which children are the individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preferred source of sexual gratification. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). Small, hand-held, electronic data storage device. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). An appropriate combination of specialized clothing or equipment worn for protection against a hazard. General work clothes are not considered to be PPE. Petechiae. Pinpoint hemorrhages typically associated with asphyxia. Popliteal Space. Region behind the knee. Projectile. A fired, thrown, or otherwise projected object, i.e., Glossary-10

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bullet fired from a gun or item propelled by an explosion. Red Bag. A red, plastic leak proof bag, labeled with a biohazard label. It is used for the containment and disposal of infectious material. Rene Guyon Society. Organization that openly advocates adultchild sex and changing laws that make it a crime. Members believe the majority of people arrested for molesting children have only fulfilled the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural desire for sex. Retinal Hemorrhage. Hemorrhage inside the eye. Ring Light. Round electronic flash that attaches to the front lens of the camera. Use only with limited range photographic shots, less than four feet from the subject. Rigor Mortis. Muscular stiffening following death caused by chemical changes in the muscle tissues. Secretor. An individual whose blood group can be determined from the individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s saliva, semen, or vaginal secretions. Semen or Seminal Fluid. Fluid that transports sperm. Serology. The medical science dealing with the analysis of bodily fluids. Strangulation. Constriction of compression of the neck, resulting in the obstruction of blood vessels or air passages. Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. Bleeding underneath the arachnoid membrane covering the brain. Subcutaneous. Beneath the skin. Subdural hematoma. Mass of blood (usually clotted) confined beneath the dura mater (the outermost membrane of the brain). Subgaleal Hematoma. Mass of blood underneath the scalp. Subnormal Thermometer. Thermometer capable of measuring temperatures below normal body temperature range. Glossary-11

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Tardieu Spots. Pinpoint hemorrhages typically associated with asphyxia due to full suspension hanging. Thoracic Cage. Rib cage. Throttling. Manual strangulation using a hand, arm, or other limb against the neck. Thyroid Cartilage. Adamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apple. Trailer. A device or substance used to spread a fire from one part of a structure to another (also called a streamer). Ultraviolet (UV) Light. Light situated beyond the visible spectrum at its violet end. Visceral. Pertaining to internal organs. Vitreous Humor (vitreous fluid). Clear fluid that fills the section of the eyeball between the retina and the lens. Woodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lamp. An ultraviolet light source. Section III Special Abbreviations and Terms This section contains no entries.

Glossary-12