INITIAL RESPONSE:
Report, Evaluate, and Stabilize
q Report to the scene
q Ensure safety
q Neutralize any threat
q Consider hazardous materials/conditions
q Assess victim
q Notify EMS (other resources) if needed
q Locate potential suspects/witnesses
q Contact person notifying law enforcement
q Identify all authorized personnel
q Assign officer/detective to victim
Preserve the Scene
q Detain and identify all persons
q Set perimeters for scene: think large (ropes, barricades, tape, etc.)
q Do not allow entry by non-authorized personnel (can have inner and outer perimeters - one to keep citizens out and one
to keep officers out)
q Log entry/departure of persons in crime scene
q Document observations and record any changes: include sketches
q Do not contaminate the scene (touch or step on evidence)
q Do not move things before they are documented, sketched, and photographed/video taped
q Document condition, position, emotional state, and excited utterances of victim
q Document any changes in scene (victim, objects, or conditions)
q Note all possible evidence or suspects
q Note weather conditions
q Note any vehicles: description/registration
Organize
q Update suspect information: (broadcast/teletype)
q Request additional resources as needed: supervisor, investigators, evidence technicians, prosecutor, search team
q Delegate responsibilities: every officer has role and must complete a report
q Be aware of the possibility of multiple crime scenes
q Control sensitive/confidential Information
q Make necessary notifications: coroner, family, advocates or trauma response personnel
q Determine need for search warrant
NATIONAL POLICE FOUNDATION MODEL
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATIVE CHECKLIST
Kevin Armbruster
CRIME SCENE PROCESSING:
Normalize, Document
q Conduct planned search of scene
q Digitally record (video) the scene. Alternative is a body camera
q Photograph scene: exterior, interior, overall, mid-range, close-up
q Diagram/sketch, measurements
q Identify points of exit/entry
q Mark evidentiary items
q Collect/preserve evidence
q Photograph each item prior to collection
q Glove hands prior to collection and use different gloves for different items
q Package items- Refer to your State or Department’s guidelines for specific item collection. An example of the State of WI.
https://wilenet.org/html/crime-lab/physevbook/physical-evidence-handbook-2017.pdf
q Mark each package; include case number, date, item designation, a brief item description, and initials of the person
collecting
q Seal the container and initial the seal
q Document the chain of custody on a separate form with the same information as marked on the packages
q Document chain of custody: who collected/packaged evidence
q Utilize National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) for casings and gun recoveries to link crimes for easier
solvability
INTERVIEWS:
Victim/Witness
q Identify
q Determine if any relationship of victim and suspect
q Document statement of events surrounding and including event
q Ask for consent forms (medical, elimination swabs, cell phone…) if needed
q Provide officer’s information /business card
q Provide Victim’s Rights pamphlet or advocacy information, if policy dictates
Suspect(s)
q Note and preserve any evidence on suspect
q Swab hands prior to restroom use
q Isolate suspect(s)
q Document any spontaneous statement
q Use Miranda/Waiver of rights
q Observe/document behavior/condition of suspect; including injury or disabilities
q Do criminal history checks
q Retain clothing
NATIONAL POLICE FOUNDATION MODEL
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATIVE CHECKLIST
Kevin Armbruster
FOLLOW UP:
Body Cameras
q Download camera video from responding officers
Canvass Neighborhood of Crime Scene
q Prepare questions
q Assign locations
q Document contact or no contact
q Re-canvass the following day (casings or witnesses not found)
q Use of explosive detection K9 for casings or unrecovered gun
Hospital Follow-up
q Develop a relationship with the hospital staff and security prior to an incident; it will be valuable when follow-up is
necessary
q Identify/interview all medical personnel in attendance
q Request medical release forms from victim(s)
q Secure copies of all medical records: X-rays, reports, and other test results
q Get statement of physician in charge: victim’s condition, prognosis
q Identify/interview any visitors
q Check video if victim was dropped off (potential vehicle identification)
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
NATIONAL POLICE FOUNDATION MODEL
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATIVE CHECKLIST
Kevin Armbruster