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