evidence preservation

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Evidence Preservation

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Page 1: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

Page 2: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

The most important part of evidence collection is protecting the crime scene

Page 3: Evidence Preservation

Evidence

Anything that can be used to connect:– A victim to a suspect– A suspect to a victim– A suspect to a crime scene

Page 4: Evidence Preservation

The Fundamental Principle

It is impossible to be on a crime scene without:– Leaving evidence of yourself on the scene!– Taking evidence of the scene with you!

Page 5: Evidence Preservation

Evidence

Fingerprints Bite Marks Broken Fingernails Documents Blood/Body fluids Blood Splatters Firearms

Tool Marks Fracture matches Hair Fibers Paint Glass

Page 6: Evidence Preservation

Crime Scene

Location where any part of criminal act was committed

All entry/exit routes from area where crime was committed

Page 7: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

Patient care is FIRST priority of ALL responding agencies

Page 8: Evidence Preservation

Initial Approach

Minimum number of people necessary (one) Minimum amount of equipment necessary Minimum amount of contact required

One person approaches and determines course of action.

Rest of team stays back.

Page 9: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

A crime scene is no place for a crowd!

Page 10: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

Don’t disturb scene any more than necessary during assessment

Watch where you step Pay attention to floor Avoid kicking anything lying on floor

Page 11: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

Note transient details of scene as you approach patient– Lighting (on/off)– Drapes (open/closed)– TVs, radios (on/off)– Furniture position– Evidence of forced entry

Page 12: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

Wear gloves If you must move something to get to

patient or do your assessment– Tell police– Note it in your report

If you move a DOA, note it in your report and tell police

Page 13: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

If you are there before the police:– Safeguard scene– Seal off entire area– Record names of all people who came into

contact with scene

Page 14: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

If you are there before the police:– Try to hold all witnesses at scene– Limit conversation between them

Page 15: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

If you are there before the police:– Record “first” statements by victim– Note who victim made statement to– Note statements by witnesses– Report to police, record in report in quotes

Page 16: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

Do NOT:– Smoke– Eat– Drink– Leave wrappers– Use the bathroom

Page 17: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

Never cut through bullet hole, stab wound Do NOT shake or turn clothing inside out Bag or otherwise secure clothing so the

police can recover it at the hospital If you try an IV and miss, mark the site and

note it in your report Be conscious of debris you leave on the

scene--needles, bandage packages, etc.

Page 18: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

Avoid handling bullets, bullet fragments Place in plastic container Turn over to police

Page 19: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

Leave firearms in exact position found Assume ALL weapons loaded If firearm must be moved, only one

person should handle it Outline weapon before moving it if

possible

Page 20: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

Do NOT handle weapon any way except by grips

Do NOT attempt to clear or unload weapon

NEVER place anything in gun’s barrel or inside trigger guard

Page 21: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

If victim reports scratching assailant, cover victim’s hands with paper bags, tape loosely at wrists

Page 22: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

Wet clothing should be placed in paper (not plastic) bag and turned over to police.

Wet clothing should not be allowed to stay in ANY kind of bag for >two hours.

Page 23: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

Avoid tracking blood on shoes Keep bloody clothing from various

patients separated Do NOT clean or smudge blood

splatters on scene Advise police of blood spilled during

venipuncure

Page 24: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

Victims of alleged sexual assault should not wash or use the restroom until examined at hospital

Page 25: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

Do NOT let evidence leave your custody until it passes directly to a peace officer

Note in your report that you handled evidence and to whom you passed it

Provide your name and unit number to the officer to include in his/her report

Page 26: Evidence Preservation

Evidence Preservation

If chain of custody on piece of evidence is broken, it becomes inadmissible in court!