PHYSICAL EVIDENCE MANUAL - Crime Scene Investigator Network

Physical Evidence Manual
Major Crime Scene Duties/Responsibilities
Protecting the Crime Scene
The first officer at the scene of a crime has several immediate responsibilities:
• Ensure your safety and the safety of others.
• Check the condition of the victim and render first aid if required.
• Protect the scene to keep conditions as they were when you arrived.
• Restrict sightseers.
• Protect the evidence until it is collected.
Team Leader Duties
• Evaluate the scene and any safety concerns. No one should enter the
crime scene without the proper safety and personal protective equipment.
• Establish and define the boundaries of the crime scene using crime scene
tape, ropes, barriers, etc. Start with expanded or enlarged boundaries;
these may always be made smaller later in the investigation if they are
determined to be too large.
• Identify principal investigator(s).
• Evaluate the legal authority for the crime scene search (e.g. scope of
search warrant).
• Perform a preliminary survey of the scene to evaluate potential evidence.
• Provide a means of controlled entry and exit for personnel and equipment
entering or leaving the scene. Look for shoe/tire impression evidence prior
to establishing this route. 3
• Give assignments to team members (e.g. evidence recorder/custodian,
photographer, scene security, etc.).
• Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies, District Attorney’s Office
personnel, laboratory personnel, and others present at the scene.
• Ensure sufficient supplies and equipment are available.
• Continually reevaluate the requirements needed for a successful scene
processing.
Safety
• The scene may be the source of contamination including blood and body
fluids, tissue and human remains, chemicals, and explosive materials.
• Individuals should not be permitted to eat, drink, smoke, or apply makeup
at the scene.
• Be on the alert for sharp objects such as hypodermic needles, razors,
3 See “Footwear and Tire Tread Evidence – Two-Dimensional Impressions/Prints.”
Adopted: May 2002
Revisions: 6
Last Revision: January 31, 2008
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