by Andy Rebmann
Connecticut State Police (Retired)
K-9 Specialty Search Associates
King County Search Dogs
Kent, WA
Crime Scene – “A crime scene is the area where a crime has
been committed”
All volunteer search personnel must have a working knowledge of
crime scene preservation and processing since the most innocuous
lost person search may become a criminal investigation. Because a
seemingly insignificant item may become a critical piece of
physical evidence, the volunteer must not disturb the crime scene
location any more than is necessary to aid the victim.
All personnel involved in search are professionals, whether they
are law enforcement officers or volunteers. Training in crime
scene situations should be a part of every program. There are
basic rules that every searcher should know and follow under all
circumstances, even if the situation appears perfectly innocent.
The volunteer should also be “clue conscious” during their
search. Any items located while searching need to be reported to
the command post so a decision can be made regarding the item(s).
Keep in mind that there may be several locations associated with
an incident – the primary scene and secondary scenes. All must
be properly secured and processed by the law enforcement
personnel.
Any untimely or unattended death, regardless of cause, is to be
regarded as suspicious until otherwise determined by medical
professionals. Even a death from natural causes i.e. heart attack
that is unwitnessed will be the subject of an investigation.
Except in unusual situations, the coroner or medical examiner must
authorize the removal of the victim.
However, the area in which a live subject is located may also be
considered a crime scene if an assault has taken place.
Disturbance of the area must be kept to a minimum to preserve
trace and physical evidence. The volunteer who locates the subject
should record the details of any conversation with the subject,
since the subject may relay valuable information that will assist
in the investigation. Any pertinent statements made by the victim
should be relayed to the investigating officer as soon as
practical.
The searcher who locates the victim must exercise caution to
prevent the possible destruction of important physical evidence.
Some examples include footprints, weapon, cigarette butts,
matchbook, clothing, blood spatters and items that might contain
fingerprints. Not all evidence is obvious, so be cautious in your
movements.
When you locate the subject, if the he is obviously deceased,
there is no need for you to disturb the body. If you are
uncertain, check for vital signs. If none are found, contact the
command post. If a canine team locates the subject, remove your
dog from the immediate area for his reward. This will prevent
ball-playing or other play reward from disturbing the ground
around the subject. If it is not possible, verbally praise the dog
and either tie the dog up or place it on a down-stay.
If the subject is alive, perform the immediate medical care
necessary to stabilize the patient. If you must disturb any item
at the scene, make sure you note where the item was originally.
Inform the criminal investigator of your action.
If you observe obvious footprints, drag marks or any sign of
physical activity when you approach the scene, change your route
and make sure you direct anyone entering the scene away from that
area.
If you see a weapon as you approach, use caution. Don’t remove
it unless absolutely necessary for your safety.
If other searchers are with you, don’t allow them to enter the
area unless they are needed to assist with patient care. There is
no reason for the entire search party to gather around the
subject. Make sure you record everyone who is allowed access to
the area.
You have three priority actions to take:
1. Secure the scene.
2. Cordon off the area for some distance around the scene.
(Surveyors tape can be used.)
3. Don’t allow anyone into the area.
It is extremely important to establish the “chain of custody”
for all evidence at the scene. Since you made the initial
location, you assume responsibility for maintaining the integrity
of the scene until you turn it over to a law enforcement officer.
Once you have relinquished control, don’t re-enter the area
unless requested.
Note the overall picture of the scene. Draw a quick sketch map,
showing the position of all items at the scene. Make notes of your
actions as soon as you turn the scene over to the authorities.
Make sure you note to whom you relinquish control.
If you carry a camera, take some overall views of the scene from
several different angles. However, do not take photographs if the
practice is prohibited by the responsible agency.
Either write your report or give a written statement to the law
enforcement officer as soon as possible after the incident.
Include all pertinent details regarding when and where you were,
why you were there, what you saw, and what action you took. Your
report provides a written record for the investigating agency and
you may use it to refresh your memory if you are later required to
testify in court.
Remember the three cardinal rules to prevent scene disturbance:
Take the same path out that you took in.
Don’t add anything to the scene.
Don’t take anything from the scene.
These procedures will minimize possible disturbance of the crime
scene and allow the “Chain of custody” for evidence to be
preserved.
K-9
Specialty Search Associates
