Crime Scene Control Procedures

Study Notes

Crime Scene Control

Different crimes require different responses:
- Assault or battery might require an incident report.
- Theft of property could result in a facility-wide lockdown and search.
- Sexual assault requires activation of PREA guidelines and isolating the victim in a dry cell.
Notify appropriate staff:
- Supervisor, other personnel, medical staff, control room staff.
- Provide details such as type of crime, severity, injuries, location, names of inmates in the area, and any noticeable evidence.
Control and isolate the crime scene:
- Clear the area of aggressors and unauthorized personnel.
- Monitor the area.
- Give verbal commands to inmates to return to their cells for a lockdown.
- Restrict access to unauthorized personnel.
Entering a crime scene for first aid:
- Visually scan the area, listen for hazards, and use other senses to determine if it's safe.
- Do not rearrange or move anything to avoid disturbing evidence.
- Conduct a medical assessment once backup arrives and it is safe to do so.
- Continue administering aid until specialized personnel arrive.
Securing and protecting a crime scene:
- Clear the crime scene of victims, witnesses, and suspects.
- Tape off the area or create a perimeter/barrier with physical barriers like fences, barrels, or crash gates.
- Station personnel far enough away from the crime scene to prevent contamination.
Documenting crime scene activities:
- Each agency has its own documentation procedures.
- Maintain a continuous log of authorized personnel entering and exiting the scene, including date and time.