Crime Scene Investigation Procedures 7/16/2024

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of processing a crime scene?

To identify and collect items that can be used to prove or disprove the facts of the crime (correct)

To prove the guilt of the suspect

To secure the crime scene for public safety

To provide medical assistance to victims

Who is responsible for ascertaining the nature of the incident at a crime scene?

The responding deputy (correct)

The investigator

The crime scene technician

The supervisor on scene

What should a deputy do if they find a weapon or firearm at a crime scene?

Leave the weapon in place for processing (correct)

Immediately seize the weapon

Touch the weapon to check for fingerprints

Hide the weapon to prevent contamination

What factor does not influence how a crime scene should be secured and/or processed?

The deputy's personal opinion Signup and view all the answers

What should be documented in the offense report when evidence is removed from a crime scene?

The exact location found and means used to protect the evidence from contamination Signup and view all the answers

Who should take control of the crime scene?

The first deputy on scene Signup and view all the answers

Why should non-essential individuals be removed from the crime scene?

To prevent contamination of evidence Signup and view all the answers

When should a deputy notify their supervisor and request assistance at a crime scene?

After ascertaining the nature of the incident Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason to protect the crime scene from unnecessary or unauthorized persons?

To prevent physical evidence from being disturbed, altered, moved, destroyed, lost, or contaminated Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for initiating a chronological log recording all individuals entering and exiting the crime scene?

The on-scene supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of documenting, photographing, and/or video recording the crime scene before collecting physical evidence?

To prevent evidence from being disturbed Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with blood and other perishable evidence?

Preserve and timely deliver them to the laboratory or refrigerated storage Signup and view all the answers

Why should all personnel responding to the crime scene use the same route of entry and exit?

To prevent evidence from being disturbed or contaminated Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with high-value items collected at the crime scene?

Turn them into the Evidence Unit without delay Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of air-drying and refrigerating biological evidence?

To maintain the evidence in a stable condition Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the Evidence Custodian is not available to turn in evidence?

The evidence is stored in the temporary storage vault in the Crime Scene office. Signup and view all the answers

Who may be tasked to assist the CST in collecting evidence?

Deputy(s) and responding state attorney Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with evidence likely to be lost prior to processing?

Protect or preserve it for processing at a later date Signup and view all the answers

How should items that are evidence be identified?

With the collecting member's initials, or with an evidence tag attached to the item, or placed in a suitable container, sealed, and marked. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when preserving the condition of evidence during and after collection?

Preventing contamination of the evidentiary items Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to use a systematic approach when searching for evidence?

To ensure that hidden evidence is not overlooked Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with firearms found at a crime scene?

Render them safe by removing live ammunition Signup and view all the answers

How should liquid evidence be collected and stored?

In proper containers with a biohazard warning if applicable Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with drugs and paraphernalia evidence?

Handle them as a 'high value' item and turn them in to the Evidence Room without unnecessary delay Signup and view all the answers

What information should be included on evidence labels?

Complaint number, date of incident, type of offense, item number, and location from where the evidence is recovered Signup and view all the answers

Who has discretion on processing crime scenes?

Deputies with experience, with the exception of those which require a CST Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with wet evidence?

Submit it to the Crime Scene Unit for drying Signup and view all the answers

At whose discretion can Crime Scene be notified and requested to process scenes?

The on-duty supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Crime Scene Technician (CST)?

To determine the type of scene and resources required and gather necessary personnel Signup and view all the answers

What equipment does a CST typically bring to a crime scene?

Fingerprint powder, brushes, tape, and cards, cameras, storage containers, and sketch pads Signup and view all the answers

What happens to evidence collected at a crime scene?

It is removed from the CST's duty vehicle upon end of shift and stored in a secured area Signup and view all the answers

What information must be included on evidence marking or identification?

Item description, case number, exhibit number, and CST's name or initials Signup and view all the answers

How long does a CST have to submit evidence to the central evidence area?

3 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a written report in a crime scene case?

To attach photographs, sketches, and notes to the case file Signup and view all the answers

Who checks the accuracy and completeness of a CST's report?

The Crime Scene Supervisor or designee Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the 'Items Collected' section of a crime scene report?

The location, from whom items were received, exhibit number, description, and anything unusual Signup and view all the answers

Who makes decisions about which items to collect for further laboratory examination?

The coordinator of the crime scene processing effort and verified by the Forensic Supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What is the service area of the Crime Scene Unit?

All crime scenes in the ECSO Signup and view all the answers

What is the first priority of the Crime Scene Unit?

To process, analyze, report, and testify about cases worked Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the on-duty Crime Scene Technician?

To inform the Crime Scene Supervisor of any major cases Signup and view all the answers

What is required when processing latent prints?

The use of gloves Signup and view all the answers

Why should items not processed at the crime scene be protected?

To prevent contamination or destruction of a latent print Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)/Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS)?

To introduce unidentified latent fingerprints into the system Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to the crime scene equipment?

It should be upkept, disinfected, and restocked Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Crime Scene Unit's services beyond scene processing?

To provide training to law enforcement personnel Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in every crime scene?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Who verifies the accuracy of latent print identifications?

Another qualified examiner Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of reviewing crime scene case files?

To ensure completeness of the case file Signup and view all the answers

What should be consulted if there is any question regarding the proper processing method or chemicals to be used in a laboratory?

The Forensic Supervisor or a designated representative Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of photographing the overall crime scene?

To document the crime scene before collecting physical evidence Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the quality of a digital image is not sufficient?

Recapture another image with identical camera position and lighting background Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with networked or business computers at a crime scene?

Consult with Computer Forensics Investigators or other trained personnel Signup and view all the answers

What kind of information can be obtained from electronic devices associated with criminal activity?

Numbers called, numbers stored, caller ID, names and addresses, and PIN numbers Signup and view all the answers

What should be marked with the international biohazard symbol and label?

All packages and containers containing liquid or dry blood, body-packed contraband, body parts, syringes, body fluids, and unknown fluids Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the CST's Supplement report regarding evidence collection?

The make, model, and serial number of the item, location, identity of the person, and date of the incident Signup and view all the answers

How should firearms and ammunition be packaged?

Firearms should be unloaded and packaged separately from ammunition Signup and view all the answers

When transporting evidence to a laboratory, who is responsible for transporting it?

Evidence Technicians Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of times a firearm should be test-fired to produce tool mark characteristics suitable for a NIBIN comparison?

Four Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to firearms that contain latent or blood evidence?

Render them safe and package them in paper Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for conducting maintenance and inspections of the Savage Range Wet Snail Trap?

ATF special agencies and/or designee Signup and view all the answers

What should be submitted to Evidence IQ for analysis?

Cases submitted by the Crime Scene Supervisor, Forensic OIC/AOIC, or Investigations OIC/AOIC Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with a computer that is on at a crime scene?

Request a Computer Forensic Investigator to respond to the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of documenting the chain of custody?

To track evidence from collection to laboratory analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for obtaining a search warrant prior to test-firing a firearm in question?

To collect ballistic evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of recording the date, time, location, and case number when taking evidentiary photographs and video?

To identify the location and time of the crime scene Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with vehicles that are evidence or contain evidence of a crime?

Process on-scene for fingerprints and other forms of evidence Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with evidence that is likely to be lost prior to processing?

Document and photograph it immediately Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in a crime scene sketch?

Only the essential objects of the crime scene and their relationship to each other Signup and view all the answers

Who should process computers, digital storage devices, and other electronic equipment for evidence?

Computer Forensic Investigator Signup and view all the answers

When handling electronic devices at a crime scene, what precautions should be taken?

Keep them away from magnets and radio transmitters Signup and view all the answers

What is a concern when handling biohazardous evidence?

Exposure to blood borne pathogens Signup and view all the answers

When collecting computer systems, what should you do if the Computer Forensic Investigator is unavailable and the computer is off?

Leave the computer off Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the investigating deputy regarding laboratory analysis?

Requesting a laboratory analysis of evidence and tracking the request Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of test-firing a firearm?

To produce tool mark characteristics for NIBIN comparison Signup and view all the answers

What type of ammunition is acceptable for test fires?

Both lead-free and conventional Signup and view all the answers

Who can operate the Savage Range Wet Snail Trap?

Only qualified members with basic firearm safety training and approval from the Investigations Division OIC or designee Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible reason for not test-firing a firearm?

The firearm was never fired and was never licensee-transferred Signup and view all the answers

What information must be included on a request form for laboratory analysis?

Name and location of the laboratory, a synopsis of the event or offense, and the examination(s) required Signup and view all the answers

Who generates the laboratory analysis result(s) report?

The Evidence Technician Signup and view all the answers

What type of training do Crime Scene Technicians (CSTs) receive?

Specialized training conducted through a crime scene processing school and on-the-job training Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of in-service refresher training for crime scene processing?

To ensure that members remain proficient in their job tasks and agency procedures Signup and view all the answers

What information is included on the Contributor Receipt Copy of the Request for Examination of Physical Evidence form?

The date and time of receipt in the laboratory, and the name and signature of the person receiving the evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the FDLE REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE form?

To request an analysis of physical evidence by the laboratory Signup and view all the answers

Who plans and coordinates in-service refresher training for crime scene processing?

The Training Unit supervisor and the Forensic Service supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the specialized training for Crime Scene Technicians (CSTs)?

Digital photography and video photography, detection and collection of latent fingerprints and palm prints, detection and collection of foot, tool, and tire impressions, preparation of crime scene sketches, and collection, preservation, and transmission of physical evidence Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose and Policy

The purpose is to provide procedures for processing crime scenes, handling, collecting, and processing evidence.
The policy is to identify and collect items that can be used to prove or disprove the facts of the crime being investigated.

Responding Deputy Responsibility

The first deputy on scene will:
- Ascertain or confirm the nature of the incident
- Notify supervisor and request assistance (e.g. backup deputies, fire, EMS)
- Take control of the scene by:
  - Removing non-essential individuals
  - Securing suspects if present
  - Securing evidence for safety or to prevent contamination
The crime scene must be protected from entry by unnecessary or unauthorized persons to prevent physical evidence from being disturbed, altered, moved, destroyed, lost, or contaminated.

General Guidelines

Deputies may be tasked to assist Crime Scene Technicians (CST) in tasks such as:
- Photographing, diagramming, and sketching the scene
- Protecting, collecting, and preserving evidence
- Collecting latent fingerprints
- Remaining on the scene until released by the deputy in charge or CST
A systematic approach will be used when searching for evidence to ensure that hidden evidence is not overlooked.
Evidence collection will involve:
- Documentation, photography, and/or video recording prior to collecting physical evidence
- Careful labeling, packaging, and preservation of evidence to maintain chain of custody
- Storage of high-value items in the Evidence Unit without delay
- Refrigeration of biological evidence in accordance with FDLE Evidence Submission Manual

Evidence Handling and Packaging

Evidence will be marked with:
- Complaint number
- Date of incident
- Type of offense
- Item number
- Location from where evidence was recovered
Wet evidence will be submitted to the Crime Scene Unit for drying before processing.
Firearms and ammunition will be packaged separately, with firearms being rendered safe by a deputy or CST familiar with the model.
Biological evidence will be air-dried and refrigerated as soon as possible.

Crime Scene Technician (CST) Responsibilities

The CST will:
- Determine the type of scene and resources required
- Gather necessary personnel and equipment
- Respond in an agency-issued vehicle with necessary equipment
- Meet with the deputy in charge to ascertain all pertinent information
- Photograph, sketch, and measure the crime scene
- Collect and preserve physical evidence
- Remove evidence from the duty vehicle upon end of shift and store in a secured area

Crime Scene Unit

The Crime Scene Unit is available to assist any division in the ECSO needing assistance with processing crime scenes.
Priorities will be assigned in the following manner:
- Homicides/Suspicious Death Investigations
- Sexual Assaults
- Forcible Felonies (as set forth in section 776.08, Florida Statutes)
The unit provides services beyond scene processing, including training law enforcement personnel and providing information to the public.

Latent Prints

Processing an item for latent fingerprints should be done as soon as possible to prevent contamination or destruction of a latent print.
Gloves are required when processing latent prints.
Comparison of latent prints with inked prints and questioned tracks with known footwear and tires will be accomplished utilizing all accepted standards.

Laboratory Procedures

In the event of any question regarding the proper processing method or chemicals to be used, the Forensic Supervisor or a designated representative will be consulted.

Crime Scene Photography

An investigating deputy, supervisor, or CST will photograph all significant aspects of a crime scene.
The overall crime scene will be photographed to provide a special relationship to individual items photographed.
Evidence will not be disturbed or moved until it has been photographed in its original position.
Scale reference will be used to identify an item's size, when applicable.

Crime Scene Sketches

An investigating deputy or CST may sketch a crime scene if necessary.
The sketch will include only the essential objects of the crime scene and the relationship to each other.### Packaging of Liquids, Blood, and Urine
Liquids, blood, and urine will be packaged in containers that can accommodate the full contents and prevent leakage during handling, transport, and storage.

Firearms and Ammunition

Firearms will be unloaded and rendered safe by a trained deputy or CST before packaging.
Firearms and ammunition will not be packaged together.
Firearms containing latent or blood evidence will be packaged in paper and labeled accordingly.

Test Firing Protocol

Firearms suitable for ballistic evidence include those illegally possessed, used in a crime, or suspected of being used in a crime.
Authorized members will follow specific protocols for test-firing, including the use of unaltered, complete, live rounds.
Test fires will be scanned into the Ballistics IQ System and submitted to NIBIN.

Vehicles

Vehicles that are evidence or contain evidence of a crime will be examined and processed for fingerprints and other forms of evidence.
Vehicles will be impounded and removed to a secure area where exposure to the elements is minimal.
Vehicles will be secured to preserve the integrity of the vehicle's evidentiary value.

Computer/Digital Storage Devices/Other Electronic Equipment - Evidence

Computers, digital storage devices, and other electronic equipment will be processed by a Computer Forensic Investigator to maintain the chain of custody.
Specialized knowledge is required to effectively recover evidence and ensure successful prosecution.
Computers may be contraband, fruits of the crime, tools of the offense, or a storage container holding evidence of the crime.

Evidence Documentation

The CST's Supplement report will include a description of the items collected, location, identity of the person from whom property was obtained, and complaint number.
Chain of Custody documentation will include the date, time, and method of transfer, receiving person's name and responsibility, and reason for the transfer.

Laboratory Submissions

The investigating deputy is responsible for requesting laboratory analysis of evidence.
Evidence will be transported to the outside laboratory for analysis, unless transported by the investigating deputy or a designee.
Laboratory submissions will be accompanied by a request form containing a synopsis of the event or offense and the examination(s) required.

Training

CSTs will receive specialized training through a crime scene processing school and on-the-job training.
Training will include digital photography, detection and collection of latent fingerprints and palm prints, and collection, preservation, and transmission of physical evidence.

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Description

This quiz covers the procedures for processing crime scenes, handling, collecting, and processing evidence. It outlines the responsibilities of the first deputy on scene, including ascertaining the nature of the incident, notifying supervisors, and taking control of the scene.