Scene Safety Protocol

Scene Safety

• When approaching a building, do not stand directly in front of the door to avoid a fatal funnel situation.
• Identify yourself and state the purpose of your visit.
• Move to a position of advantage, such as somewhere you cannot be attacked from behind.
• Stay out of doorways and visually assess the scene, taking note of the number of people present.
• Observe their hands, body language, and facial expressions.
• Scan the room for hazards, such as possible weapons, dangerous pets, or possible hiding places.

Approaching the Scene Entrance Safely

• Ask witnesses or victims if there is anyone present who may have a weapon.
• Deal with any immediate threats first.
• Use communication techniques to calm the situation and maintain control.
• Keep in mind that no two incidents are alike and each may require a distinct response.
• Turn down noise sources, such as music systems and televisions, and ask bystanders to step away.

Victims' Rights

• Victims have the right to due process and to be treated fairly and respectfully.
• Victims have the right to freedom from intimidation, harassment, and abuse.
• Victims have the right to accurate and timely notice of all public proceedings, including pleas, trials, and sentencings.
• Victims have the right to reasonable protection from the accused and any person acting on behalf of the accused.
• Victims have the right to prevent the disclosure of information or records that could be used to locate or harass the victim or their family.

Felony Battery

• A felony battery involves a suspect intentionally touching or striking a victim against their will and causing significant injury, great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement.
• A felony battery can also involve a prior conviction for battery, aggravated battery, or felony battery.
• Domestic battery by strangulation is a felony battery that involves battery against a family or household member or someone with whom the victim is in a dating relationship.

Responding to Assault or Battery

• Follow the basic investigative sequence outlined in the first lesson of this chapter.
• Determine if a crime actually occurred based on the elements of assault and battery.
• Determine if the suspect used something to commit the crime, such as hands, fists, feet, or a weapon.

Gathering Information

• Take extra time to be sensitive to the person's needs; observe carefully, speak clearly, and have patience.
• Victims may be embarrassed, afraid, angry, or confused.
• Physically separate the victim from the suspect.
• Determine if the victim's disability or vulnerability affects their ability to communicate or their capacity or memory.
• Document their emotional and mental response, including the inability to recall details or provide an accurate account.

Human Trafficking

• Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery that involves holding people, including minors, in forced service for commercial sex trade or otherwise legitimate labor.
• Human trafficking involves long-term, ongoing captivity, exploitation, and control of victims.
• Two threshold questions to determine if a person is a victim of human trafficking:
  • Did the suspect recruit, transport, or hold the victim in the service of another for labor or commercial sex acts?
  • Did the suspect get or keep the victim's service through force, threats, psychological manipulation, or confiscation of legal documents?

Learn about the essential safety precautions to take when approaching a building or entering a potentially hazardous scene. Identify potential threats and mitigate risks.