First Respondinging Officer

For the lecture on Crime Scene Investigation and Criminal Investigation we were assigned a cold case reading. This cold case reading entitled “Cold Case Models for Evaluating Unresolved Homicides” written by James Adcock PhD and Sarah Stein PhD outlines cold cases and their nature as well as providing possible protocol for cold case scenarios. Within these cold cases, the main goal is to ultimately solve the investigation. However, it is never that simple. Where Crime Scene and Criminal Investigators come into play is in the fact that they are involved with any ongoing investigation; whether it be a cold case or hot one. In most cases these two positions are equally important, these two work hand in hand to paint the entire picture of the crime that took place and the criminal that is to be apprehended. Cold case investigations are similar and different at the same time to any standard investigation. The main difference rests in the fact that these cases have been unsolved for so long and therefore, the dynamic of the investigation must change.

By now the crime scene has been labeled a homicide and detectives have been dispatched to the scene. When the detectives arrive the lead officer will then provide a detailed crime scene briefing to the detective in charge of the scene. This briefing will be the only opportunity for the detective to receive the initial aspects of the crime scene prior to subsequent investigation. Since the crime scene and any/all evidence collected are the key factors in making a case, the crime scene must be documented as soon as possible including, appearance and condition of the scene upon arrival, lights on/off, shades up/down, doors, windows open/closed, any unusual smells, ice, liquids, weather conditions, temperature, and any personal items that may have been left behind. Once the lead detective has been briefed and evaluates the scene him/herself, he/she will then need to determine if consent to search and/or obtaining a search warrant is needed. The scene assessment allows the lead detective

From day to day it may be different but typical the homicide detective will be called to a investigation scene. First off when you get to the scene I will assess and manage the scene. This means examining the victim for clues. Next I will document the scene I would complete a walk through, making sure I do not disturb any evidence. Also making permanent record of the scene, it is important to do this before moving anything. After that I will photography or videotape the scene conducting a thorough search; make a rough sketch; dust for fingerprints; identify, document, and collect all fluids and fibers: and control evidence to maintain its integrity. Then canvass the area to locate witnesses. This step is critical because more homicides are solved by canvassing than any other method. Finally identify suspects, proper handling suspects leads to a successful prosecution. But remember that all suspects are still entitled to their rights C. The excitement of going to work each day and not knowing what is in store for you is very interesting. This job may be asking a lot even in an investigation but the adrenaline is very

Once they were secured I directed Officer Bell to get the Police Tape from my trunk and tape off the area as it was a crime scene. Acadian Arrived on scene about 2400hrs and started to provide medical aid while I remained doing CPR. Acadian Paramedic Adam Pitalo called time of death at 00:09 hrs. At this point I was notified Gautier Police Dispatch that Acadian called the time of death and I began trying to find out who the victim

This stage one of criminal investigation is considered to be one of the most important stages of criminal investigation. An unprofessional mistake made by a first responding officer can extensively destroy the whole investigation. By following the correct procedures and rule the first responding officer can eliminate the chance of making mistakes during the initial investigation. The lack of knowledge can also disrupt a criminal investigation. The first responding officer is likely to conduct a successful investigation if he knows how to deal with the problems at the crime scene therefore, the first responding officer need to have good knowledge about the investigative procedures.

Leading up to the investigation, at 10:30 the Police Communications Bureau called me at home and informed me of a request for a Detective follow-up at Alpine Drive. Originally, patrol officers responded to the address regarding yelling and screaming, but once they arrived they found the door open and no one inside. While responding officers were still at the scene, others were dispatched to a location a couple miles away where a passing reported someone lying next to the roadway. Officers found a young woman who had been badly beaten and stabbed. The victim did happen to be alive but was unconscious. She was transported to the hospital where she is reported to be in critical condition. While this is all going on, officers stood at the hospital. They believe the unidentified victim could be connected to the call on Alpine Drive.

They do many different types of jobs at a crime scene, like record everything that they see, the position of the body or the murder weapon. They also take pictures of a crime scene and evidence

Upon arriving to the crime scenes, the first responder would secure the scene to make sure the scene was safe. Safety is the first priority when going to a possible crime scene (Young, 2011). While officers search the area for a suspect another officer will obtain the preliminary information from the witnesses. Once the scene is secure the forensic team and investigators are notified (Young, 2011).

One person assist weapon out - The responding officer will place the arm of the casualty around the back of his neck. The officer supporting the casualty will hold the casualties arm with one hand and then have his firearm out with the other. This carry will only work if the casualty is alert and still able to walk on one or both of their legs.

Forensic science technicians are vital on a crime scene because the collect and analyze physical evidence. Evidence is one of the most important factor of a crime scene because this puts in investigator a step ahead in finding the suspect of a crime. Crime scene specialists help to collect and preserve evidence in a crime scene. There are rules concerning the collection of data in order to preserve its natural state. For example, “all non-movable items, such as fingerprints, at a crime scene should be processed at the scene using gray powder, black powder, or black magnetic powder. Polaroid 665 black and white film loaded in a Polaroid CU-5 camera with detachable flash should be used to make one-to-one photographs of prints which do not readily lift.” (Schiro, n.d.) Also in the case where there is a computer involved, if it is turned on, it must not be turned off until all the information is properly collected and stored on a file for later use. DNA examiners usually search for anything that could possibly contain DNA. These include fingerprints, hair, blood, semen, bite marks, and dead skin found under fingernails. Tests can be done to determine whether the DNA is the victim’s own or the possible suspect. The coroner’s role is to certify the death of an individual and if unknown, to gain the identity of the victim. These agencies

The first priority for a first responding officer(s) is safety that there is no threat to the officer or citizens at the scene. Once the scene is secured, investigators and forensics personal can process the scene. Once forensics personal is notified this is called “called out”. They should record the date and time of the call out they receive. Once at the crime scene they get a briefing about the incident. Forensic technician should record arrival time, and time briefing is over. Should also document the names and identification numbers of all personal present. Ask if any fragile evidence or area of the scene has been disturbed is important. Tracked blood, shoe or tire impressions from first responder’s activity. Start processing scene. Initial search for evidence is a search conducted by the forensic technician to survey the scene to determine and prioritize task. Records date and time the initial search for evidence. Records notes on areas of interest, and location of evidence. Notes environmental and premises conditions. Always proceed slowly (sight, smell, hearing, and touch) using senses. Night time crime scenes are difficult to see blood, firearm casings etc. hard to locate.

No crime scene is the same, sharp observation and logic must be employed everyday. Logic and Deductive mind help Crime Scene Investigators put together the puzzle pieces and solve crimes. Crime Scene Investigation is a team job. You have to work together and put all your minds together and see what the others don’t. If you can’t work with other people this isn’t the job for you.

When a crime has been reported, the responding officer and/or detective have to note the dispatch information such as address/location, time, date, type of call, parties involved. The officer(s)/detective(s) have to be observant when approaching, entering and exiting a crime scene such as look, listen and smell.

Homicide Detail detectives, field supervisors, and departmental managers immediately respond to the scene to begin an investigation.

The specialized personnel that I would need at the crime scene include a medical examiner, sketch artist, photographer, forensic scientist, fingerprint specialists and investigating officers. The responsibility of the medical examiner is to determine the cause of death, time of death, and take custody of the body (Fisher, 2004).