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When I first got into law enforcement over 11 years ago, it took me a couple
of years before I finally "knew" what needed to be done when entering a
crime scene. For instance, when I first became a police officer, I
would have just trampled right through a scene not thinking a thing.
But after being in law enforcement for a few years, I started learning
things that became second nature. Granted I was told, we just tend to
forget some of these basics.
One example could |
be a murder scene. Once
you as a police officer believe the bad guy is gone, it
becomes a scene that needs to be preserved and secured.
Some things that I've overlooked as a rookie officer is not
preserving the path in or out of the scene for example.
These are areas that should be carefully walked around, and
looked at thoroughly as to not step on (and destroy of
course) a suspect's shoe print. How many times have we
seen 5 police officers for example trample through a scene,
not thinking a thing. I've done it. I think most
people in law enforcement has as well. But its
something to keep in the back of our minds.
Doors and Entry Ways
How many times do we as police officers simply use the door
knob to open a door, or push a door open where the suspect
likely had placed his hands? Anytime I have to go
through a door, I'll bend my index finger, and use my
knuckle to push it open assuring that my finger prints
aren't placed on the door. In addition, I'm using a
very small area of finger that won't do as much damage then
actually grabbing the door with more of my hand, gloves or
not. If I have to pull it, then I'll reach down toward
the bottom and pull it from the inside portion with just one
finger (a place where the suspect is not likely to have
touched).
The Weapon
I'm not sure how many times I've seen this. Law
Enforcement Officers will pick up the knife for example, and
secure it in their cruiser. The argument is that they
didn't want the suspect, or anyone else for that matter, to
take it. Although a valid argument in some cases, this
should never be done unless there is a life-threatening
reason for it (i.e. suspect is still near the scene).
When a weapon is found like this, or any other piece of
evidence, law enforcement should attempt to guard it
immediately (if possible), and preserve it. This means
not to move it, don't touch it, nothing. Its extremely
important that police officers obtain photos of the scene
exactly as it lay so that the prosecutor can use it in
court. Otherwise police officers and prosecutors can,
and almost likely will be accused of tampering with the
evidence, planting evidence, etc.
Looking for Clues
As a police officer, you need to look at things that might
not be so obvious. For example, blood spatters on
walls, shell casings, broken items, etc. to see if these
things are related to the crime. Visually looking at
the scene and trying to picture what could have happened can
also lead to more clues. For instance, "This looks
like an Armed Robbery. The back door is kicked in, the
woman's purse is laying on the floor empty..." etc.
Coming up with a theory can lead you out the back door for
example to a trash can, that upon opening, you may find
another weapon. The point is, trying to figure out
what actually happened can lead you to more clues. Its
just so important to get all of the evidence to make a
successful case.
I'll end with this: Although these are just a few
points, its very important to remember some of these
absolute basics in law enforcement. Whether you're a
rookie police officer, a veteran law enforcement officer, or
preparing to become a police officer, these are absolute
essentials that should not be overlooked and taken
seriously.
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