(a) Cover prints in soil with a raincoat or piece of canvas.
If the print
is in the snow, place a box over it.
(b) Items which may melt should be shielded from the sun or sources of
heat.
(c) Perishables, such as food and blood, must have great care so as not to
be contaminated or destroyed.
(3) Protection of a crime scene is of utmost importance. It is a continuous
process.
It lasts until the investigator or MPs have thoroughly processed and
released the crime scene.
PART C - PROCESSING THE CRIME SCENE.
MPs will often be responsible also for processing certain crime scenes.
All
incidents not investigated by the CID are the responsibility of the MPs.
It is
important then that you learn the skills and techniques to effectively process a
crime scene. The competent and professional way in which it is processed will have
a direct effect on the success of the whole investigation.
a. Initial Action at the Scene.
(1) Record the date, time of arrival, and weather conditions.
(2) Give medical attention, if needed. Provide for identification and removal
of injured personnel. If the scene is disturbed doing this then, the alterations
should be duly noted.
(3) If the offender can be identified and is at the scene, he will be
apprehended.
If he is not there but is identified by witnesses, or by evidence,
relay such information to the desk sergeant.
He can then alert all patrols and
other police agencies to apprehend him.
(4) If it is found that the scene is not fully protected, positive steps
should be taken to do so by using more MPs.
More MPs may be required once the
local people learn that an incident has occurred.
(a) It may be necessary to reroute traffic.
You may need to bar entry to
employees of a shop, etc.
(b) Action must be taken to protect any evidence which may be destroyed.
(5) The names of those persons at the scene who may be witnesses should be
recorded. These persons should be removed as soon as possible.
(6) Preliminary questioning of witnesses, suspects, and victim(s) is required
to determine the general extent of the incident or crime.
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MP0018
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