NCJ Number
215989
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 54 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2006 Pages: 131,133-134,136,138,140
Date Published
September 2006
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article provides detailed descriptions of the features and tasks of a preliminary death investigation, which pertains to the work done at the scene of the death.
Abstract
The article begins with a description of the work of the patrol officers who arrive first at the scene, prior to the arrival of the investigator assigned the case. An obvious murder or suspicious death requires patrol officers to follow an established protocol that ensures the preservation of the scene where the body is found and the integrity of the evidence. After describing the tasks of the first responder at the scene, the article addresses the preliminary steps performed by the investigator upon arriving at the scene. These steps pertain to setting boundaries for the scene, observing the area as a whole, and recording times and places of related events and any measurable evidence. The article's next section focuses on what is involved in describing the scene. This consists of a complete description of the body and the area surrounding it and entering the description of all items in a notebook. The implementation of crime-scene procedures is then discussed. These procedures are performed after the investigator confirms death and takes charge of the crime scene. They include obtaining a briefing from the first officer at the scene regarding what he/she has done since arriving at the scene. The investigator's tasks are then described for a crime scene that is outdoors and one that is indoors. The importance of a teamwork approach is then discussed, with attention to the tasks performed by each of the members of the investigative team. The article concludes with sections that contain detailed instructions for the preliminary interview with the first officer on the scene and the duties of the detective supervisor.