Crime Scene Containment

Crime Scene Containment

 

General Rule:

  • Security officers do not have the authority to remove or tamper with a crime scene or any evidence at that crime scene.
  • The jurisdiction for the investigation and processing of physical evidence is that of the police not the security officer or private citizen.
  • The security officer who discovers a crime scene has an obligation to protect and contain the scene in order to prevent contamination or destruction of evidence.

Crime scene location

  • The location of a crime scene may be relatively small in size to a large area. Usually crime scenes are limited in size but can include several individual sites and spread out over several blocks.
  • Limited size areas can usually be handled with one officer but larger crime scenes may require additional personnel to properly protect.

    Police Notification

  • Once the officer discovers a crime scene, the police should be immediately notified. Criminal acts are the jurisdiction of the police even if the location is on private property.
  • Police arrival will relieve the security officer of any additional crime scene containment unless the police request their assistance.
  • On notification of the police, the security officer needs to provide as much information as possible in order for the police to access the situation.

Boundary Containment

  • The first step is to determine the extent of the crime scene and place a physical barrier around it. Some agencies use the standard yellow tape warning or prohibiting entry into the area.
  • Closing the doors and placing warning tape across the entry points can secure a building or structure.
  • Large areas are difficult to contain and may require more security personnel to properly handle.
  • Access control of any personnel should not be permitted unless authorized by the police department.
  • Document all entries by personnel and provide the police with the names and times entry was made.

Evidence Protection

  • Evidence found at the crime scene should be protected from contamination or alteration.
  • Small items can be covered with a container or similar item to avoid anyone from touching or stepping on it.
  • Blood stains or liquids require special handling. The best approach is to provide a barrier around the substance without touching it or cause contamination.
  • The security officer has to remember that protection of evidence does not include any collection or preservation. That responsibility is under police authority only.

Crime Scene Diagram

  • The officer who discovers the crime scene should immediately draw a diagram of the scene as it was found.
  • Diagram doesn’t need to be perfect or even to scale – just what the scene looked like on discovery.
  • Diagram should contain the officer’s observations and locations of physical evidence.
  • Officer should make sure that the diagram contains his/her signature and date.
  • Remember that the diagram is evidence and the officer may be required to provide it to the police on their arrival. The best evidence rule applies in that the original diagram needs to be provided. A copy can be maintained by the security officer.

Crime Scene Photography

  • When possible, the officer should immediately take photographs of the crime scene, along with their crime scene diagram. Photographs are excellent evidence.
  • Photographs demonstrate how the crime scene appeared as the officer found it and any disruptions of the scene that could have happened after additional personnel or the police arrive.

    Access to the crime scene

  • Controlling access to the crime scene until the police arrive is important.
  • Once the police have arrived, the access to the crime scene will be regulated by the police.
  • Prior to the police arriving, the officer should prohibit any unauthorized access.
  • It may be difficult to control access if a business owner or their agent arrive at the scene. Document all entries/exits and provide to the police investigators at the scene.

Release of the Crime Scene

  • The authority to release the crime scene to the public or employees is the sole responsibility of the police.
  • The security officer should avoid opening the crime scene to any one unless authorized to do so.