VICTORIA POLICE

School of Investigation

INITIAL ACTION AT CRIME SCENES

COPYRIGHT

The State of Victoria owns the copyright in this

work. No part may be reproduced in any way or
by any process except in accordance with the
Copyright Act.

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 Address all requests to the Chief Commissioner,
Victoria Police, 637 Flinders Street,
Melbourne

Amended: 20 April 2006

C.W. GORISSEN
Detective Sergeant 25886

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INITIAL ACTION AT THE SCENE OF A CRIME........................................................................................1

PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION............................................................................................................ 3

DEFINITION OF CRIME SCENE............................................................................................................... 3

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CRIME SCENES......................................................................................4

INITIAL REPORT OF CRIME.................................................................................................................... 4

ACTION BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE SCENE......................................................................................5

PROMPT ATTENDANCE AT CRIME SCENE..........................................................................................5

PROCEEDING TO THE CRIME SCENE................................................................................................... 6

CONTAMINATION...................................................................................................................................... 8

TEN (10) POINT CRIME SCENE SEARCH............................................................................................. 10

NOTES......................................................................................................................................................... 11

PHOTOGRAPHING (VIDEOING) THE SCENE.....................................................................................12

SKETCHING THE CRIME SCENE.......................................................................................................... 12

EXAMINATION OF THE SCENE............................................................................................................. 13

SEARCH OF THE SCENE......................................................................................................................... 15

TAKING OF SAMPLES............................................................................................................................. 16

FIREARMS.................................................................................................................................................. 17

TOOLMARKS............................................................................................................................................. 17

ARTICLES LEFT AT THE SCENE BY THE OFFENDER......................................................................18

EXHIBITS.................................................................................................................................................... 18

WITNESSES AT THE SCENE................................................................................................................... 19

LOCAL INQUIRIES................................................................................................................................... 20

HOUSE TO HOUSE CANVASS................................................................................................................. 20

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VARIATIONS OF INITIAL ACTION....................................................................................................... 21

BOMB INCIDENTS.................................................................................................................................... 24

CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................................ 25

CALL OUT CRITERIA FOR SPECIALIST SERVICES/SQUADS..........................................................26

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

INITIAL ACTION AT THE SCENE OF A CRIME

Introduction

The initial action taken by an investigator at the scene of a crime often determines the
outcome of the investigation. Appropriate action can ensure the success of the
investigation whereas incorrect action can result in failure. Initial action requires the
investigator to apply his intelligence, ability to reason, and his experience to the
situation.

Unlike mistakes made during later stages of an investigation, errors in initial action at
the crime scene cannot be rectified; and errors will be minimised if the investigator
remains alert to this fact and to the transitory nature of some evidence.

OPEN YOUR EYES AND MIND

Even with experienced investigators, there is a compelling urge to seek the offender
rather than to proceed with the more mundane task of completely covering the crime
scene. Without this coverage, the investigator cannot obtain ALL OF THE AVAILABLE
EVIDENCE concerning the commission of the crime. This desire to come prematurely
to grips with the suspect, must be resisted. In many important investigations it can be
a distinct disadvantage to be forced into a situation where you are compelled to
interview the suspect before you are in possession of ALL THE AVAILABLE
EVIDENCE. Additional time spent in examining and searching the scene will always
be profitable.

Initial Action

The aim of initial action is to discover ALL OF THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE

relevant to the commission of the crime and the identity of the offender.

To achieve this aim, it is imperative that initial action should be taken to:-

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes
 PRESERVE THE SCENE in its original state; AND

 PREVENT CONTAMINATION of the scene by human or natural agency.

Unless this action is taken, the investigator cannot observe the crime scene as it was
at the time of commission of the crime. If the investigator adopts the theory that when
a person enters and/or leaves an environment he brings into and/or carries away from
the area traces such as hairs, fibres, dust, etc. which may connect the offender with
the crime, the investigator will be much more mindful of the necessity to adopt this
action.

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

In any investigation, the scene of the occurrence and the routes to and from must be
examined thoroughly and methodically at the first opportunity. A departure from this
rule occurs where an offender is arrested at the scene of the crime and it is necessary
to take him into custody. In this situation it is still essential to examine the scene of the
crime at the earliest opportunity.

Most investigations occur following receipt of a report of a crime, upon which the
investigator visits the scene. In this sense, his role is said to be ex post facto, or
retrospective. This is the customary role of the investigator in which the usual form of
initial action is followed.

On arrival at the crime scene the investigator must as soon as possible consider
offenders and witnesses at the scene. There are important rules as to the initial
treatment of offenders and witnesses at crime scenes and they can be summarised
as:-

OFFENDERS - SEPARATE
- SEARCH
- SECURE

WITNESSES - RECORD
- ISOLATE
- DETAIN

Offenders should be separated from the crime scene and from each other as soon as
possible, then searched for exhibits in their possession, for articles which could be
used to aid an escape or weapons with which they could harm themselves or others.
They should be secured as appropriate to the circumstances of the offence.

Witnesses names, addresses and particulars should be recorded for identification

purposes on arrival, and then isolated from each other and the scene. They should be
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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes
detained so details of what they can say are obtained and then reduced to statement
form at the first possible time.

NOTE Where there are two or more witnesses or offenders at a crime scene
investigators from this course must seek the attendance of a qualified
Detective or Sergeant at the crime scene. This is to ensure proper
procedure is undertaken regarding witnesses or offenders.

Remember the individual who first reported the incident may later become a
suspect and the exact words he or she used may become critical to the case.

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

In some situations the scene may never be visited. If an offender confesses to the
commission of a crime which has not been reported, particularly if a considerable time
has elapsed since its commission, it may be pointless or impracticable to visit the
scene. Such situations may arise where an offender admits an offence against a
person unknown. Where there is a complainant, an attempt should be made to visit
and inspect the scene, and corroborate the confession. In order to arrive at the truth of
the matter under inquiry, crimes are solved through the orderly collection of facts
(induction) which, in turn permits logical conclusions to be drawn (deduction).

Preliminary Investigation

The immediate objective of the investigator must be:-

1) to determine whether a crime has, in fact, been committed;

2) to establish the identity of the offender;

3) to establish his whereabouts, and

4) to establish a nexus between the offender and the offence.

All, or some of these facts can possibly be established by an examination of physical

evidence discovered at the crime scene, whether or not eye-witnesses exist.

Definition of Crime Scene

The scene of a crime is the area in the immediate vicinity of
the occurrence, within which evidence might be found.

The limits of this area will vary according to the nature of the event. It can be localised
in some cases but might cover a considerable area in others.

The crime scene becomes the focal point of the investigation and is the place from
which numerous leads may emanate. It is here that valuable physical evidence
connecting the offender with his crime is most likely to be found.

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

Remember the Principle of Exchange:

EVERY CONTACT LEAVES ITS TRACES

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

Primary and Secondary Crime Scenes

In some cases, there may be a primary crime scene and one or more secondary crime
scenes. A primary crime scene is one where the crime was actually committed. Thus,
the banking chamber where an armed robbery occurred is a primary crime scene. The
spot where the robbers' get-away car was parked is a secondary crime scene.

Similarly, the route between the bank and the spot which was occupied by the
get-away car is a secondary crime scene. So too will be the spot at which the
get-away car is later found abandoned, and the route taken to get there.

Important physical traces, connecting the offenders with the crime, might be found at
any of these locations. The same care and procedures adopted at primary crime
scenes should be used at secondary crime scenes.

Initial Report of Crime

It is important to remember that on receiving an initial report of a crime, to TAKE

NOTES IMMEDIATELY and sufficient details should be obtained from the person
making the report to enable the investigator to take any essential action before
proceeding to the scene. Confusion can arise if sufficient basic particulars are not
obtained and recorded at the outset.

The following basic information is required in the case of a report by

telephone:-

AT OFFICE WHILST ON TELEPHONE:

 TAKE NOTES/Commence Log/Date/Time of Call

 Name/Address/Telephone No./Location of Victim/Caller/Is
Caller/Victim Safe
 Date/Time/Nature/Location of Offence
 Person Injured/Nature/Medical Assistance/Obtained/Required
 Any Person to Hospital/Ambulance/Name of Hospital
 Offender/Suspect/s Known/Description/Disguises
 If applicable; Weapons Used/Type/Location/Shots Fired/How many
 At Scene/Location/Left Scene/Mode of Travel/Vehicle/On
Foot/Direction

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

 Inform Superiors/Duty Officer/Intergraph/Broadcast Panic

Descriptions
 If applicable; Description of Property Stolen/How Carried Away from
Scene

Inform the person reporting the incident to await your arrival at the scene, and not to
touch anything. If the caller remains anonymous, obtain all the particulars you can.
Experience proves that anonymous callers rarely call again.

Action before Leaving for the Scene

Consider the nature of the report before leaving for the scene and the equipment
which might be needed.

REMEMBER YOUR CRIME KIT AND CONTENTS!

Support Services to be Considered:

 Medical assistance
 Additional manpower including Detectives
 Photographers
 Fingerprints
 Dog Squad
 S.O.G. (re Firearms/Shots Fired etc.)

NOTE: Remember to update the watch-house keeper and your supervisors

upon leaving for the crime scene as well as regular updates whilst at the
crime scene. The updates should be, approximately, each 15-30
minutes, dependant on the crime scene.

Prompt Attendance at Crime Scene

A reduction in the interval between call-time and response time increases the
prospects of crime solution.

Delay in attending at the crime scene increases the chances of loss, destruction or
contamination of evidence. Prompt attendance may result in:-
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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

(a) the offender being found at, or near the scene of the crime;

(b) witnesses being located at the scene before they have had time to leave,
or to discuss the event with other witnesses;

(c) prevention of access to the scene by unauthorised persons;

(d) prevention of loss or destruction of evidence through interference or

removal by persons at the scene;

(e) prevention of contamination by human or natural agency.

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

Proceeding to the Crime Scene

En route to the crime scene, be on the lookout for the offender coming away from the
scene.

Consider, from the nature or the original report, whether the offender is likely to be on
foot, in a vehicle or carrying anything which might identify him. If a physical description
of the suspect has been supplied, the investigator should visualise the suspect in his
"mind's eye" and be on the alert for any person answering that description.
Local knowledge of the area might permit a prediction of the route an offender would
take in fleeing the scene.

APPROACHING THE CRIME SCENE

The manner in which the scene is approached will depend on the nature of the crime
report received.

It may be necessary to enlist assistance in covering the front and rear of premises if
the offence is in progress. The nature of the offence might make it dangerous to stop
the police car outside, or in front of, the premises in question. It may be safer to stop
the car some distance away and approach on foot.

In any event, the investigator should develop the habit of NOT slamming car doors.
This noise not only alerts the inmates of premises of your arrival but also indicates how
many of you there are.

ON ARRIVAL AT THE SCENE

The investigator may or may not be the first to arrive at the scene of the occurrence. If
other members are already present, ascertain the following?

(a) Who is in Charge?

(b) How many police are in attendance?

(c) What has been discovered about the occurrence in question?

(d) What action has been taken?

(e) Is the scene adequately protected from contamination and

guarded?

(f) Has the scene been contaminated. Has anything been touched
and if so what?

(g) Has action been taken to locate, retain and isolate witnesses?

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

(h) Has any suspect or offender been isolated from other people at
the scene and kept under supervision?

(I) Does the C.I.U. need to be contacted and requested to attend

and assist?

(j) Are additional services required such as Coroner, Crime Co-

ordinator, Forensic Science etc?

NOTE: Investigators from this course should be mindful that any requests for
specialist squads personnel or units to attend crime scenes must initially
be approved by qualified Detectives or Sergeants.

If the investigator is the first to arrive at the scene, the following action should ensure:-

PROCEED METHODICALLY

(a) Make a brief appreciation of the situation.

(b) Take charge of the situation.

(c) Satisfy yourself that an offence has been committed.

(d) Ascertain if the offender is still at the scene if so, detain him and
keep him apart from witnesses and away from the crime scene.

(e) If there is no obvious offender, consider the suspect who may be

present. Establishing a motive for the crime will help.

(f) Ascertain if medical attention or other assistance is required.

(g) Take action to locate, retain and isolate witnesses.

(h) Broadcast description of suspects, vehicles, property, etc.

(I) Set up some form of communication (radio, phone)

(j) Preserve the scene and prevent contamination.

(k) Evolve a plan of action.

(l) Delegate specific task (log keeper, crowd control, exhibit collector
etc.)

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

 For instructions regarding initial action at crime scenes, see VPM 108-1

Whether or not the investigator is the first to arrive at the scene, he should make
arrangements to keep in contact with his office so that he can advise his officer in
charge of developments.

REMEMBER — never use the crime scene as a Command post or

the telephone as a Communications Centre

Contamination

It is imperative that every effort should be taken to prevent


contamination of the crime scene. Contamination results in

loss, deterioration or destruction of evidence.

Contamination occurs through natural or human agency.

Contamination by natural agency can be prevented by protecting the crime scene (or
the relevant parts of it) from the elements. It might be possible to rig a covering over a
body at the scene of a murder, for example, in order to protect it from the weather.
Footprints, tyremarks, or other impressions can also be protected by covering them
appropriately.

Contamination by human agency is a different hazard and the one which is most
difficult to prevent. Human nature, being as it is, people exhibit extreme curiosity at
crime scenes, and are likely to interfere with vital evidence unless measures are taken
to prevent their intrusion. Even experienced police investigators have been known to
prematurely handle weapons and exhibits at crime scenes out of mere curiosity. The
first person you have to control at a crime scene is yourself. If you set a good
example, others will follow.

Keeping the evidence intact and limiting personnel in the area are just
some of the keys to successful crime scene management.

It is imperative that the investigator in charge of the crime scene should control the
movements of the people there. The basic rule is that those found at the scene on
arrival should be kept there and those who were off the scene should be kept off. No
person should be allowed to move into the area or away from the area.
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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

Similarly, no person should be allowed to move any article in the area, from the area or
into the area. The greater the movement, the greater the contamination. Where
witnesses or suspects have been detained at the scene, ENSURE THAT THEY DO

NOT TOUCH ANYTHING without your permission. Similarly, ensure that they do not
contaminate the scene by introducing alien objects such as cigarette butts, matches,
clothing, weapons, papers and the like, nor should any person use toilets, taps, open
windows, raise blinds, etc.

Other investigators and members of the Police Force including high ranking Police
Officers who have NO business at the crime scene should be refused admission. It
can be a major problem, especially at any subsequent court hearing.

As a general rule, the less people present at the crime scene the less risk there is of
contamination. It may be necessary to lock doors, erect ropes or barricades, etc., in
order to achieve this end.

The simple erection of crime scene tape provides a physical and mental barrier to
people, who would otherwise enter and contaminate the crime scene.

There is a saying “If anything can go wrong, it will go wrong at the crime scene”.

This I believe is especially true at incidents that receive an inordinate amount of media
attention (eg. police shootings, Walsh Street, Hoddle Street, Queen Street).

It seems as if every official and his/her brother and/or sister feel the need to “show
their presence at the scene”.

All unauthorised persons should be strictly excluded from the crime scene.

CRIME SCENE
KEEP OUT!

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

IN ORDER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION of crime scenes the following steps

should be strictly adhered to:-

TEN (10) POINT CRIME SCENE SEARCH

1. Examine/Sketch Scene without moving or touching anything.

2. Photograph the scene without moving or touching anything.

3. Fingerprint the scene without moving or touching anything.

4. DNA the scene without moving or touching anything.

5. Search of the Scene.

6. Photograph Exhibits individually as they are found

7. Fingerprint Exhibits individually as they are found

8. DNA Exhibits individually as they are found.

9. Collect and Label Exhibits individually as they are found.

10.Treat Secondary Scene the same as the Primary Scene.

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes
The same principle applies to the searching of indoor or outdoor crime scenes and
whether the crime scene be big or small.

A thorough and properly conducted crime scene search is YOUR responsibility.

Forensic evidence alone may never prove a case but will probably be able
to give certain indications in a line of inquiry and also
prove that claims made by suspects or witnesses are true or false.

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

NOTES

The ability to take and record notes is perhaps the single most important attribute that
you can foster as a member of the Police Force. The late Detective Senior Sergeant
John Hill 15756 used an old saying:

“The shortest note will outlive the longest memory”

Full and precise notes should be progressively maintained throughout the

investigation. These should commence with the initial particulars of the report of crime.
The investigator's time of arrival at the crime scene and the sequence of his activities
will be recorded.

The arrival times of other investigators and any other occurrences will also be
recorded. This can be done in the form of a log which should be kept to record the time
and details of all events relevant to the crime scene. Wherever possible a LOG
KEEPER should be delegated to guard the crime scene and record the details of all
persons entering and exiting the crime scene. This log should be accurate as it may
be scrutinised in court at a later date.

The notes will detail the crime scene situation including diagrams, measurements and
other relevant conditions, with particular detailed attention to the relative position of any
exhibits.

These notes provide a valuable record of the development of the investigation, will
assist in preparation of the brief, and may be required for production in court.

REMEMBER—If it is worthwhile making a mental note of something,

It is worthwhile making a written note.

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

+ ? =

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

Photographing (Videoing) The Scene

As well as the Forensic Science Photographic Section,

photographing crime scenes, the scenes of SOME major
crimes (including all homicides) are now video taped by the
Video Operations Unit of the Audio Visual Division.

Sketching the Crime Scene

In order to make a record of the crime scene situation and to fix the position of any
exhibits, a rough sketch of the crime scene should be made. Even though
photographs have been taken, there will be a delay before they become available. In
the meantime it might be necessary to refer to the locations of exhibits or features of
the crime scene. This can be done by reference to the rough sketch of the scene.

Although only a rough sketch of the scene has been made, all measurements must be
marked accurately in order to fix the exact locations of exhibits, furniture, doors,
windows or other objects. It might be impossible to show these measurements on the
sketch plan because of lack of space. In this case, the measurements should be
tabulated on another sheet, making reference to the sketch plan.

There are three basic methods of fixing the location of an exhibit:-

Rectangular co-ordinates

Straight line measurements

Triangulation

Rectangular co-ordinates: an object is fixed by taking two measurements at

right angles to adjoining walls or other fixed objects.

Straight Line Measurements: This method consists of taking two measurements -

one from each side of an object.

Triangulation: This method can be used to fix locations both

indoors and outdoors. Two fixed points, such as
wall corners or door-frame, trees, light poles or the
corner of a building are usually selected as points of
reference. Measurements are then taken from the
object in question to each point, thus forming a

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes
triangle. The intersection of these two
measurements fixes the position of the object.

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Consideration At The Crime Scenes

Note the presence or absence of any jewellery, rings, watches
etc. on the body including any mark on the body indicating that
objects have been worn

Make sketch of defensive wounds on hands

Wound chart - This can be used by the Investigator to record

observations of injuries

EXAMINATION OF THE SCENE

Aim of Examination

Examination of the scene of the occurrence should be made before any attempt is
made to search the scene. This is simply a survey or observation to permit an
appreciation of the crime scene situation by the investigator. During this phase, the
investigator can mentally reconstruct the occurrence
and determine the likely whereabouts of exhibits and traces.

THE MOST IMPORTANT TOOL A POLICE OFFICER CAN TAKE TO

A CRIME SCENE SEARCH IS A PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE.

The examination of the scene is aimed at discovering and preserving:-

(a) evidence to establish that a crime has been committed.

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

(b) facts to prove the identity of the offender

(c) facts to use in the subsequent interrogation

(d) physical evidence and exhibits for ultimate production in court

(e) physical evidence for submission to experts for examination or

scientific analysis.

REMEMBER—Once an item of evidence has been moved or altered it

is impossible to restore it to it’s original position or condition.

Action in Examination of Scene

 approach the scene with caution

 avoid contaminating the scene

 stand in a convenient position and observe the scene slowly and

methodically

 endeavour to reconstruct the crime

 draw a sketch plan of the scene showing the relative position of exhibits

 see that nothing is moved and that the scene is preserved in its original state

 resist the impulse to form hasty conclusions

 resist the urge to single out obvious clues and concentrate on them

 take full notes

 Consider household clues and the relevance of doors and windows - open or
closed, lights on or off, blinds or curtains drawn etc.

 note and record every feature of the scene, see that no clue is overlooked,
damaged or destroyed;

 Always photograph items in situ before touching or removing same.

Photographs preserve evidence

 outline the position of important exhibits with chalk after photographs have
been taken and before they are moved. Once moved it is impossible to
replace an article in its original position;

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes
 Consider
 the motive; this may give a clue to the offender
 how offender travelled to and from the scene
 was the offender alone or would he have needed an assistant?
 whether articles used, taken, moved or left at the scene
indicate the presence, or sex, of more than one offender, e.g.,
cigarette butts, drinking glasses, cups, lipstick traces etc.
 the principle of exchange - every contact leaves its traces
 whether medical attention might be required by the offender
 if there is a dead or unconscious victim, accurately establish
the cause of death or injury, and the identity of the victim
 fingerprint expert, photographer, surveyor, etc.
 False Report.

Search of the Scene

REMEMBER—It’s YOUR case! You only get one shot

at the crime scene so make sure YOU do it right!

In important cases, the assistant of the Forensic Science Mobile Laboratory is

generally available and they should be called to all serious crimes. Otherwise, the
search is your responsibility. Remember to relate to what you are searching for. The
search should be so thorough that, on its completion, you are satisfied that you have
found everything capable of being found. The value of the discovery of incriminating
evidence at the scene of the crime more than justifies the effort entailed.

The nature of the situation will indicate how extensive or intensive the search must be.
A reconstruction of the crime, based on the known facts, may indicate what you might
expect to find and where it might be found.

The search must be methodical and thorough. Possibly the best method is to take a
fixed starting point such as a door, a gatepost, window, light pole, etc., and work
clockwise from it. Proceed systematically from room to room not neglecting passages
and behind doors. Consider outbuildings, attics and cellars. Examine floors, walls,
ceilings, windows, doors, cupboards and receptacles. Don't overlook the rubbish bin.

Every piece of physical evidence which could have any connection with the crime
should be collected and preserved. Nothing should be rejected because it is too large,
too small or apparently, too insignificant. Consider traces which might be revealed
following microscopic examination.
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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

NOTE: Do not permit the removal of any article from its original position until it
has been photographed, videoed, fingerprinted and diagrammed,
sketched or otherwise connected with the crime scene. There are no
exceptions to this rule, including private vehicles and property.

Search particularly for:-

(a) evidence and clues of all types

(b) weapons or instruments foreign to the scene
(c) weapons or instruments normally at the scene
(d) articles left at the scene by the offender
(e) evidence of articles removed by the offender
(f) footprints, fingerprints, palmprints and glove prints

(g) traces of blood, marks in blood, bloodstains on clothing

(h) possibility of dirt, dust, grease paint, etc., being transferred to
offender or his clothing
(I) clothing, fibres, buttons etc., left by the offender
(j) marks of shoe polish on walls or furniture, glass or wood splinters
(k) car tracks and tyre marks.

Where rope, string or clothing which has been knotted, is required, as an exhibit, do
not untie the knot. Cut the material away from the knot and preserve the knot intact. If
a slipknot is present, tie the slipknot to prevent it from moving.

Examine waste-paper baskets, garbage tins, impressions on writing pads, blotting

paper. Put yourself in the offender's position and consider what he might have done in
the circumstances. In relation to fingerprints on paper, that also requires document
examination, for handwriting, typewriting etc., the document is to go to V.F.S.C.
Document Examination first and then to the Fingerprint Section.

Note photographs and photograph albums. A photograph found in a house might

include the offender or indicate a connection between the suspect and the victim
and/or other known offenders. It may indicate places visited by the offender or
weapons or vehicles in his possession.

Taking of Samples

Where they may possibly be of value, take samples at the scene for subsequent
comparison with similar substances likely to incriminate the offender.

There are three kinds of samples:

1) CONTROL samples, which are unstained material;

2) REFERENCE samples which are comparison material; and

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes
3) SUSPECT samples which are the materials or articles in question
which may provide incriminating evidence.

Samples may include:-

(a) blood, vomit, excreta

(b) dust
(c) herbage
(d) paint
(e) fibres
(f) hairs, (human, canine, etc.) skin fragments
(g) splintered wood
(h) grease
(I) dirt, earth, mud and clay
(j) filings
(k) shavings
(l) sawdust
(m) safe-insulating powder or ballast
(n) toolmarks or impressions
(o) any material left at scene by offender
(p) scrapings from fingernails
(r) in arsenical poisoning, hair-fingernails or urine
(s) glass.

Note carefully, the exact location from which samples are taken and the condition of
the samples. Probably the best method of preserving and conveying such samples is
to place them in cellophane envelopes properly labelled. They are protected, but can
still be inspected without danger or damage or contamination. In relation to blood
stained items, place them in paper bags;

REMEMBER—Moisture and bacteria are the biggest enemies

of heat and time

Firearms

Where firearms have been used, an extensive search must be made for the weapon
and any discharged bullet or fired cartridge. Often, after interviewing witnesses and
reconstructing the crime, it is possible to trace the path of the shot and recover the
spent bullet. Alternatively, it may be possible to trace the path of the bullet back to the
spot from which the shot was fired.

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes
While pistols rarely reveal fingerprints, do not overlook the possibility of prints on the
magazine of automatics or the cases of cartridges.

REMEMBER—Preserve gun shot residue on hands and clothing.

Toolmarks

Just as fingerprints may positively identify an offender, so may toolmarks be connected

positively with the tool or instrument which made them. Toolmarks are of the greatest
value where the tool used is subsequently found in the offender's possession.

In searching a scene, be alert for the following:-

(a) Marks left by any tool or instrument.

(b) Broken pieces of metal from any tool or instrument.
(c) Knives and knife cuts.
(d) Chisels and chisel marks.
(e) Marks from axes in wood or metal.
(f) Marks from jemmies, iron bars, tyre-levers.
(g) Screwdrivers, awls, etc.
(h) Bolt-cutters' impressions on severed padlocks or chains.
(i) Saw Blades.
(j) Drills and bits.

Where an offender leaves a tool or instrument at the scene of an offence there may be
some woodwork or metalwork at his home or place of business which will show
identifiable marks made by the same medium.

Articles left at the Scene by the Offender

The most common place items can be of the greatest importance at the scene of a
crime. It is vital to establish whether they belong to the complainant or the offender.
Such items as receipts, rail or tram tickets, wrappings, letters, cigarette butts, matches,
newspapers, cigarette packets, clothing, tools weapons, keys, jewellery, etc., may be
traceable.
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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

Consider tracing instruments left at the scene. An offender who left a torch at the
scene may have worn gloves, however an examination of the torch batteries may
reveal fingerprints. If anything is eaten at the scene, consider teeth marks.

Exhibits

GOOD FORENSIC EVIDENCE CAN WIN THE DAY BUT IT MUST

BE COLLECTED PRESERVED IN PRISTINE CONDITION
AND IT’S CONTINUITY RECORDED THROUGHOUT.

All exhibits in important cases, should be photographed before removal. At the scene,
place all exhibits in a segregated area having labelled each one as it was found. Note
and record the exact position in which each exhibit was found. Where exhibits are
numerous, the task of collecting and preserving them should be allotted to one or two
members.

Physical evidence must be labelled or its physical characteristics recorded in such a

manner that it can be positively identified later. IF an exhibit MUST be moved before it
can be photographed, measured and recorded, you should measure its location as
accurately as possible and make written notes it has been moved. When exhibits are
labelled, the relevant finder's name should be stated, together with the time, date and
place of its discovery. Original notes should indicate the labelling descriptions
appropriate to identification of each exhibit.

All physical evidence should be collected, packaged, transported and stored in such a
way that is original condition remains unchanged, until it has been handed to an expert
for examination or until it is produced in court. All physical evidence must be
connected with the crime scene by photographs, sketches, diagrams, written
descriptions and oral testimony.

The chain of custody (continuity) must be maintained from the time of its collection at
the scene to the time of its production in court as an exhibit. Notes of changes of
possession must be maintained, in all instances. Failure to do so may negate the
evidentiary value in court.

Witnesses at the Scene

CONSIDER WITNESSES AS YOUR STEPPING

STONES TO CATCHING CROOKS

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

Where witnesses are located at the scene of the crime, it is usually best to interview
them there and then if the situation is favourable. If not, take them to a police station.
Sometimes it may be necessary to take a short statement from a witness immediately
binding him to his story.

Don't overlook the value of negative statements from witnesses who claim to have
heard, seen and said nothing. Statements to this effect at least restrict the defence
later.

Witnesses are more likely to volunteer information immediately after the commission of
an offence than they are after a considerable lapse of time. Therefore, obtain
statements from witnesses at the first practicable opportunity.

Even though a wife may not be a compellable witness against her husband, she can
give evidence for him. A statement obtained from her immediately after an offence
may preclude her from giving false evidence in his defence.

It is important that investigators should not discuss the details of the crime with any
person at the scene. Nothing should be volunteered to witnesses, suspects or
members of the mass communications media. Witnesses should be advised not to
talk to the media.

It has happened on a number of occasions that suspects have stated the cause of
death of a murder victim when such information could only have been known by the
offender. This has given rise to suggestions that the incriminating information was
overheard in discussions between investigators, or because of leakage to the media.

NOTE: Investigators from this course shall understand they are not to play any
role in advising, briefing or speaking to any member of the media. All
media inquiries are to be directed to a qualified Detective or Sergeant at
the crime scene.

If it is considered advisable that a press release should be made in order to enlist

public co-operation or for other purposes, this decision will be taken by the officer in
charge of the inquiry or a superior to whom he refers the request.

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes
Local Inquiries

Consider the situation of persons who could have been in the vicinity at the time of the
commission of the offence, such as milkmen, bakers, other tradesmen, collectors,
transport workers, paperboys, postmen and school children. Often a subsequent visit
to the scene of the offence at the same time as when the offence was committed will
reveal the proximity of the witnesses.

House to House Canvass

Never forget the value of the house to house
canvass. This is an important investigative tool
which has proved its worth again and again. It is
the process by which investigators go from house
to house in the vicinity of the crime, seeking
potential witnesses. Witnesses are often reluctant
to come forward voluntarily and their evidence will
never be obtained unless the police seek them.

REMEMBER—Failure to search is failure to find.

The occasions on which a house to house canvass is employed will depend on the
nature of the situation. However, when it has been decided to make such a canvass, it
is essential that it should cover every house within sight or earshot of the crime scene
and along the route which the offender may have taken in going to and coming from
the crime scene.

In conducting the canvass, the individual investigators must make comprehensive

notes of their progress to prevent duplication or omissions. The following details
should be recorded:-

 Address of each house visited.

 Identity of each occupier.
 Identities of all inmates at the time of the commission of the crime.
 Identities of persons present at the time of the commission of the crime but absent
at the time of the canvass.
 Individual accounts of inmates interviewed indicating whether anything of value
was heard, seen, is known or suspected.
 Whether the inmates know of any person who may have been in the area at the
relevant time.

This record enables the investigator co-ordinating the inquiry to determine the
nature, extent and value of the canvass and to arrange for missing persons to be
interviewed later. The same pattern can be applied in a commercial area a
shopping centre or in office buildings. In residential areas the canvass may develop
into a room to room canvass.

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes
Variations of Initial Action

Although initial action at the scene of a crime is always aimed at discovering ALL OF
THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE relating to the commission of the offence and the identity
of the offender, variations of its form occur in the following situations:-

(a) Immediate attendance following a report of crime.

(b) Delayed attendance at the scene of a crime.
(c) Emergency or unexpected incidents.
(d) Planned incidents.

Immediate attendance at the scene of a crime

The foregoing notes on initial action at the scene of a crime relate specifically to
immediate attendance following a reported offence.

Delayed attendance at the scene of a crime

In some circumstances, the investigator will be directed to the scene of a crime, some
considerable time after its commission. This is commonly the case with what are
known as "cold" breakings. With modifications, the basic rules of initial action still
apply. Since the offence may have occurred hours, days or even weeks previously the
investigator is put to greater efforts in endeavouring to obtain tangible evidence
concerning it.

The following procedures should be adopted in conjunction with the normal rules of
initial action:-

(a) Interview the complainant

(b) Ascertain the reason for the delay in reporting the matter.
(c) Examine the scene.
(d) Endeavour to reconstruct the crime.
(e) Search for physical evidence; many traces remain for a
considerable time and if physical objects exist, they will be found
by means of a thorough search.
(f) Consider the geography of the area or the physical lay-out of
premises and remember that time may not have altered these
features.
(g) Consider commission of similar offences; the one being
investigated many conform to a specific modus operandi pattern.
(h) Consider whether the reported offence is genuine or bogus.
(I) Consider press publicity.
(j) Consider publicity - Daily circular.

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

Emergency or unexpected incidents

In situations of emergency, the investigator

may be unexpectedly at the scene when the
crime is being committed. In this
circumstance, protection of life and property
and the arrest of offenders become the
primary considerations.

This does not mean that the investigator arrests the offender and ignores the crime
scene. Arrest is merely a means of bringing an offender before a court. The
investigator must still collect ALL OF THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE to put before the
court in order to prove the guilt of the offender beyond reasonable doubt.

To do this, the investigator must always seek both witnesses and physical
evidence at the crime scene, to establish a nexus between the offender and the
offence.

The aim of initial action at the crime scene is to discover ALL OF THE AVAILABLE
EVIDENCE relevant to the commission of the crime and the identity of the offender.
The arrest of the offender at the scene satisfies only part of this aim.

Planned incidents

In some circumstances it is possible to make provision for an incident before its actual
occurrence and to plan the initial action in advance. In other circumstances it is
essential that the actual initial action should be carefully planned in advance.

These situations arise in the following manner:-

(i) when information is received concerning the commission or

intended commission of an offence;

ii) when an epidemic of crime of a particular class occurs.

A careful evaluation of the nature of either of these situations will enable the
formulation of a specific plan of action.

Information

When information is received concerning an offence committed the first requirement is

to ascertain whether the offence has been reported. If the offence has been reported,
the investigator should avail himself of all the information gleaned as a result of initial
action at the scene of that offence. If the offence has not been reported, the scene
should be visited and the complainant interviewed, so that the investigator can avail
himself of a complete understanding of the offence.

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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes

Where the information relates to an offence already committed, a suitable plan aimed
at the arrest of the offenders and recovery of stolen property or other exhibits must be
formulated.

On the other hand, if the information relates to the proposed commission of an offence,
a suitable plan must be formulated aimed at the arrest of the offenders before the
offence is committed. In this situation, the primary consideration must be the
protection of life, particularly where the offence contemplated is an offence against the
person.

In formulating plans for operations of the kind contemplated, there are three basic
considerations:-

(a) the plan must be simple.

(b) sufficient manpower must be provided to out number the offender(s)

(c) every party to the execution of the plan must have a full
understanding of the nature of the plan and his part in it.

It is wise to have an alternative plan prepared so as to make provision for unforeseen

eventualities.

It is impossible to outline a plan of action which would cover every eventuality, but it is
essential that a plan should be formulated and that it is understood by the members
taking part. The appropriate time at which premises should be "searched", the
appropriate means by which entry should be effected, and the general method of
approach can only be decided in accordance with the facts of a particular case.

 See VPM’s re search warrants and lecture notes on Warrants and Arrest,
Search and Seizure.
 Also refer to VPM 105-1 and 105-2 re searches of persons and property and
VPM 115-1 in relation to searches of prisoners.

In situations where the action is aimed at preventing the commission of an offence, the
plan should provide for the members involved to be in position well before the
anticipated arrival of the offenders. In these situations, it may well be necessary to
refer the matter to a higher authority. It must be remembered that we are not
permitted to allow offences to be committed merely to arrest the offenders.

Epidemics

Where an outbreak of crime of a particular class occurs, it is possible to take

appropriate action in an effort to establish a pattern of offences. Times, days of the
week, localities, nature of offences, modus operandi, premises (if any) concerned, age
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School of Investigation Initial Action at Crime Scenes
and sex of offender(s) and victims etc., should be considered. Locations of offences
conforming to the pattern should be suitably marked on a locality map of the area.

By this means, it may be possible to determine where the next offence of the series is
likely to be committed and to take the appropriate action to effect the arrest of the
offender(s). This may be effected by keeping specific premises under observation or
by the implementation of specific mobile or foot patrols of a particular area. This has
the effect of reducing the incidence of all types of crime.

Preparation and planning of this kind often provides the opportunity for effecting an
arrest in circumstances which would otherwise be dependent on chance.

BOMB INCIDENTS

Post Blast Incidents and Suspected Devices

At a post blast incident, the Special Operation Group Explosive Incident Officer
(ordinarily the officer in charge of the S.O.G.) will deploy Bomb Technicians from the
Bomb Response Unit. They are simply an expert group to assist the C.I.U. in relation
to the crime scene. The E.I.O. is responsible for control of the crime scene but is
largely a co-ordinator between the expert searchers and the investigating
officer. The E.I.O. will be responsible for requesting the following services:

 Bomb Response Unit

 The Army E.O.D. Unit (in relation to military ordinance)
 Explosives Detector Dogs
 Worksafe

The Crime Department retain the responsibility for investigating the incidents and the
Arson Squad are to be utilised in this role. The investigating team, other experts,
technicians and photographers will perform their duties as in a normal criminal
investigation.

The E.I.O. will liaise with the investigating officer, people affected by the incident and
the investigating officer will subject the necessary reports to the Special Operations
Group. .

The Crime Department will provide the investigating team, technical experts and retain
the overall responsibility for investigating the incident.

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Conclusion

Initial action is aimed at discovering ALL OF THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE relevant to

the commission of the crime and the identity of the offender, so that the offender can
be brought to justice. It must be remembered that the same principles of initial action
apply to investigations into matters other than crime. Where an incident, accident or
some other occurrence is under investigation, the object is that ALL OF THE
AVAILABLE EVIDENCE relating to the manner of its causation and the effect be
produced.

In any investigation, the investigator must consider his objective and apply the basic
principles of investigation towards that end, remembering that the preliminary
investigation at the crime scene often determines the success of the investigation.

REMEMBER—it is better to have the evidence and not need it,

than to need it and not have it.

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CALL OUT CRITERIA FOR SPECIALIST SERVICES/SQUADS

The Police Communications Division on line supervisor has the responsibility for calling
out any of the specialist squads or services that may be required by members of the
C.I.U. or crime squads, both during office hours and after hours. Before contacting the
on line supervisor, members should be aware of the relevant units charter or criteria
for attending scenes/incidents.

The On line supervisor can be contacted direct.

The following is a list of some specialist squad or units that are able to assist your
crime scene investigation:

 Homicide Squad/Missing  Surveillance Unit

Persons Unit  Special Operations Group
 Tactical Response Squad  Victoria Forensic Science
 Sexual Crime Squad Centre Crime Scene
 Armed Offenders Squad Section.

 Major Drug Investigation  Force Response Unit

Division  Asian Squad
 Criminal Identification  Organised Crime Squad
Squad  State Intelligence Division
 Fingerprint Bureau  Search & Rescue Squad/
 Major Fraud Group Boat Squad
 Technical Support Unit  Air Wing
 Arson Squad  Dog Squad
 DNA Management Unit  Mounted Branch

NOTE: Investigators at this course are to be aware that the call out procedure
for specialist squads or units must be undertaken by a qualified Detective
or Sergeant. This does not apply to a Photographer or Fingerprint
expert who is working the same district, and same shift, and is available
to respond.

Finally, the essential rule in any successful criminal investigation

is the thorough documentation of events in the Investigator’s notebook.

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