Death Investigations Questions Answered 100% correct

Death Investigations Questions Answered 100% correct Three basic principles of a homicide investigation 1. Rapid response to the scene and protect evidentiary evidence. 2. Anything and everything should be considered evidence. 3.Once scene is secured, notify homicide investigators The five components of practical homicide investigation 1. Teamwork 2. Documentation 3. Preservation 4. Common Sense 5. Flexibility Where is the primary crime scene? Where the body is located. Once an item of evidence has been moved or altered, it is possible to restore it to its original position or condition. (T/F) False Transfer or exchange principle 1. The perpetrator will take away traces of the victim and the scene. 2. The victim will retain traces of the perpetrator and may leave traces of himself on the perpetrator. 3. The perpetrator will leave traces of himself at the scene. The best course of action for the officers is 1. Clear the largest area possible. The scene can always be narrowed later. 2. Make a quick and objective evaluation of the scene based on 3. Keep in mind the possibility of multiple crime scenes. Although the protection of the crime scene is the responsibility of the first officer, all officers responding to and arriving at the scene have an equal responsibility in this duty. What is an equivocal death? "Equivocal death investigations are those inquiries that are open to interpretation. There may be two or more meanings and the case may present as either a homicide or a suicide depending upon the circumstances. The facts are purposefully vague or misleading as in the case of a "staged crime scene." Victimology Victimology is the collection and assessment of all significant information as it relates to the victim and his or her lifestyle. Types of crime scene staging 1. The most common type of staging occurs when the perpetrator changes elements of the scene to make the death appear to be a suicide or accident in order to cover up a murder. 2. The second most common type of staging is when the perpetrator attempts to redirect the investigation by making the crime appear to be a sex-related homicide. 3. Arson represents another type of staging. The offender purposely torches the crime scene to destroy evidence or make the death appear to be the result of an accidental fire. Do it right the first time. You only get one chance. The individual who first reported the incident may later become a suspect and the exact words he or she used become critical to the case. Do not run off without detaining this reporting witness or at least obtaining sufficient identity for follow-up investigators. Officer's primary duties 1. Determining whether the victim is alive or dead and the necessary actions to be taken. 2. Apprehending the perpetrator, if he is still present, or giving the appropriate notifications if he is escaping or has escaped. 3. Safeguarding the scene and detaining witnesses or suspects. The first officer initiates the investigation 1. Arrest the perp, if possible. 2. Detain all persons at the scene. 3. Attempt to assess and determine the entire crime scene including entry and exit points. 4. Isolate the area and protect the scene. 5. Refrain from entering the scene and/or disturbing, touching, or using any item found there. 6. Identify and, if possible, retain the person who notified the police. 7. Separate the witnesses so as to obtain independent statements. When utilizing uniform officers to transport a suspect, provide specific instructions. Do no assume that the uniform officers will know what they are supposed to do in every situation. In Practical Homicide Investigation Author Geberth describes the duties of homicide investigators as Observe Describe Record Collect There are three reasons for this emphasis (time recording) on preliminary note taking 1. The question of time is frequently the first subject covered in a cross examination. Lose credibility if you can't be sure of your times. 2. The subject of time may very well be the basis of an alibi. 3. Note taking forces the investigator to slow down. Each homicide (death investigation) case is distinct and unique and may require a fresh approach or perspective. Keep an open mind. In order to effect a successful homicide investigation, everyone involved must work together; homicide investigation is a team effort and not a one man how. CUSTODY + INTERROGATION = MIRANDA! Do it right the first time. You only get once chance.