First Responders at the Death Scene
Guide for Uniform Patrol First Responders /
Duane L. Hiers, Jr.
8/24/2012
Lesson Plan Cover Sheet
Course Name:
Instructor Training Course
Lesson Title:
First Responder at the Death Scene
Hours:
50 minutes
Prepared by:
Duane L. Hiers, Investigator, Riverdale Police Department, office number 770 909-5430
Date completed:
August 24, 2012
Approved by:
Revised by:
Revised date:
Instructional Methods:
Lecture, Discussion and Practical Exercise
Classroom Setting:
Traditional classroom seating
Terminal Performance Objective:
During an emergency response to a location where a death has occurred, the First Responder will identify, secure and work the crime scene in accordance with departmental policies.
Enabling Objectives:
Enabling Objectives
a.Identify the different types of death investigations.
b.Safety and preservation of the crime scene.
c.Describe the purpose of preserving the crime scene.
d.Define and prepare a Crime Scene Log.
e.Define and prepare a Crime Scene Sketch.
f.Demonstrate the collection and preservation of evidence.
g.Prepare a Case Briefing Sheet in accordance with departmental policies.
Audio/Visual Aids (see Appendix A):
Electronic slideshow – Microsoft PowerPoint 2010
Pictures
Handouts/Other Reference Material (see Appendix B):
1.Crime Scene Entry Log
2.Crime Scene Sketch
3. Crime Scene Briefing Sheet
Course Evaluation Methods (see Appendix C):
Practical Exercise
Written Examination
Pre-course or Additional Readings (see Appendix D):
None
References:
City of Riverdale Police Department (2012).Standing Operating Procedures and Guidelines (2012 ed).Riverdale.
State of Georgia (2010).Georgia Law Enforcement Handbook: Criminal Law and Procedure (2010-2011). Eagan, MN: Thomson West.
State of Wisconsin (2012).Wisconsin Department of Justice.Madison
Equipment/Materials:
Laptop Computer – One
Data Projector – One
Flip Chart – One
Instruction Guide/Abstract
Course Title:First Responder at a Death Scene
This lesson is taught via a combination of lecture, practical exercise and discussion. The purpose of this lesson plan is to give First Responders from the Riverdale Police Department information that will assist in the performance of the duties required.
This course is best taught using the traditional classroom seating. The instructor should be well versed in this material because questions may be asked about specific requirements or hazards.
During this block of instruction, a computerized slide show presentation will be used to enhance the delivery of this information.
Appendix A:Contains a master copy of the computerized slide show. If additional copies are needed, you may contact Investigator Duane Hiers at (770) 909 – 5430 for a new master copy.
Appendix B:Contains a scenario to use during the Practical Exercise, The Crime Scene Log, Crime Scene Sketch, and the Case Briefing Sheet.
Appendix C:Contains a copy of the test questions and answers related to the Enabling Objectives and a detailed explanation of the Practical Exercise.
Appendix D:None
Course Schedule
TimeSession
5 MinutesIntroduction
10 MinutesIdentify types of Death Scenes.
10 MinutesDescribe Crime Scene safety.
10 MinutesRecovering evidence and preservation of evidence.
10 MinutesCrime Scene Log, Sketch and Briefing Sheet.
5 MinutesConclusion
First Responder at a Crime Scene
I. Introduction (5 minutes)
Instructional Note:Display Power Point Slide #1 (First Responder at a Crime Scene)
Instructional Note:Introduce self, if new to group
A. Opening Statement
There is no greater tragedy to fall into the lives of the human race, than that of the loss of a loved one. Whether the death was planned, accidental, or at the hands of others, the loss of the family member is felt sometimes through the entire nation. Now as the Responding Officer to that scene where a death has occurred, the decision on what needs to be prioritized falls to that Responding Officer.
There are many things that will be going through the First Responder’s mind all at one time. What do I do? Who do I call? This type of emergency response is the same as every other that is expected to be resolved when assigned to Uniformed Patrol, just do it. From securing the scene to holding back family members wanting to go inside, it is the First Responder that has the responsibility to arrive, secure, maintain, document, and report an accurate description of the incident location.
B. Performance Objectives
Instructional Note:Display PowerPoint Slide #2 (Terminal Performance Objective)
1. Terminal Performance Objective
During an emergency response to a location where a death has occurred, the First Responder will identify, secure and work the crime scene in accordance with departmental policies.
Instructional Note:Display PowerPoint Slide #3 (Enabling Objectives)
2. Enabling Objectives
a.Identify the different types of death investigations.
b.Safety and preservation of the crime scene.
c.Purpose of Preserving the Crime Scene.
d.Define and prepare a Crime Scene Log.
Instructional Note:Display Power Point Slide #4 (Enabling Objectives) (cont’d)
e.Define and prepare a Crime Scene Sketch.
f.Demonstrate the collection and preservation of evidence.
g.Prepare a Case Briefing Sheet in accordance with departmental policies.
Instructional Note:Ask if there are any questions about the Performance Objectives.
C.Reasons for Learning
This class will give the First Responder the confidence to be dispatched to a crime scene involving a death and to properly secure and work the scene until released by Criminal Investigators, having completed all the required First Responder duties, in accordance with departmental policies.
II.Body (40 minutes)
Instructional Note:Display PowerPoint Slide # 5 (Identify the Different Death Scenes)
A.Identify the Different Types of Death Investigations
Upon arrival at any incident location, the First Responder (FR) must determine the type of scene that has occurred. The FR must evaluate the incident location for which type of death may have occurred.
1.Natural Death: A death by natural causes, as recorded by coroners and on death certificates and associated documents, is one that is primarily attributed to natural agents: usually an illness or an internal malfunction of the body. For example, a person dying from complications from influenza (an infection) or a heart attack (an internal body malfunction), Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) would be listed as having died of natural causes. Old age is not a scientifically recognized cause of death; there is always a more direct cause although it may be unknown in certain cases and could be one of a number of aging-associated diseases.
2.Accidental Death: An accident or mishap is an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance, often with lack of intention or necessity. It usually implies a generally negative outcome which may have been avoided or prevented had circumstances leading up to the accident been recognized, and acted upon, prior to its occurrence.
Instructional Note:Display PowerPoint Slide # 6 (Identify the Different Death Scenes)
3.Suicide: is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Suicide is often committed out of despair, the cause of which can attributed to a mental disorder such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, alcoholism, or drug abuse. Stress factors such as financial difficulties or troubles with interpersonal relationships often play a significant role.
4.Murder: is the unlawful killing, with malice aforethought, of another human, and generally this state of mind distinguishes murder from other forms of unlawful homicide (such as manslaughter). As the loss of a human being inflicts enormous grief upon the individuals close to the victim, as well as the fact that the commission of a murder is highly detrimental to the good order within society, most societies both present and in antiquity have considered it a most serious crime worthy of the harshest of punishment.
Instructional Note:Using the APC (ask, pause, call) Method, ask the following question:
Question:Can you name the four types of death scenes?
Answer:Natural, Accidental, Suicide and Murder
Instructional Note:Display PowerPoint Slide # 7 (Safety and Preservation of Crime Scene)
B.Safety and Preservation of the Crime Scene
The proper safety techniques of the FR are to conduct a safety sweep of the incident location prior to the admittance of any other personnel. Unfortunately, this sweep may be delayed while the FR waits on another officer to provide types of cover while the sweepis conducted. During the sweep, a mental note of where the victim is located should be made and determine if there are any other individuals at the location and those individuals exit the crime scene for safety and accountability.
Instructional Note:Display PowerPoint Slide # 8 (Purpose of Preserving the Crime Scene)
C.Purpose of Preserving the Crime Scene.
Once the scene is secured, the FR establishes boundaries of the scene. If possible locate the perpetrator’s path of entrance and exit. Make mental notes of any types of perishable evidence (blood on ground during rainstorm) and the location of this type of evidence. These key pieces of evidence may be the missing link required to solve the case within the first 48 hours. All evidence should be preserved in accordance with departmental guidelines and placed on property receipts for accountability. Ensuring a proper chain of custody that will stand up to strict scrutiny by defense attorney’s looking for a loop hole to have the evidence suppressed.
Instructional Note:Using the APC (ask, pause, call) Method, ask the following question:
Question:What officer is responsible to establish the boundaries of
the scene?
Answer:The First Responder
Instructional Note:Display PowerPoint Slide # 9 (Define and Prepare Crime Scene Log)
D.Define and prepare a Crime Scene Log
1.Everyone who walks into a crime scene brings something in and takes something out. Evidence is destroyed or changed.
a.A tiny fiber or hair that could positivity place a suspect inside a residence might be tracked out on the sole of a shoe.
b.An unidentified fingerprint might be pressed on to an interior wall by someone leaning in to take a peek.
2.Crime scene logs are chiefly intended for use at the scenes of major crimes, such as homicides, rapes or armed robberies. They can, however, be incorporated into the management of any scene where restricting access is a necessity according to the State of Wisconsin Department of Justice.
a. A perimeter should be established with crime scene tape. The officer handling the task of keeping the log should be posted at the main entrance, and keep those without a specific purpose outside of the boundary.
b.Boundaries are to be detailed in the sketch.
Instructional Note:Display PowerPoint Slide # 10 (Define and Prepare Crime Scene Log
contd)
3.Every individual that enters the scene should be documented on the log at the time of entry and exit. This can be problematic for the inexperienced officer when instructing superiors on scene security. Superior officer’s should recognize that inexperience and act accordingly.
4.Use the crime scene log that has been approved by the department and is contained in the departmental policies.
Instructional Note:Display PowerPoint Slide # 11 (Define and Prepare Crime Scene Logcontd)
5.Every person should be placed on the log if entry is made, regardless of rank or position. The time in and out is valuable for investigative purposes.
6.Medics and emergency response personnel have a habit of leaving the scene without being noted. Locate the responding units that arrived on the scene and retrieve their information from reports completed by the personnel that actually entered the scene.
7. Every individual regardless of rank, even the Chief of Police should be entered on the log.
8.This can be problematic for the inexperienced officers when instructing superiors on scene security.
9.Superiors officer’s should recognize that inexperience and act accordingly.
Instructional Note:Using the APC (ask, pause, call) Method, ask the following question:
Question:Who should be listed on the Crime Scene Log?
Answer:ANYONE that enters the scene.
Instructional Note:Display PowerPoint Slide #12 (Define and Prepare Crime Scene Sketch)
E.Define and prepare a Crime Scene Sketch
1.The crime scene sketch is an invaluable aid in recording investigative data. It is a permanent record that provides supplemental information that is not easily accomplished with the exclusive use of crime scene photographs and notes.
2.A crime scene sketch depicts the overall layout of a location and the relationship of evidentiary items to the surroundings. It can show the path a suspect or victim took and the distances involved and trajectories of firearms.
3.Most important to remember is the legend of the crime scene sketch. Knowing the value of measurements and locations to scale makes the sketch an integral depiction of the actual scene.
Instructional Note:Display PowerPoint Slide #13 (Define and Prepare Crime Scene Sketchcontd))
4.Upon entry to the scene to secure and make safe, use mental picturing to describe the layout of the scene.
5.Make the legend easy to understand and ALWAYS place “Not to Scale” on the sketch, with the ration of the measurements in the legend for later use.
6.Note where any type of evidence, blood splatter, or weapons may be located. Officers have the habit of making weapons safe when found, if possible leave it alone. The sketch by the FR can be the only document to show where the weapon actually was found.
Instructional Note:Display PowerPoint Slide # 14 (Collection and Preservation of Evidence)
F.Collection and preservation of evidence
1.Physical evidence encompasses any and all objects that can establish that a crime has been committed or can provide a link between a crime and its victim or a crime and its perpetrator.
2.The FR should document and preserve any evidence that is readily perishable or diminishing, to preserve its evidentiary value.
3.Proper documentation and recording of property are essential to be completed by the FR. Property receipts should be properly document to establish an unbreakable chain of custody. Evidence should be placed in designated collection receptacles in accordance with departmental policies and guidelines.
Instructional Note:Display PowerPoint Slide # 15 (Prepare a case Briefing Sheet)
G.Prepare a Case Briefing Sheet in accordance with departmental policies.
1.Correct date, time, and location of the incident..
2.Incident number is assigned by the emergency communications center.
3. Identify as many of the victims as possible.
4.Describe the type of crime that has been committed.
Instructional Note:Display PowerPoint Slide #16 (Prepare a Case Briefing Sheet contd))
5.Identify any known suspects and witnesses.
3.Give a clear accurate synopsis of what happened. Commanders can brief the command staff by using this form on any scene that may need the attention of the Chief of Police.
III.Conclusion (5 minutes)
Instructional Note:Display Power Point Slide # 17(Enabling Objectives)
Instructional Note:Display PowerPoint Slide # 18 (Enabling Objectives)
A.Summary
During this block of instruction we have discussed the procedures for the First Responder to a Crime Scene involving a death of some manner. Next, we defined the different types of crime scenes and how to ensure that scene is safe. Then, we established the importance of preserving and collecting evidence, the Crime Scene Log, Crime Scene Sketch, and the Crime Scene Briefing Sheet. Last, we conducted a practical exercise to ensure the working knowledge on how to complete these forms.
B.Final Questions
Instructional Note: Ask if there are any final questions.
C.Closing Statements
In closing, the most horrific time during any individual’s life is the loss of a loved one. Whether the loss is expected, accidental, or taken way too soon, the loss is a burden that has to be carried by the families left behind. A thorough job by the First Responder allows the family’s members to know that their loved one was treated with dignity and respect. The work completed by the First Responder is the foundation for any criminal investigation that will be conducted.
Appendix A
Audio/Visual Aids
Permission Letter / Departmental Forms
August 16, 2012
Samuel F. Patterson
Chief of Police
City of Riverdale Police Department
6690 Church Street
Riverdale, Georgia 30274
Dear Chief Patterson:
I am currently attending the Georgia Public Safety Training Center’s Peace Officer’s Instructor Course. I am putting together a training program on “First Responders at a Death Scene”.
During the preparation of this training media, I have discovered it would be valuable to use two of the forms that are currently in use by the City of Riverdale Police Department. I request permission to use the City of Riverdale’s Crime Scene Log and Case Briefing Sheet that is currently being used by First Responders in accordance with departmental policies.
Your signature below, under “confirmed by,” will indicate that you agree to permit this use without a payment or fee.
Thank you for your help with this matter and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Very truly yours,
Duane Hiers
Investigator
Riverdale Police Department
Confirmed by:
______
Chief of Police
Appendix B
Cover Sheet
Handouts and Other Reference Material
Handout # 1
RIVERDALE POLICE DEPARTMENT
INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION
CRIME SCENE ENTRY LOG
NAME / AGENCY / PURPOSE / TIME IN / TIME OUTHandout # 2
Handout # 3