WMD HAZMAT Evidence Collection Course

1. WMD HAZMAT Evidence Collection Course • CBRNE/HAZMAT Evidence Collection Steps 5-8

2. Objectives • Discuss the three types of evidence and material or items encountered at a crime scene to be collected and used as evidence • Discuss the information included in the narrative description of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, or Explosive (CBRNE) crime scene • Discuss the processes used to obtain useful photographs of a crime scene • Identify the information included in the sketch of a crime scene

3. Physical Evidence • Physical evidence can be any item or substance that can be inspected, collected, and examined • May be substantial and long lasting such as building materials or metal parts or or transient such as gases or vapors Physical Evidence Courtesy of CDP

4. Testimonial Evidence • Testimonial evidence consists of witness statements offered to prove the matter asserted • Witnesses usually testify in person, but may testify by written statement under some circumstances • If a witness can provide information relating to case in any way, it should be collected and thoroughly documented Witness Preparing to Give Testimony Courtesy of CDP

5. Documentary Evidence • Documentary evidence is that evidence submitted in written form • It may consists of witness statements under oath; photographs; printed or written material; sketches; or even electronic media, such as tapes, computer memory, CDs, or DVDs • It may consist of legal documents such as deeds or other ownership documents Warranty Deed, Title to Car Courtesy of CDP

6. Prepare the Narrative Description • The narrative description is a record of observations of the crime scene • The narration begins with a general impression of the condition of the scene and proceeds to detailed observations • Narration takes into account what is observed at the scene and any items normally present but are absent • Narration can be supplemented with photographs, sketches, or other recordings

7. Prepare the Narrative Description (continued) • The narrative description should include the following: • Case identifier or number • Date and time • Location (address or information that specifically identifies the scene) • Identity of the person who prepared the narration • Weather conditions at the time responders arrived at the scene

8. Prepare the Narrative Description (continued) • Lighting conditions at the scene at the time responders arrived • Observations regarding the crime scene in general • Times and contents of important telephone calls and messages • Victims’ locations at the scene • Items of potential evidence, including description and narration • Routes of narrator’s movement through the site

9. Photographing the CBRNE Crime Scene • Use photography to document the crime scene as it existed at the time of the operation • Photographs must show the scene as it was found, without any investigators or other responders in the photo, and no equipment showing • Photographs must be completely documented Crime Scene Photographer Photo courtesy of FBI

10. Plan for Taking Photographs • Photographs should be taken before any action is taken that would change the scene • Prepare a plan showing the order in which photographs will be taken, items to be photographed, locations from which to take photos, and types of equipment to be used • Maintain perspective • At least one photo of each item of evidence should show scale

11. Tips for Taking Photographs Use at least three positions or views—distant, medium range, and close-up view of evidence Three Views of Evidence Courtesy of CDP

12. Use of Digital Photography as Evidence • Digital photographs are not photographs in the true sense, but prints recreated from stored electronic data • Improvements in digital imaging have brought about improvements in ability to manipulate the content of images • Whether digital images can be admitted as evidence is a matter of court rule. Jurisdictions planning to use digital crime scene photography should understand local limitations on such

13. Prepare a Crime Scene Sketch • The crime scene sketch should show the general layout and relative positions of key scene elements • The sketch is a rough drawing and not an artistic production • Document each object with distances, a legend to identify any item represented by symbol • Must be protected to withstand decontamination Crime Scene Sketch Photo Courtesy CDP

14. Prepare a Crime Scene Sketch (continued) Sketch is a rough drawing and may be followed up with a more detailed diagram when circumstances permit Positions of evidence should be shown in relation to other objects Sketch should be annotated with information about the scene, conditions, date/time, scale or disclaimer, and measurements Crime Scene Sketch Courtesy of CDP

15. Conclusion • Discuss the three types of evidence and material or items encountered at a crime scene to be collected and used as evidence • Discuss the information included in the narrative description of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, or Explosive (CBRNE) crime scene • Discuss the processes used to obtain useful photographs of a crime scene • Identify the information included in the sketch of a crime scene

16. WMD HAZMAT Evidence Collection Course • CBRNE/HAZMAT Evidence Collection Steps 5-8—End of Module