Responsibility of the first officer at a crime scene

How much thought do you give to the initial responding officer at a crime scene?  If the answer is “not much” then you may be compromising the integrity of your work. If you are the initial officer at a crime scene, do you make sure to pay attention to detail?  You should. 

            The first officer to arrive at a crime scene plays an integral part in a successful investigation. The first responding officer should be debriefed by the investigators before they enter the scene.  The initial responding officer has a responsibility to make the scene safe and prepare for the investigators.  Here are a few tips for the initial responding officer.

1. The investigation begins with how the crime was reported.  Did the officer get flagged down while driving by, or was it a 911 hang-up call?  If the officer discovered the crime, it is important to note what made the officer suspicious.  What they heard before arriving might provide insight to any precipitating factors.  The initial officer would have knowledge of who was in the area at the discovery of the crime scene and the scope of the crime scene.  The investigator may be under the impression that a crime scene is confined to a specific building, but the initial responding officer would be able to give details if an addition area needs to be investigated.  Knowing the size and scope of the scene is an important factor for investigators.  Especially when creating a perimeter.  If the crime occurred in an apartment, but the initial officer saw suspects running from the area, the scope of the scene just expanded exponentially. 

2. That initial responding officer is the only officer to experience the scene before it is disturbed by other police, fire or medical personnel.  As other members approach the scene, the first officer on the scene should establish where the entry and exit into the scene should be.  The reason for this is because they will see what route is less likely to destroy evidence.  If possible, do not use the same pathway that the suspect may have used.  If life saving efforts requires you to access the possible suspect route, then life saving efforts will be given the priority.

3.  An entry log of who entered the crime scene must be done.   The initial officer needs to relay to the investigator who went into the crime scene.  Tracking down the creator of the boot impression left at a scene only to learn it was a curious administrator that deposited it can be very frustrating.

3. The initial officer will be able to provide details that the investigators would not otherwise know.  The officer should note if lights were turned on or off, doors opened or closed, exit and entry of personnel and if the body was moved during life saving efforts.  Some evidence could be in a transitional stage and be lost by the time the investigator arrives.  Ice cubes in a glass could melt, a lit cigarette will burn out and odors will dissipate.  These “minor” details could develop into “major” details as the investigation continues. The old adage “you never know” fits well with this scenario.  

4. Keep track of where the key players go.  If someone gives you info, the first officer on scene should, at a minimum, get there name number and address.  If they have information, they should be told not to leave the area until a detective or investigator can speak with them.   I have arrived at many crime scenes and asked the question, “Where are they now?”  People involved at a crime scene have a way disappearing once the police arrive.  Perhaps some were transported to the hospital, maybe waiting in a patrol car or just left!  Witnesses and/or victims may be carrying physical evidence that has been transferred to their clothing or bodies.  An investigator can not retrieve the evidence if they can not find the victim or they find them days later. It is crucial to account for any persons who may have information about the crime scene.

5.  As soon as possible after the scene is made safe, the initial responding officer/s will need to set a perimeter for scene security.  At first, it may just be a car blocking a road or police tape strung around the scene, but as more units arrive, the scene perimeter should be given great attention.  Police tape is a nice visual aid, but it is not very secure.  Keep in mind, police tape only keeps out those who respect it. The perimeter should be larger than you think necessary.  It is easier to tighten the perimeter than it is to expand it after it is established.  With a wide perimeter, a second, inner-perimeter, can also be established.  The space between the inner and outer perimeter creates an area where equipment can be stored and set up.  Officers who are working on the case, but not entering the scene can use this area to speak privately with investigators.  When determining the perimeter, you need to decide what route investigators will enter and exit the crime scene.  If media are present, you may not want the entry and exit point easily photographed.  Remember that you are being watched.  Laughing, eating, and goofing around while in view of the cameras will most certainly be exploited. 

With the quick thinking of the initial responding officer, your investigation can get off to a great start.  If you have the opportunity, you should relay what you expect from officers on the scene before you arrive.  These 5 steps can make a world of difference in catching the bad guy.