Scene of the Crime Read Online Free PDF Page A

scene as need is reported.
    • Coordinates car chases or foot chases, keeping units advised of each other's situation and location at all times.
    • Maintains log of all calls.
    • Retains tape recordings of all significant matters until they are disposed of.
    • Knows whereabouts of all officers at all times.
    • Prepares and dispatches updated lookout bulletins.
    • On officers' requests, checks National Crime Information Center and other computerized data bases for wants and other information.
    • As necessary, coordinates own department's efforts with efforts of other departments.
    • Testifies in court as necessary. Patrol Division—
    • Gets the initial call.
    • Goes to the scene and determines the situation.
    • Gets initial information from complainant.
    • Asks dispatch to send whoever else is needed.
    • Contains witnesses.
    • Controls scene.
    • Makes arrest if perp is immediately visible.
    • Chases perp if perp is attempting to escape.
    • Assists detectives when they arrive.
    • Makes initial report.
    • Testifies in court as needed. Detective Division—
    • Goes to scene of major crimes.
    • Asks dispatch to send whoever else is needed that patrol has not sent for.
    • Interviews witnesses at scene.
    • Instructs patrol division in more ways to help.
    • Canvasses area to look for more possible witnesses.
    • Arranges transport for witnesses to headquarters.
    • Takes written statements from witnesses.
    • Does follow-up investigation, which may take days, weeks, months or years.
    • Prepares necessary search warrants and/or arrest warrants.
    • Maintains case files.
    • Writes follow-up reports as needed.
    • Usually makes subsequent arrest.
    • Coordinates with prosecuting attorney to be sure case is adequately presented.
    • Testifies in court as needed. Crime-Scene Division —
    • Goes to scene of crimes and accidents.
    • Takes photographs as appropriate.
    • Develops photographs or arranges for them to be developed at secure facility.
    • Makes measurements as appropriate.
    • Makes initial crime-scene sketch at location.
    • Makes detailed crime-scene drawing at headquarters.
    • Collects physical evidence.
    • Maintains legal integrity of physical evidence by
    1. Keeping evidence locker secure
    2. Maintaining chain of custody
    3. Keeping unauthorized people out.
    • Prepares laboratory requests.
    • Transports evidence to laboratory or arranges for its shipment certified mail, return receipt requested.
    • Looks for fingerprints at scene and on evidence transported to headquarters.
    • Maintains inked fingerprint and palm print files.
    • Compares latent fingerprints to known prints of suspects.
    • Searches unknown latent fingerprints through files, using all means available including computers.
    • Prepares fingerprint charts.
    • Testifies in court as needed. Emergency Medical Technician—
    • Examines victim at the scene, if there is any possibility the victim is alive.
    • Provides emergency medical care.
    • Transports victim to hospital, if victim is alive.
    • Stays on hand to transport victim to morgue, if victim is dead.
    • Testifies in court as necessary. Coroner and/or Medical Examiner—
    • Pronounces victim dead at scene.
    • May make initial medical examination at scene.
    • Arranges for and/or performs autopsy.
    • Determines cause of death.
    • Provides as much information as possible to investigating officers.
    • Makes formal autopsy report.
    • Testifies in court as necessary. Coroner's or Medical Examiner's Investigator—
    • Investigates cause of death, coordinating efforts with those of other investigators.
    • Makes any necessary follow-up investigations as to exact cause of death.
    • Testifies in court as necessary. K-9 Unit-
    • Dog may track apparent victim who has left scene.
    • Dog may track perp who has left scene.
    • Dog and