Preplanning a Crime Scene, A Safer Way To Work Your Scene

Preplanning actions taken and methods used at a crime scene, prior to actually working the scene, usually lead to working cases with much less danger or chance of an exposure to the people involved than with no planning at all. Most public safety agencies have procedures in place to cover many incidents. These include routes of travel to and from a scene, exposure reporting and treatment procedures and scenario training for anticipated events like mass disasters. There is no reason why a crime scene unit cannot be provided with the same type of training for its personnel. This training would include, among other things, response guidelines, personal protective gear usage and fit, decontamination procedures, scene  protocol and cleaning up the scene prior to leaving. Considerations also need to take into account climatic events. These would include extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, snow and high wind factors. It is extremely important to ensure that the working team has the necessary items to provide them the ability to protect not only the scene but also themselves from the elements. Things like food, water, adequate shelter, relief from heat or cold, dry clothing and the tools necessary to do the job efficiently are provided or available.  Medical personnel (EMT’s or Paramedics) standing by. Antiseptic cleaners, bio-disposal bags and sharps containers must be near by too. Another consideration is the safety of the scene workers themselves. Since they are usually preoccupied with the duties at hand, it is necessary to provide security for the scene and them. This can be accomplished in several ways. One way is by having officers standing by while the scene investigators work. A second is by using physical barriers along with the officers, such as crime scene tape, vehicles or saw horses. Even indoor scenes require officers being posted outside doors and windows to prevent outsiders from entering. Proper tools, lighting and supplies such as body bags, evidence tags and packaging supplies, evidence tape and bio-collection equipment are necessary. It is sometimes a good idea to have support  personnel such as the Medical Examiner or Firearms and Latent Print people standing by to assist with areas within their training or expertise. This is a serious business, working together and practicing together will allow for a smoother flow between people and at the scene itself. Meetings allow for around table discussion among participants before an event occurs and lets everyone involved know who you will be working with, what their capabilities and limitations are and who everyone is and how to contact each other. Networking is one of the best ways there is to ensure an open and secure flow of information. Already knowing the person you are trying to contact makes it that much easier. Regarding the scene itself, crime scene personnel use chemicals in many cases. Is it necessary or advisable to post warning placards on the exterior surfaces of doors, walls or windows when these chemicals are used? Would it reduce liability for you or your agency? Wearing proper safety equipment is an absolute! Gloves, respirators, special clothing and ancillary clean-up facilities are also necessary. Using the tools of our trade and being completely familiar with them is always a plus. What are the limitations of the camera equipment you are using? Which chemical process do you need to use? Do you have the proper supplies, equipment and training to do the job safely and correctly? If not, how do you get them? Do you buy or pay for them and hope for reimbursement or do you get the agency to provide them? Is immunization provided as required by OSGA regulations? Does your agency also offer tetanus shots, titer tests or regular physical examinations that include pulmonary function testing? These are but a few of the things to be considered when pre-planning any incident. All incidents are major; the only real difference is the size and scope of the scene itself. By taking the time to think, brainstorm and  implement the ideas and procedures necessary, can safety and training be properly taught and adhered to.