NCJ Number
84291
Date Published
1981
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This discussion of the homicide investigation covers the responsibilities of the first officer on the crime scene, procedures in the subsequent detective's investigation, and the documentation required in homicide investigations.
Abstract
The primary concerns of the first officer on the crime scene are (1) determining whether the victim is alive or dead and taking appropriate steps to secure needed medical care; (2) apprehending the perpetrator, if still present at the scene, or making appropriate notifications, if escaping or escaped; and (3) safeguarding the scene and detaining witnesses. The detective and detective supervisor assigned to the case become coordinators of the several different units and persons charged with inquiry into the death. Action by detectives at the scene includes taking or supervising the taking of crime-scene photographs, taking notes about the scene and composing a crime-scene top-view sketch, identifying the victim, canvassing the immediate and surrounding area, ensuring the performance of a preliminary medical examination at the scene, and estimating the time of death. The proper collection and disposition of trace or physical evidence from the homicide crime scene is of utmost importance to the investigation and final court presentation. Upon completion of the work at the crime scene, witnesses should be interviewed. The supervising detective is also responsible for releasing the body and the crime scene, and being present at the autopsy. Documentations of the investigation include indexing all information pertinent to the investigation, the completion of an official response report, and the holding of daily investigative conferences to review progress and set strategy for further investigation.