How to Secure a Crime Scene

When first arriving on the scene a first responding officer must take the appropriate steps to securing the scene. After arriving on scene an officer needs to determine if medical officials

must be contacted. Once the medical officials arrive on scene they will aid any victims or pronounce death of a victim. While the medical officials are providing aid to victims the officer will be walking through the scene to obtain a general idea of the crime scene. After the initial walk through the officers will begin to secure and isolate the crime scene using crime scene tape and barricades. The barricades will allow a perimeter that the officers can work without being disturbed by media and civilians. Once the scene is secured the officers will be escorting all unofficial personnel out of the crime scene. Finally the lead investigator will be determined and the scene will then be analyzed. 

How to Lift a FingerPrint

The materials needed to lift a fingerprint are black fingerprint powder, a small soft brush, clear tape and a white evidence card. To begin the lifting process powder must be applied to

the brush. To apply powder to the brush a dabbing motion is used to collect the powder on the brush. Lightly shake the brush to remove any access powder before applying to the fingerprint. Next is applying the powder to the finger print. The most basic technique is twirling, in this technique the brush is lightly placed over the finger print and is spun to cover the print in the black powder. When the print is covered evenly with the black powder it should be visible to the naked eye. Once visible the next step is placing the tape on the fingerprint. Gently place the clear tape over the finger print, and remove the tape from the surface. The print should appear on the tape if done correctly. The final step is placing the tape with the finger print on the evidence card. Now that the finger print is lifted it is able to be used as evidence in a crime scene or inmate processing.

How to Conduct a Body Search

When conducting a body search of a suspect the most important objective is to maintain control of the search. The body position of the suspect is the first thing that an officer must establish. Command the suspect to turn away from the sound of your voice, and separate their feet. Next command the suspect to bend over at the waste while looking up at the sky.

While the suspect is in this position it will set them off balance and give you an advantage when searching them. When the suspect is in the desired position move toward the suspect on a 45 degree angle on their right side and gain a steady grip of their hand. Then conduct your search of their body breaking them down into four quadrants. The quadrants are the upper right and left, and the lower right and left. Using a patting technique be sure to search the body systematically. When searching the upper section of the body make ensure to search the hair thoroughly, any clothing that is being worn, and mouth. Also ensure searching all pockets that may be on the upper half of the body. Then searching the lower half you will be searching the belt line, any pockets they may have, and shoes. Note that there is no time limit to the search you may take as long as you need until you feel the suspect is thoroughly searched.