Module 17
Post-Scene Issues
There are actions, which are undertaken away from the incident scene, that need to be recorded for evidential purposes.
As stated ante, emergency service personnel will be interviewed as a matter of course. If necessary, their clothing will be seized for evidential examination, bearing in mind Locard's Principle that material will be left or taken away from a scene by a suspect. This includes, therefore, items left at the scene by a suspect that are then taken from the scene by an innocent party.
Consequently, in a homicide case, if the deceased is taken to a hospital by ambulance, then that ambulance, the personnel crewing it, and the equipment that is used, are all potential sources of valuable forensic evidence. The same applies to any bedding used if the deceased was still alive on arrival at hospital.
Medical staff will have to be interviewed, particularly if the deceased died at hospital rather than at the scene of the incident.
Person in Custody - Issues
A suspect in custody will be treated as a scene from the outset, and all contamination considerations will apply. The suspect will be asked to comply with the request for provision of non-intimate and (if applicable) intimate forensic samples.
The main points will be
- DNA evidential samples (known as DNA 2 samples)
- Fingernail scrapings
- Any body swabs necessary
- Photographs of injuries inflicted, received, or attributed to any assault upon the victim
- Recovery and preservation of all clothing, including underwear
- Unsolicited comments, which will be recorded, and the suspect asked to sign regarding their accuracy or otherwise
- Blood samples, if intoxication is alleged, suspected, or evident
Other notes will be made regarding the suspect's
- Demeanour
- Physical condition
- Emotional state
- General appearance
- Mental condition
Interviews will not be carried out without the authorisation of the senior investigating officer, and will be overseen by an interview co-ordinator in any case.
Page: 6
Module: 17
