Crime Scene Protocol: “How Not to F-Up a Crime Scene”
Note, we offer this advice to all groups working on the ground in Tucson, so they may improve their ability to properly secure evidence without contaminating it. Â Please document what you can see with photos/video and careful notes, to what degree you can, consistent with not disturbing evidence.
The following is a list of steps to follow, tailored somewhat, for Search and Rescue operations in Tucson, AZ (Operation Child Shield);
1).  If and when a team member comes upon what MIGHT be evidence of criminal or other related activity, they are to FREEZE and not contaminate the area surrounding, NOR TOUCH the possible evidence.
2). Â Notify team leader or team mate and approach the evidence carefully, watching for other evidence ie; articles, tracks, etc.
3).  Once ascertained that the evidence is legit, the immediate area needs to be cordoned off, keeping others away from the site.
4). Â Further searching should cease to prevent further contamination of the general area.
5). Â Document the following; team member who discovered the suspicious evidence and phone number, date/time, GPS coordinates, description of the evidence and the names of other team members present. Photograph any evidence. Law enforcement will want a copy.
6).  Appropriate law enforcement agencies need to be notified either with a direct contact number or 911 and given the name of the caller, group affiliation, location (GPS Coordinates and/or street address), description of suspected evidence, etc.
7). Â Maintain area security and wait for law enforcement.
8).  Once Law enforcement arrives, get the agency’s and officers’ name(s) and badge # (s), time of arrival and turn the area over to them.
9). Â Remain until lead officer advises to leave the scene (for additional questioning and to log in other units/officers arriving).
10). Once out of the area and relieved by LE, do a debrief of what, how and why everybody did what they did (training/education) and preparation for possible court hearing/trial and additional LE questioning.
Photo by Wikipedia
