Crime Scene Investigation – Murder
How many of you thought murder and homicide were the same? That’s what I thought. Well, they’re not.
Homicide is the killing of one person by another. It can be legal if the killing is in self-defense, in the defense of others, or in the case of court-ordered executions.
Murder is an illegal homicide.
Manslaughter is a criminal homicide without deliberation, malice, or premeditation.
Involuntary Manslaughter is usually where a death occurs as the result of an accident.
The first officer – normally a patrol officer – to arrive at the scene of a homicide is in charge of the scene until she is relieved by her supervisor, or a detective. It’s the job of the first responding officer to:
– Assess the scene. Make sure it’s safe to enter – no dangerous fumes, chemicals, or armed subjects.
– Check the victim for signs of life
– Administer first aid, if needed
– Call for emergency medical and fire services, if needed
– call for back up, if needed
– Secure the scene
– Make the scene safe for arriving officers and medical personnel
– Obtain initial information from witnesses
– Call for investigators
– Call for medical examiner or coroner (there is a difference)
– Protect the evidence
– Provide security for investigators
– Keep media and citizens at a safe distance
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Tomorrow – Field Training Officer Gary Tabke