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Articles In Depth Description Of Crime Scene Safety Issues
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In Depth Description Of Crime Scene Safety Issues

Principal Author / Publisher:Safetyhow Admin
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Crime scene safety precautions will vary depending on the type of crime involved, but the notion of bodily protection reigns supreme in any scenario. It is of paramount importance to clear the scene of perpetrators before beginning to investigate. If the scene involves hazardous materials, all investigators must wear the appropriate protective gear.



Violent Crime Scenes

At murder, assault or other violent-crime scenes, the very first safety issue is whether all alleged perpetrators are in custody and cleared from the scene. Violent crimes can be committed in large buildings, warehouses or family homes. Police must systematically check each room and site where offenders could be hiding. It's the responsibility of the initial responding officers to identify and control all safety situations. In addition to maximizing security for investigators, police must be concerned with the safety of bystanders, witnesses and victims as well. Police are always to assume the crime is still going on until it's determined otherwise. Upon first entering a violent-crime scene, tactical police usually wear bullet-proof vests, helmets and face gear to protect against bullet wounds.

Hazardous Materials

Crime scenes involving methamphetamine labs or other toxic and hazardous chemicals will require the use of extensive safety gear. A Tyvek brand protective suit is designed to keep all hazardous chemicals off the body while allowing a free range of movement. With the Tyvek suit, investigators must wear gas masks to protect their lungs from inhaling dangerous chemicals. Respirators providing clean oxygen are important at these scenes, as are protective eyewear, gloves and shoes.

Evidence Collection

Crime-scene investigators are trained to gather evidence for use by forensic labs to determine cause of death and who the likely suspect is. Part of crime-scene safety involves avoiding injury when collecting biological evidence, needles, glass shards, bullets and any other hazardous items. Investigators are also warned of hazards associated with collecting chemical evidence in the form of pesticides, narcotics or toxins. These items must be specially sealed and are typically labeled "HAZMAT."

Confined Spaces

Many investigators are forced to study a crime in an enclosed area or confined space. These are areas that may have only one entry point that's big enough for just one person to fit through. Common confined-space crime scenes have included sewers, tank cars, underground passages or oven pits. Special safety issues arise when dealing with explosives or bombs in such areas. In certain situations, officers are deprived of oxygen and risk unconsciousness by spending too much time in an enclosed area.

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