Preservation of Evidence (POE)

SARBC

Search and Rescue Society of British Columbia

In the case of suspected foul play or death of the missing person:

1. Safeguard the scene by sealing off the entire area.
   • Allow only people actually engaged in the investigation into the area.
   • Record the names of all people who came into contact with the scene area.
   • If relieved of this duty by Police Officer in charge, note his/her name, and time.

2. • Note any vehicles in the immediate area and record their license plate number.
   • Note any people in the area not involved with the search, and write down a general description of each person.

3. The first member on the scene, or the Team Leader if immediately available, will be responsible for completing a file including:
   • names of all persons present;
   • all relevant times;
   • the condition of the scene;
   • the condition, description, and location of the victim;
   • type of day;
   • description of the area;
   • a rough sketch of the scene also noting any peculiar or unusual items or pieces of evidence (signs of struggle, weapons, blood stains, etc.)

4. Try to hold all witnesses, in any, and limit conversation between them. Treat suspects as witnesses, try and hold as a witness.

5. In the case of violent or sexual crime, record the FIRST statements of the victim and who the victim make them to.

6. First-aid and evacuation, if necessary, must be the prime concern. However, try to protect the scene as much as possible. Use only the people necessary, the rest of the team must be excluded from the area.

7. One person should approach the scene to determine the course of action. The rest of the team should stay back.

8. All team member who had any part of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 above, should record their observations and should be prepared to attend a Coroner's inquest if one is called.