CRIME SCENE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
ORGANISATION CRIME SCENE MANAGER’S ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
GUIDELINES FOR USE BY THE FAST MOVING CONSUMER GOODS
INDUSTRY ON HOW TO MANAGE A ROBBERY CRIME SCENE UNTIL THE
FIRST SAPS MEMBER TAKES CHARGE
A. CRIME SCENE MANAGEMENT AS A PROCESS
1. Organisation Crime Scene Manager (OCSM) acts according to the
following agreed guidelines for:
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Stabilising the Crime Scene environment
Reporting to the SAPS Control Centre
Securing the Crime Scene environment
Handing over to the SAPS 1st Member arriving on the crime scene
Identifying himself / herself to the SAPS CSM on his/her arrival
Identifying himself / herself to the Crime Scene Investigation Team (Blue)
Identifying himself / herself to the Crime Scene Processing Team (Green)
Assisting the SAPS CSM when requested viz:
 During Crime Scene Processing and Investigation
 At a later stage, in support of the ongoing investigation
Receiving the Crime Scene back from the SAPS CSM.
2. Pro-active Activities:
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Ensures security systems, procedures and training are in place
B. ACTIVITIES ON THE SCENE
1. Identification of Authorised OCSM:
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The wearing of a 10 cm wide (broad) Red armband which will be worn on the left arm
as the agreed identification
All staff must be instructed to accept his / her authority
2. Reporting of the Event:
 Elements of reporting:
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Alert SAPS/Metro Police
Inform them of Access routes which will not interfere with the Crime Scene
Alert Emergency Services, if applicable.
3. Securing the Crime Scene:
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After the perpetrator(s) have left and there is no more danger on the crime scene,
activate the Guidelines for securing the crime scene.
Close off the premises (e.g. Store entrance)
Calm everybody down, and move them away from the Crime Scene.
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CRIME SCENE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
ORGANISATION CRIME SCENE MANAGER’S ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
4. Setting up the Inner Cordon and Command Centre:
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There will be NO unauthorized access to the inner cordon
Cordon off the crime scene area, using the Crime Scene Kit, which contains:
 Red armband for the OCSM
 Red and white chevron tape
 Traffic Cones for:
 Use to set-up the cordon
 Marking and protecting evidence
 White marking chalk for:
 Marking evidence
 Marking body positions (Injured and deceased)
 Surgical gloves (for handling evidence)
 1st Aid kit
Identify perpetrator(s) access and departure routes and discourage entry into those areas
Set up a temporary Command Centre, outside the cordon
Where possible establish alternative access routes around the Crime Scene, controlled
by the temporary Command Centre, for the use by:
 SAPS 1st Member
 Emergency Services
 SAPS CSM
 Undertake evacuation of the injured, witnesses, customers and possible suspects
from the crime scene
 Establish designated separate areas for:
 Witnesses
 Possible suspects (away from the witnesses)
 Where applicable take control of Secondary Crime Scene(s)
 OCSM delegates control to an appropriate back-up resource when applicable
5. Priority Actions:
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Initiate care of injured staff, customers and public for:
 Physical Injuries
 Trauma Counseling after questioning by SAPS members (There is no legislation
that determines the sequence of questioning of victims or suspects at a crime
scene)
Care of deceased:
 Do not disturb the positioning
 Always consider and maintain dignity of victims
 Use SAPS Pathology approved cover if necessary
 Maintain the integrity of the body where possible for evidence protection.
6. Handling of Suspects:
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Citizens arrest :
 Always consider personal safety first
 Exercise discretion
 The Judicial Process has to be understood and guidelines applied.
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CRIME SCENE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
ORGANISATION CRIME SCENE MANAGER’S ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
7. Handling of Witnesses (Customers, public and staff members):
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Identify yourself as the OCSM
 Wear the Red armband
Encourage witnesses to testify
Take them to the designated area
Take down names, contact numbers and addresses
Limit or discourage conversations between witnesses and/or with perpetrator(s)
8. Handling of Evidence:
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Handle in accordance with the guidelines provided by SAPS
 1st Rule: Protect the evidence matter.
 2nd Rule: If unavoidable, remove the evidence with the minimum of handling and
mark/note the location.
 Point out location to the SAPS CSM as soon as possible
Attend to ‘after the event’ evidence (e.g. found by cleaners after the event)
Handle injured persons and deceased also as evidence material by:
 Marking positions
 Noting postures
Control of videotapes and films is paramount
 SAPS remove and takes the original copy
9. Keep extensive notes of the event:
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Observe and note the number of criminals and their activities
Observe and note the characteristics of the criminal(s)
Write down every decision and activity, noting names, time and all other related details.
10. Hand-over to the SAPS:
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Hand over to the SAPS 1st Member immediately after identifying him/her self as the 1st
Member
Undertake the following:
 Indicate Access routes
 Indicate the Command Centre
 Indicate the Designated holding areas for Witnesses and Suspects
 Identify witnesses
 Identify suspects
 Indicate positions of evidence
 Provide information on possible secondary scene(s)
 Hand-over all notes, retaining copies for own use
 Identify yourself as the OCSM to the SAPS CSM
11. Scene Processing and Investigation:
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Be available to assist the SAPS 1st Member and/or CSM during this period
12. Debriefing:
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OCSM to be available for the SAPS Team debriefing in the Control Centre
13. Scene Return:
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Accept scene back from SAPS CSM
Follow own guideline for normalization of the scene
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CRIME SCENE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
ORGANISATION CRIME SCENE MANAGER’S ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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CRIME SCENE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
ORGANISATION CRIME SCENE MANAGER’S ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
14. After the Event Evaluation of the Incident:
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Evaluation of Institution Crime Scene Process
 Commend correct future actions
 Correct mistakes
Lessons learned will be communicated to the SAPS CSM
15. Media:
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NO communication with the media.
16. ECR Incident Management System:
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Complete the applicable Incoident form, from the ECR Crime File
Contact the ECR Crime Call Centre, and provide the details requested.
17. Follow-up Activities:
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Co-operation between OCSM and SAPS Investigating Official needs to continue
Exchange of further information that may come to light
Obtain suspect names detained by SAPS
Compiled by The ECR Crime Office in conjunction with the South African Police Services and the
Banking Council.
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CRIME SCENE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
ORGANISATION CRIME SCENE MANAGER’S ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
July 2002
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