| |
where you can reach them, If time allows, have
them start writing down what they saw.
Ensure the medical department representative or
emergency medical technician preserves any
transitory evidence, such as blood samples, for
drug and alcohol tests (if warranted and
authorized).
Minimize moving or disturbing any physical
evidence. Other investigators may be using this
same evidence, so protect it as a courtesy to all
who may need that evidence.
Before any evidence is moved, photograph it
from several angles. If you don’t have a camera,
make a quick sketch or diagram.
Collecting Evidence
You may have seen investigators on television in
surgical gloves placing little bits of debris in plastic
bags. They handle such evidence gingerly to prevent
damage to it.
You may want to collect parts, pieces, debris, and
other items from the site to prevent their loss and to
examine later. Carefully wrap them in protective
material or place them in plastic bags, envelopes, or
small glass or plastic containers. Accurately label each
item with the following types of information:
Who gathered the item (You may want to
question the person later about the position or
location in which it was found.)
The identification of the item, if known
The time and date it was gathered
The location of the item when removed
When labeling evidence, make sure you do not put
any information on the label that might be privileged. In
other words, do not indicate the source leading to your
finding the item or any deliberative comments. You
must share physical evidence with other investigators,
since it, in itself, is not privileged.
You may also collect records such as logs, operating
procedures, or time cards as evidence. Even though you
review the original record, make a copy of it to retain as
evidence. Mark on the back who made the copy and
when. A copy of a log made a week after the mishap
may have given someone the chance to rewrite or
“correct” it. Check for erasures and added lines.
PHOTOGRAPHING.— Photographs are perhaps
the most valuable piece of evidence you will have
besides an eye witness. You can’t just go in to a mishap
scene and start shooting photographs at random! You
or your photographer needs to plan your shots to make
the best use of limited time and still not miss critical
information.
Some safety officers and safety managers keep a
disposable 35-mm camera or self-developing camera
readily available. If they arrive early at the scene, having
a camera on hand may be vital. If you intend to use the
base or ship’s photographer, arrange ahead of time for
a review of investigation and photographic techniques
with the photographer.
Self-developing photographs are acceptable but
lack fine detail and are difficult to enlarge. Black and
white photographs are not as helpful as color photos, but
some ships and laboratories can only develop black and
white film. Using color film may delay developing
services. If you are using base or commercial photo
laboratory services, color developing may be available
and faster. Color, 35-mm, 400-speed film used with a
high-speed flash will do a good job. Otherwise, make
do with what is available.
Color photography is especially helpful in fire
investigations. The color of the smoke and flames can
provide valuable information on what is burning and
how hot the fire may be. A yellowish to white flame
indicates a hot flame of about 1500 degrees Celsius,
while a reddish color indicates a cooler flame of about
500 degrees Celsius. Red or running flames on water
indicate the burning of petroleum products. Heavy black
smoke usually means a burning petroleum product or
burning rubber or paint. Light white smoke occurs from
the burning of combustibles such as wood or paper. An
aura of brilliance around the base of the smoke indicates
burning metal.
Take care to avoid underexposure when taking
photos of fire scenes after the fire is out. Charred and
sooty material may absorb the light from your flash.
Be sensitive to photographs that show bodies or
body parts, especially if the victim can be identified. If
the mishap was controversial or has high public interest,
be careful about using commercial photo developing
services. We don’t want to tempt a technician to send
one of your photos to the local newspaper.
If you use Navy developing services, ask for the
negatives, proof sheets, and all prints. Get proof sheets
and decide which photos you want printed. You should
overshoot but underprint—take duplicate photos with
4-8
|
