Forensic Evidence Management Team's Action Guide

Actions (as appropriate and practical):

• Operate under the IC and follow personnel protection guidelines
• Receive a briefing from the IC
• Follow normal crime scene procedures adjusting them to assume all materials are potentially contaminated or radioactive; treat them accordingly until assessed by the radiological assessor/team
• Coordinate actions with other response teams (do not interfere with life saving operations)
• Form a FEMT with representatives from major response teams/functions to include medical, law enforcement and first responder monitor or member from radiological assessment team
• Develop and formulate the strategy for scene examination and evidence recovery in cooperation with the radiological assessor/team and other response teams:
  • evidence is removed under control of the FEMT
  • responders are instructed to preserve evidence (monitoring results, clothing, etc.) while not compromising safety
  • collection, handling and labelling of evidence are performed safely and in an appropriate manner
  • evidence is photographed and recorded in situ before removal
  • evidence is packed for future forensic examination
  • deceased persons are examined for evidence
• Establish with the radiological assessor/team, a secure forensic evidence management area
• Establish protocols with the local hospital for the examination of injured people to identify and recover any evidence from the scene, including arrangements for:
  • blood samples before transfusion
  • x-ray examination
  • recovery of evidence such as foreign objects removed during surgery
  • recovery of monitoring results or contaminated clothing
• Establish protocols with the local hospital/morgue for examination of deceased persons and/or body parts in order to identify and recover any evidence from the scene, including arrangements for:
  • retaining the bodies until examined for forensic evidence
  • x-ray examination
  • presence of a member of the FEMT during any subsequent post mortem examination to collect evidence and ensure the chain of custody
• Provide information to the PIO on the status of the response
• Direct media inquires to the PIO
• Assess needs and request additional resources