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16: Disposable latex gloves, (disposable) coveralls and respirator mask are essential parts of the PPE when working with dead animals (Source: Internet) Further, rubber-boots (or coverboots), an impermeable (rubber) apron and protective glasses (or shield) may be donned, especially when handling larger carcasses. All non-disposable PPE equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected carefully after its use. All disposable PPE must be put in a tight sealing bag after its use and disposed of properly at an appropriate waste collection facility. 42 5 CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATIONS (CSI) IN SUSPECTED WILDLIFE CRIME CASES A thorough and exhaustive crime scene investigation (CSI) is of crucial importance in any case of suspected illegal killing of wildlife. Failure to do so may result in information and evidence being lost or overlooked and may hamper not only the investigation itself but also the outcome in court. In general, the crime scene investigation in a suspected wildlife crime must follow the basic principles and rules as conducted in other types of crimes in context of securing, preserving, searching and documenting a crime site.Many methods and procedures applied when processing crimes involving humans can be utilized. Wildlife crimes, however, may pose a certain challenge to the investigators involved, and the tasks necessary at the site may not be as obvious as in other cases. This chapter is not intended to teach already trained police investigators but shall provide information on the standards and procedures for those unfamiliar with CSI and point out some of the distinct characteristics of wildlife crime investigations. 5.1 Responding to a suspected wildlife crime scene Prior to any investigation, the crime scene has to be secured by the first responder in an effective manner to prevent any destruction, contamination or otherwise disturbance of the initial scene. Onlookers, media and even responders not familiar with the, sometimes-distinct, requirements necessary to process a wildlife crime site should be prohibited from entering the scene using barrier tapes, emergency vehicles or uniformed police officers. It is important that the size of the “protected” crime scene is chosen to an extent that information and evidence in the vicinity of the scene is not destroyed or overlooked (e.g. cartridges in an illegal shooting, tyre tacks etc.). When responding to a suspected wildlife crime site, especially with multiple deaths, always bear in mind that you may be dealing with the outbreak of a notifiable disease (e.g. avian influenza) and additional legal requirements (e.g. veterinary and sanitary laws) have to be complied with. In any suspicious case, the veterinary state officer has to be notified. 43 All crime sites involving dead animals may pose a hazard to the health of the investigators involved, thus each team-member processing the crime scene must don PPE before entering the scene (for more information see the respective chapter). Under certain circumstances, changing of PPE (or double-gloving for example) during the investigation process will further reduce the risk of contamination/cross-contamination. As mentioned before, crimes involving wildlife may be unfamiliar terrain for criminal investigators (e.g. the species of animal involved; especially in raptors, correct identification of the species may be difficult). Understanding animal systematics and biology, animal behaviour, animal diseases and knowledge of, e.g., local hunting regulations will aid in the investigations. Therefore, advice should be sought from specialists that preferably are called to the scene and help in processing the crime site. Once again, it is immensely helpful to establish contacts and good working relationships with dedicated specialists ahead of the occurrence of a wildlife crime. Experts that may be contacted to assist in crime scene processing include: • Dedicated forensic veterinarians/pathologists • Official veterinary officers • Veterinarians/biologists with some expertise in wildlife crime investigations • Specially trained police officers (in Austria e.g. “UKO - Umweltkundige Organe”) • Staff members from NGOs (hunting agencies, wildlife conservation agencies etc.) After forming the investigation team, a strict methodical working plan (including searching for, documenting, collecting and preserving potential information and evidence) should be established that clearly defines the tasks for each team member. Care should be given to the schedule of the tasks involved, as certain conditions, e.g. adverse weather that may destroy evidence like blood, warrant adaption of a routine sequence of actions. 5.2 Documenting a suspected wildlife crime scene As soon as getting notified of a potential wildlife crime, documentation of the circumstances and the subsequent crime scene is paramount. Documentation must include: • Written notes/oral recording on mobiles • Photograph/videography records • (Graphic sketches) 44 5.2.1 Notes Written notes may be taken in various manners, starting from free-hand notes that are later incorporated in a concise record, to filing a pre-printed crime scene investigation worksheet. Under all circumstances, the basic information must include: • Agency in charge of investigations • Individual case number • Leading officer of investigations with contact details • Date and time notified • Name and contact information of person making notification • Address and location (preferably GPS coordinates) of crime scene • Nearby structures that may be of importance (wind mills, power lines, roads, etc.) • Weather conditions (temperature, precipitation etc.) • Date and starting time of CSI • List of experts plus contact information aiding in crime scene processing • List of evidence and samples collected with information on their subsequent storage, transportation and recipient • Completion time of CSI • List of individuals interviewed plus contact information 5.2.2 Photography/Videography The use of photography, and sometimes videography, is of great value for subsequent investigators (e.g. veterinary pathologists) dealing with the respective crimes, especially if they were not involved in or