crime scene????

[fireemt03]

we just got back from a drowning and i was wondering what other dept,s do on scene
when i got on scene as a county dive team member, of a person possibly in a pool (which was a nasty green hence the dive team)
there were firefighters from another dept. in the water now this was going to be a recovery buy this time but just before i got in they found the body and brought him up BEFORE we could get pics and any documentaion. now this as in all "accidental" deaths should be treated as a crime scene right? i just was wondering how other units deal with this or if they have the same problem?

[BVFD]

Your're absolutely right, this is a crime scene, and should not have been tampered with! I suggest that you (or the proper OIC) contact their OIC to make your concerns known. Remember, these FF's were called to the scene for rescue purposes, so there is an emotional "condition" to be dealt with. They want more than anything to make the rescue, and have a difficult time "giving up". But the issue needs to be resolved, before it happens again.

[jsteele]

I'm surprised the law enforcement agency involved didn't stroke. Always rember to work closly with law enforcement once the operation becomes a recovery. Also remember a rescue can be a crime scene and while it doesn't take priority, evidence preservation is also important, just like at an arson fire. The fire needs to be put out, but you still need the evidence.



------------------
James Steele
Second Assistant Chief
Portland Hook & Ladder Co. #1
Portland , PA

[Aff]

Was law enforcment on the scene, if so, did they have a suspicion of foul play? If not, why do you think the recovery was wrong? Did anybody on the scene have an idea how long the victim was in the water? A drowning victim is not dead until warm and dead and without some info, the first arriving crew did the right thing. As a member of a dive team, you know as well as I do, we do far more recovery than rescue,(that's the worst part of the job) but the first arriving companies are only trying to do their best. Be safe!
Mark

[RES3QUE]

You dont mention how long the victim was in the water..WHO decided it was a recovery.Remember the golden hour in cold,fresh water drownings....As far as a crime scene what was the reason to suspect a crime was commited? When someone declares something a crime scene ,certain legal ramifications come into play such as chain of evidence.Was it just an investigation?I.ve been on both sides of the fence,I was a police officer for 9 years in NYC and now a firefighter.I've seen things declared crime scenes JUST to keep the FD from operating.Sad but true... From what you say the water was so green that the dive team was called.If the victim was in over an hour then it definitely was a recovery.if not then human life comes first and the "crime" scene comes second....