ABSTRACT
Crime scene investigators may žnd themselves in a unique situation not shared by other agencies and responders. If terrorists or other criminals use a CBRNE/TIC agent, CSIs will be conducting crime scene investigations in a hazardous environment. ¨ey will be processing the scene in a potentially contaminated environment and may be collecting and handling evidence that is hazardous or contaminated by the CBRNE/TIC agents. Combining forensic investigation standards as required by the courts along with hazardous material incident operating practices required by federal law results in the need for specižc training, protocols, and equipment to allow the safe, e¬cient, and e«ective processing of the contaminated crime scene. Failure to follow and take proper precautions may result in cross-contamination of evidence and/or result in injury or death to the crime scene investigator. ¨erefore CSIs must understand the following:
• ¨e use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is vital to the safety of the crime scene investigator and the successful and proper processing of the scene.
