In the spring of this year, investigators from San Bernardino County Homicide Detail began to research new and improved crime scene barrier systems. The current barriers used by the department are problematic for a few reasons -- they are about 20 years old, they are short (three feet) and don’t As a result, members of the Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of a Stop Rubber Necking 1000 (SRN 1000) Barrier System at a cost of about $47,000.
The crime scene barriers will be used at scenes of homicides, fatal traffic collisions and death investigations.
The Homicide Detail, Crime Scene Investigation Units, Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) and the Coroner Division will have these barriers available to use in public locations. There will be 19 barrier systems distributed throughout the county.
Investigators face many challenges during a lengthy investigation; crowds gather, people photograph the scene with their cell phones, but the hardest part is seeing the victim’s family grieving outside of the crime scene tape.
Typically, the investigation will take many hours, and during the course of the investigation the victim may be visible to the public.
Could the investigators cover the body? Not without damaging potential evidence. The standard procedure involving a death dictates that no one will move the body until the coroner arrives. In most cases, the investigators have to process the scene before the body can be moved or they face contamination of evidence.
It is not only beneficial for investigators, but it is believed such equipment will assist with protecting the dignity of the deceased and their families, while protecting the view of onlookers who do not wish to be exposed to the graphic nature of such investigations.
“We owe it to the deceased, and to their loved ones, to treat them with the utmost respect. This new equipment will allow the investigators to do a thorough investigation, while recognizing the importance of the victim’s privacy,” said Sheriff John McMahon.
He said the benefits of the SRN Barrier System are:
• The fabric utilized with the SRN barrier is made from 500 denier nylon, which is much stronger and more durable than the current systems.
• Each system is constructed with steal poles/tripods, which adds to the strength and durability of the barrier.
• The barrier screens will have holes constructed into the fabric, allowing for wind resistance (likely to be extremely beneficial in the desert region of the county).
• Each SRN barrier would be extendable to six feet tall and 12 feet wide.
• All SRN systems have the capability of being connected together, which can provide more scene coverage at larger scenes.
• Each system is equipped with a 55 lb. weight system (for durability against high winds).