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6. Call for Backup and Specialists:Depending on the crime, they might call in detectives, forensic teams, or other specialists to further investigate and collect evidence.

7. Witness Coordination:They identify and separate witnesses to prevent them from talking to each other, thereby preserving individual accounts of the event.

8. Establish a Log:A log or record of everyone who enters and exits the scene is kept to maintain the integrity of the scene and track potential sources of contamination.

These steps can vary based on the specifics of the crime and the scene, but generally, this initial approach is about balancing the preservation of life and evidence with the need to start piecing together what happened.

Documentation

Every aspect of the crime scene is documented thoroughly, including photographs, sketches, and written descriptions. This includes the position of the body, any items found near the body, and potential signs of struggle or entry. Both first responders and detectives play roles in this, albeit in slightly different capacities.

1. First Responders

The first officers on the scene begin the documentation process. Their primary focus is on securing the scene and making initial observations. They might take preliminary photos or make quick sketches to capture the scene’s initial state, noting positions of bodies, weapons, and any other evidence in sight. Their documentation provides a crucial first look before any changes occur, even unintentional ones by emergency personnel. These notes will later be reviewed by the detectives.

2. Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs)

Once the scene is secure, detectives and CSIs take over the thorough documentation process. This involves several detailed steps:

1. Photography:Detailed photographs are taken from multiple angles and distances to capture the entire scene and specific pieces of evidence in their original state. This often includes a progression from general to specific: wide shots of the area, mid-range shots, and close-ups of individual pieces of evidence.

2. Sketches and Diagrams:Detailed sketches and diagrams complement photographs, providing measurements and spatial relationships that photos alone might not convey. These can include dimensions of the room, distances between objects, and the exact position of evidence within the scene.

3. Videography:Video recordings offer a continuous, flowing documentation of the crime scene, capturing details that still photographs might miss. It provides a real-time walkthrough of the scene, giving viewers a comprehensive understanding of the spatial relationships and layout.

4. Notes and Reports:Detailed notes and reports are compiled, including descriptions of the scene, the condition and position of evidence, environmental conditions, and any initial observations or changes made to the scene for safety or evidence preservation. These notes often include the observations of the first officers on the scene, interviews with witnesses or first responders, and any preliminary findings or hypotheses about what occurred.

5. Evidence Collection and Cataloging:As evidence is collected, detailed records are kept of where each item was found, its condition, and any changes made during its collection. This process is meticulously documented through photographs, notes, and chain-of-custody forms to ensure the integrity and admissibility of evidence in court.

Detectives and CSIs work closely together, using their documentation to build a comprehensive, detailed picture of the crime scene. This documentation is crucial for the ongoing investigation, allowing for the reconstruction of events and providing essential evidence for prosecution. The initial documentation by first responders sets the stage, but the detailed work of detectives and CSIs deepens and expands that initial picture into a full narrative of the crime.

Collection of Physical Evidence

Evidence is collected systematically, including fingerprints, blood samples, fibers, and any items that could be related to the crime. The chain of custody is meticulously maintained. While you’re probably not going to be writing about the collection of physical evidence at a crime scene, you do want to at least understand how it works and who’s involved in the process.

1. Who Collects the Evidence

Crime scene investigators or forensic technicians are usually responsible for collecting physical evidence. These professionals have specialized training in handling and preserving various types of evidence to prevent contamination or degradation.

2. How Physical Evidence is Collected

Preparation: Before collecting evidence, CSIs wear protective gear to prevent contamination. They also ensure they have the appropriate collection tools and containers for different types of evidence (e.g., gloves, tweezers, swabs, paper bags, plastic containers).

3. Identification and Documentation

Each piece of evidence is first identified and documented in its original location. Photos are taken, and the item may be marked with an evidence number. This step is crucial for maintaining the context of where each piece of evidence was found.

4. Collection Techniques

The technique for collecting evidence depends on its nature. For example:

Fingerprintsare lifted using dusting powders and lift tape.

Biological materials(like blood or bodily fluids) are collected with swabs and stored in breathable containers to prevent degradation.

Firearms and bulletsare carefully handled to preserve markings, with firearms being secured in boxes or gun bags.

Digital evidence(like computers or phones) is collected with precautions to prevent data loss or corruption.