READ: Processing a Crime Scene

The first responding officer has many responsibilities at the crime scene. Another thing that they should do is begin to document and take notes about what they observe at the scene. Some evidence may only be detectable at the scene for a short time. Some examples of this type of evidence could be smells, temperature, vehicles at the scene or the presence of smoke at the scene. The officer should take notes recording this type of evidence so that they can share it with the investigation team when they arrive.

The officer that secures the scene should also keep a record of who enters and exits the scene. They should also record the time that people enter and exit the scene in case there are questions that come up later in the investigation about who was let into the scene. In addition to securing the scene they should take statements from the victims and record them in their notes. They should also make sure that any witnesses or possible suspects are held until statements can be taken from them. If medical assistance was called to help a victim, witness, or a suspect at the scene, they should also report any statements made by these people to the investigators.

Everyone at the scene should also be respectful and kind to any family members or friends of the victims that may be at the scene. These people will likely be deeply concerned, upset, and emotional depending on the nature of the crime. The responding officer and other personnel have many responsibilities at the scene, but they should be as respectful and empathetic to family members and friends as possible while maintaining the security of the scene.

Another consideration is that officers and investigators working on the scene should be careful to keep the scene as free from contamination as possible. Those working in the scene should not eat, drink, or do anything that might alter the scene in any way. Every possible step should be taken to avoid changing anything about the scene as much as possible. This means that people working at the scene should eat, take breaks, and use the restroom in another location outside the scene.

Many departments have vehicles dedicated to processing crime scenes. These vehicles include any necessary equipment for processing and packaging evidence at the scene. The crime scene vehicle will often form a sort of command center for the scene so it should be parked in a place that it won't interfere with the scene and will provide enough space for investigators to work.