READ: Searching for Evidence

Setting up the Command Center

The lead investigator will also need to set up a command center so that all personnel working the scene can communicate. This is usually a vehicle that contains equipment needed to process the scene. Often this equipment consists of rubber gloves, shoe covers, evidence containers, chemical testing reagents, paperwork, evidence markers, cameras, etc. Some departments have access to vehicles dedicated to just this type of work. They may be bigger vans or trailers that contain a lot of equipment. Smaller departments may just carry this equipment in the back of a regular vehicle. 

The command center should be set up outside the crime scene boundary and should be a place where all investigators can get equipment, store evidence, and communicate about different responsibilities. Once the initial walk through has happened, the lead investigator can assign roles to other members of the team. Other investigators may be assigned to canvas the area to search for evidence that has not yet been found. Investigators will then determine what needs to be done to process the evidence. Evidence will be collected and documented. Depending on the size of the department and the size of the crime scene being processed, many investigators may be involved or there may just be a few.