Proper Crime Scene Technique
The purpose of crime scene investigation is to help establish what actually took place at the crime scene and to apprehend the person(s) involved in the crime. Careful documentation of the condition at the crime scene and properly recognizing and recovering of the relevant physical evidence contributes to properly processing the scene. Proper crime scene investigation and processing are critical in both solving and prosecuting violent crimes. In searching and documenting a crime scene, the law enforcement officer plays a crucial role in determining whether or not the physical evidence could be used in solving or prosecuting the crime. The officer needs to control and secure the scene as quickly as possible, being careful not to taint or destroy any crucial evidence. The officer should be aware of any obviously discarded evidence and all the possible approach and escape routes on the scene. The first officers to arrive on the scene have a large burden upon them to keep everything in order so that investigators can later locate evidence and piece together what actually took place at the scene. Processing a crime scene sounds as if it could be a simple task, but in fact it is a very complicated and intricate multiple task function.