Crime scene preservation techniques and best practices

Crime Scene Preservation: Analysis of Current Issues and Discussion of Challenges and Procedures Associated With Varying Crime Scene Types

Perhaps the most important aspect of evidence collection and preservation is the protection of the crime scene. This preservation is absolutely essential to keeping relevant evidence uncontaminated until it can be recorded and collected by certified officials. As even the most seemingly harmless interaction with any portion of the crime scene can lead to the contamination of evidence, utmost care and skill must be enacted in all dealings with the crime scene in order to ensure that no evidence is contaminated, as any contamination, no matter how small, can have the ability to ruin an entire case or investigation.

While there are many differences and discrepancies between the different types of crime that exist, there are certain standards to which all individuals interacting with a crime scene must adhere. Understandably, any police officer can be put in the position of being the first responder to a crime scene, and as such it is essential that all law enforcement officials and forensics officials be trained in the methods of properly preserving a crime scene. For instance, significant effort must be made by any individuals coming in contact with the crime scene to disturb things as little as possible in assessing the situation, and particular attention should be paid to the floor as this is the most common repository for evidence and poses the greatest potential for contamination (Schiro, 2011, pp.1).

The basic preservation of a crime scene involves a series of simple yet crucial steps including the following standards: be aware of any persons or vehicles leaving the crime scene; approach the scene cautiously; make initial observations to assess the scene and ensure individual safety; assess the victim for signs of life or immediate medical needs; call for medical personnel; guide medical personnel into the crime scene as not to disturb any yet untouched areas; instruct medical personnel not to clean up anything from the scene; control movement in and out of the crime scene; establish boundaries in order to secure the area; control the flow of personnel and animals in and out of the scene; ensure that persons do not smoke, chew tobacco, use the telephone or bathroom, eat or drink, move any items, touch anything unnecessary, document items moved or repositioned, litter or spit within the established boundaries of the scene (Department of Justice, 2000, p. 4-8).