Foundational Aspects of 21st Century Crime Scene Investigations Detective Zack Kowalske
Introduction Evolving crime scene technology and methods , such as genetic genealogy and 3D crime scene scanning applications , are rapidly improving the capability and importance of forensic science . To effectively use these technologies , officers must properly define the crime scene , scan the area , and collect the evidence . These actions “ play a pivotal role in the resolution of a case . Careful , thorough investigation is key to ensure that potential physical evidence is not tainted or destroyed , or potential witnesses overlooked ” . From a simple entering auto to a multiple casualty homicide , the steps for documentation , identification , collection , and reconstruction of a crime scene are the same . This methodology is simply scaled to the complexity of the scene .
Responding to and Securing the Scene The initial steps taken by first responders upon arrival at an incident scene can often set the tone of an investigation . First responders ’ priority is to render a scene safe and provide medical aid to victims . Maintaining the integrity of physical evidence is a secondary concern . Still , simple steps can be taken to protect the scene and evidence . For example , crime scenes are commonly secured using crime scene tape , traffic cones , barricades , police vehicles , posted officers , or simply locking a door ( no one wants customers entering a business that has just been robbed ). Crime scene protection that may not warrant barricades , such as an entered automobile , can include having victims to not touch their vehicle or items removed from the car that are found on the ground .
18 SPRING . 2021