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Crime Scene Investigation: PRELIMINARY SURVEY

المؤلف:  Max M. Houck، Jay A. Siegel

المصدر:  Fundamentals of Forensic Science

الجزء والصفحة:  p29-30

2026-06-11

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Crime Scene Investigation: PRELIMINARY SURVEY

The survey is an organizational stage to plan for the search. A few minutes’ planning and discussion can be of great value later. Cautiously walk the scene. Crime scenes can be emotional experiences, but professionalism and calm are called for. Take preliminary photographs to establish the scene and delineate the extent of the search area. The initial perimeter may be expanded later if more evidence is found. Make note of special “problem” areas, such as tight spaces, complex evidence arrangements, or environments with transient physical evidence (blood in a running shower, for example). Take extensive notes to document the scene, physical and environmental conditions, and personnel tasks and activities. Evaluate what physical evidence collection requirements there may be. Make sure enough supplies are available: running out of packaging or gloves halfway through is no good! Focus first on evidence that could be lost or damaged; leave the more robust evidence for last. All personnel should consider the variety of possible evidence, not just evidence within their specialties. Collection of evidence is more than just “bagging and tagging.” The easily accessible areas, of course, are processed first, but then move on to out-of-the-way locations, like in cupboards, under rugs or carpeting, or in drawers. Look for hidden items, secret compartments, and false fronts. Things may not be what they seem, and crime scene personnel must evaluate whether evidence appears to have been moved or altered. Remember, things at a crime scene are just things until they are designated as evidence and then recorded and collected. In that sense, the evidence listing is like a “reverse shopping list,” a tally of all the things that might be needed but only after they have been found. Another important reminder is that the scene may not even be the scene—the scene may be contrived to look like an accident or some other type of crime.