How to Secure a Crime Scene

Unlike the way they are depicted on TV, crime scenes are often chaotic and difficult to secure. There is so much going on and too many people coming and going. But if an accurate investigation is to take place, you must properly secure a crime scene by following certain guidelines.

Instructions

1. Establish the boundaries of the crime scene. Determine an inner perimeter, the spot where the crime occurred, and an outer perimeter, for example, the exit or entrance doors or windows. There may also be an extended perimeter, an area where, for example, a perpetrator may have tossed a murder weapon when fleeing the scene.

2. Mark perimeters with crime scene tape or police barriers.

3. Remove unnecessary individuals from the scene. Gather witnesses, if any.

4. Determine if there is any evidence present. If so, log it carefully.

5. Record conditions of the area and anything that affects it. Write down time, weather conditions, description of area and number of people, if any, present upon your arrival.

6. Release the crime scene after you complete all documentation, secure all evidence and remove all photographs and sketches taken. Release should happen only when everyone agrees that the scene has been adequately searched.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep foot traffic through the scene to a minimum. Allow only necessary personnel into the perimeter. Record a log of all people present in the crime scene at all times.

• Carefully log your own movements and actions throughout the crime scene.

• Do not allow more people than is necessary into the crime scene. Police personnel can leave hair fibers, clothing fibers, footprints or other deposits that can interfere with any evidence at the scene.

• Do not disturb any evidence. Let forensic experts and other personnel trained in that area gather the evidence. Allow police photographers and sketch artists to enter the scene to do their work.