Crime scene investigation is a meticulous process requiring precision, attention to detail, and a systematic approach. The "Seven S's" – Securing, Separating, Scanning, Seeing, Sketching, Searching, and Securing – provide a framework for investigators to ensure thoroughness and prevent contamination or the destruction of crucial evidence. This framework is critical for building a strong case and achieving justice.
1. Securing the Scene: Establishing Control
The first and arguably most crucial step is securing the crime scene. This involves establishing a perimeter to prevent unauthorized access. This perimeter should be large enough to encompass the immediate area of the crime and any potential areas where evidence might be found. This step prevents contamination, loss, or destruction of evidence. Appropriate signage and personnel are crucial to control access, documenting who enters and exits the scene and at what time. The safety of personnel is paramount, requiring consideration of potential hazards such as biohazards, structural instability, or the presence of dangerous materials.
2. Separating the Witnesses: Gathering Unbiased Accounts
Separating witnesses is paramount to prevent collusion and ensure the integrity of individual testimonies. Each witness should be interviewed separately to obtain an unbiased account of events. This avoids the possibility of witnesses influencing each other's recollections, leading to inaccurate or fabricated statements. The information gathered should be meticulously recorded, preserving the original wording and phrasing to maintain the authenticity of the witness accounts.
3. Scanning the Scene: Initial Assessment and Photography
Scanning the scene involves a preliminary visual survey to gain an overall understanding of the crime scene's layout and potential evidence locations. This initial assessment helps investigators prioritize areas requiring immediate attention and plan their approach for a more detailed examination. High-quality photography is crucial during this phase. Wide-angle shots capture the overall scene, while close-up shots document specific pieces of evidence. This photographic record serves as an immutable visual representation of the scene’s initial state.
4. Seeing the Scene: Detailed Observation and Documentation
Seeing the scene moves beyond the initial scan to a more detailed observation. Investigators methodically examine the area for evidence, documenting its location, condition, and any other relevant characteristics. This requires meticulous attention to detail, utilizing specialized tools and techniques such as alternative light sources (ALS) to uncover evidence that might not be immediately visible. The use of grid search patterns ensures thorough coverage of the area, preventing the accidental overlooking of crucial details.
5. Sketching the Scene: Creating a Visual Record
Sketching the scene involves creating a detailed diagram of the crime scene, including the location of all identified evidence, points of entry and exit, and the overall layout of the area. This sketch supplements the photographic record, providing a visual representation of the scene’s dimensions and the spatial relationships between objects. Measurements are critical to the accuracy and usefulness of the sketch, providing context and scale to the visual information.
6. Searching for Evidence: Systematic and Thorough Examination
Searching for evidence is a systematic and comprehensive process designed to locate all relevant items. Different search methods may be employed, such as grid, spiral, or zone searches, depending on the size and complexity of the scene. This methodical approach helps to prevent overlooking any potential evidence, ensuring a thorough investigation. Each piece of discovered evidence is carefully documented, photographed, and collected using appropriate procedures to maintain chain of custody.
7. Securing and Collecting Evidence: Maintaining Chain of Custody
The final "S," securing and collecting evidence, involves carefully packaging, labeling, and storing each piece of evidence to maintain the chain of custody. Properly handling evidence prevents contamination, degradation, and disputes about its authenticity. Detailed documentation is essential to track the location, handling, and transfer of each piece of evidence, providing an unbroken record of its journey through the investigative process. This meticulous approach ensures the admissibility of the evidence in court and strengthens the overall case.
By following the Seven S's, investigators can systematically process crime scenes, gathering crucial evidence, documenting the scene, and securing the integrity of the investigation. This structured approach enhances the chances of a successful prosecution, ultimately contributing to justice.
