crime scene scenario essay example

How To Describe A Crime Scene In A Story (100+ Examples)

Many of the best stories include a crime scene — but how do you write them?

Here is how to describe a crime scene in a story:

Describe a crime scene in a story by focusing on key elements like physical layout, visible evidence, atmospheric conditions, signs of struggle, the victim’s condition, witnesses, investigator’s approach, forensic evidence, time of day, surrounding area, and emotional tone.

This guide offers insights on different types of crime scenes and details 10 key elements to describe, each with examples, to bring your narrative to life.

Types of Crime Scenes

Table of Contents

Crime scenes in stories can vary widely, reflecting the nature of the crime and setting.

Common types include:

• Residential Scenes: Homes or apartments where a crime like burglary or homicide has occurred.
• Commercial Scenes: Business-related locations, including offices, shops, or warehouses.
• Outdoor Scenes: Open spaces like parks, streets, or rural areas.
• Vehicle Scenes: Crimes occurring in or involving vehicles.
• Virtual Scenes: Cybercrimes or crimes involving digital spaces.

Each type offers unique opportunities for storytelling and description.

Physical Layout

The physical layout of a crime scene is fundamental in setting the stage for your story.

Describing the arrangement of rooms, the spacing between objects, and the overall size and shape of the scene can deeply immerse readers in the environment.

It’s important to consider how the layout affects the crime itself, the investigation, and the movement of characters within the space.

• “The cramped apartment made the aftermath of the struggle even more chaotic.”
• “A lone chair lay overturned in the center of the spacious hall.”
• “Narrow alleyways twisted like a labyrinth around the crime scene.”
• “The open-plan office allowed a clear view of the disturbing scene.”
• “A small, cluttered workshop, tools scattered as if in a hurry.”
• “The luxurious mansion’s many rooms hid secrets in every corner.”
• “A solitary streetlight cast eerie shadows over the deserted road.”
• “The tiny cabin’s single room felt even smaller with the evidence of violence.”
• “The car’s interior was a confined stage for the crime.”
• “The expansive rooftop offered an unobstructed view of the chaos below.”

Visible Evidence

Visible evidence at a crime scene is key to building suspense and intrigue.

Describe the type and placement of evidence like bloodstains, bullet casings, or disturbed items.

This not only helps in visualizing the scene but also hints at the nature of the crime and the possible sequence of events.

• “Blood spatters painted a grim picture on the white walls.”
• “Scattered papers around the room hinted at a frantic search.”
• “Bullet casings littered the floor, each telling its own story.”
• “A shattered vase lay in pieces, a silent witness to the struggle.”
• “Footprints in the dust led to a locked door.”
• “A torn photograph clutched in the victim’s hand raised more questions.”
• “The knife lay discarded, its blade stained with betrayal.”
• “Broken glass sparkled under the streetlights, a remnant of the night’s terror.”
• “The computer screen still displayed the last message received.”
• “A trail of muddy footprints vanished into the night.”

Atmospheric Conditions

Atmospheric conditions can greatly influence the mood of a crime scene.

Describing the weather, lighting, and even smells can add a layer of realism and affect how characters interact with the scene.

Whether it’s a stormy night, a stifling hot day, or a cold, foggy morning, these details can heighten the sense of suspense and urgency.

• “Rain washed over the scene, blurring the lines between evidence and nature.”
• “The stifling heat of the room made every breath heavy with tension.”
• “Fog cloaked the area, shrouding the gruesome scene in mystery.”
• “The dim light of dawn cast long shadows across the crime scene.”
• “A sharp, metallic smell hung in the air, mingling with the scent of rain.”
• “The crackle of thunder echoed the chaos left behind.”
• “Streetlights flickered, casting an eerie glow over the abandoned car.”
• “The chill of the room seemed to seep into the bones.”
• “Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the dust and the stillness.”
• “A gust of wind carried whispers of the crime through the alley.”

Signs of Struggle

Describing signs of struggle at a crime scene can add a dynamic element to the narrative.

It allows readers to infer the intensity and nature of the confrontation.

Disarranged furniture, marks on the floor or walls, and the position of the victim can all contribute to a vivid portrayal of the events leading to the crime.

• “Furniture lay upturned, silent markers of a desperate fight.”
• “Scratches on the hardwood floor told a tale of resistance.”
• “The room was in disarray, as if a storm had passed through.”
• “Marks on the walls suggested a violent scuffle.”
• “The body lay at an odd angle, limbs splayed unnaturally.”
• “A broken lamp lay beside the victim, evidence of a last stand.”
• “The door hung off its hinges, testament to a forceful entry.”
• “Scuff marks near the window hinted at a hasty escape.”
• “The disheveled bed spoke of a struggle that knew no boundaries.”
• “A trail of belongings led from the door to the body, a path of panic.”

Victim’s Condition

The condition of the victim at a crime scene is a crucial element in storytelling.

Describing their position, injuries, and expressions can evoke empathy and curiosity. This description can also offer clues about the nature of the crime and the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator.

• “The victim lay still, eyes wide open in silent accusation.”
• “Bruises marred the skin, hinting at a brutal confrontation.”
• “A peaceful expression belied the violence of the death.”
• “Blood pooled around the body, a stark contrast to the pale skin.”
• “The victim’s clenched fist held a lock of hair, a clue perhaps.”
• “Burn marks told a story of unspeakable pain.”
• “The body was curled up, as if in protection against the final blow.”
• “A single gunshot wound was the deadly punctuation to the struggle.”
• “Scratch marks on the arms spoke of a desperate defense.”
• “The victim’s clothes were torn, but the dignity remained intact.”

Witnesses and Bystanders

Witnesses and bystanders add depth to a crime scene, providing perspectives and reactions that enrich the narrative.

Describing their emotions, behaviors, and interactions with the scene or investigators can create a more complex and engaging story.

These characters can offer vital clues, red herrings, or deepen the mystery.

• “A crowd gathered, eyes wide with shock and curiosity.”
• “A lone witness stood trembling, her account faltering with fear.”
• “Curious onlookers whispered theories, each more elaborate than the last.”
• “A child’s innocent eyes watched from a distance, unknowing yet understanding.”
• “Bystanders offered hushed condolences, their faces etched with concern.”
• “An old man recounted the event, his voice quivering with emotion.”
• “A neighbor peeked through curtains, her curiosity tinged with fear.”
• “Passersby paused, their morbid fascination evident.”
• “Witnesses clustered together, seeking comfort in shared disbelief.”
• “A jogger stopped, her morning routine shattered by the grim scene.”

Investigator’s Approach

The way an investigator approaches a crime scene can set the tone for the investigation.

Describing their initial observations, methods of examination, and interaction with the team provides insight into their character and the investigative process.

It can also foreshadow the challenges they might face in solving the crime.

• “The detective paused at the threshold, taking in every detail.”
• “Methodically, she began to piece together the silent story.”
• “His keen eyes scoured the scene, missing nothing.”
• “With a gloved hand, the investigator pointed out a barely visible clue.”
• “He walked through the scene, deep in thought, piecing together the puzzle.”
• “The lead detective knelt beside the victim, her expression somber.”
• “They worked in silence, respecting the gravity of the scene.”
• “Each team member had a role, a dance of investigation unfolding.”
• “The investigator’s notebook was filled with rapid, meticulous notes.”
• “He paused to photograph a seemingly insignificant detail.”

Forensic Evidence

Forensic evidence is crucial in crime scene descriptions, as it adds a layer of scientific intrigue and realism.

Detailing how evidence is collected and analyzed can captivate readers and lend credibility to the story.

This includes fingerprints, DNA samples, digital footprints, and other technical details.

• “Forensic experts dusted for fingerprints, a silent ballet of precision.”
• “DNA samples were carefully collected, each a potential key to the mystery.”
• “Technicians photographed the scene, preserving every detail.”
• “A fiber found on the victim promised secrets yet to be revealed.”
• “Blood samples were taken, the hope of DNA analysis looming.”
• “The computer’s hard drive held the potential to unlock the case.”
• “Ballistics experts examined the bullet, a silent witness to the crime.”
• “The pattern of blood spatter was meticulously analyzed.”
• “Footprints were cast, each a clue set in stone.”
• “The team scoured for trace evidence, invisible to the untrained eye.”

Time of Day and Lighting

The time of day and lighting at a crime scene significantly affect its atmosphere and the investigation.

Describing whether a crime occurred under the cover of night, in the harsh light of day, or during the eerie twilight hours can set a distinct mood.

Lighting can also impact how evidence is perceived and discovered.

• “Under the harsh noon sun, the stark reality of the crime was undeniable.”
• “The crime scene, bathed in the soft glow of dusk, held a deceptive calm.”
• “Moonlight cast long, ominous shadows across the abandoned warehouse.”
• “The flickering streetlamp created a dance of light and dark around the scene.”
• “As dawn broke, the first rays of light revealed the tragedy.”
• “In the dim light of early morning, details of the crime emerged slowly.”
• “The setting sun cast a bloody hue over the scene.”
• “Artificial lights buzzed overhead, giving the room a clinical coldness.”
• “The darkness of the alley hid the crime from casual view.”
• “The stark fluorescence of the office lights laid everything bare.”

State of the Surrounding Area

The state of the surrounding area provides context to the crime scene and can hint at the lifestyle or activities of the victim or perpetrator.

Describing the condition of nearby buildings, streets, or natural elements can offer clues and set the tone for the scene, whether it’s chaotic, neglected, pristine, or ordinary.

• “The rundown buildings nearby spoke of a forgotten part of town.”
• “Pristine streets contrasted sharply with the violence of the crime.”
• “Graffiti-covered walls provided a backdrop of silent rebellion.”
• “The manicured park grounds seemed an unlikely stage for such a crime.”
• “Nearby, the normalcy of bustling city life continued, oblivious.”
• “The neglected garden hinted at the victim’s recent troubles.”
• “A once grand, now dilapidated mansion loomed over the scene.”
• “The quiet suburban street had been shattered by the night’s events.”
• “The surrounding forest offered a secluded cover for the crime.”
• “Amidst the industrial area, the crime scene was just another unnoticed event.”

Emotional Tone and Atmosphere

The emotional tone and atmosphere of a crime scene can influence the reader’s emotional response.

Describing the palpable tension, fear, grief, or shock experienced by characters or conveyed through the setting can deepen the impact of the scene.

This element is vital in creating an immersive and emotionally resonant narrative.

• “A heavy silence hung over the scene, thick with unspoken sorrow.”
• “An undercurrent of fear was palpable among the onlookers.”
• “The atmosphere was charged with the urgency of the investigation.”
• “Grief permeated the air, as tangible as the morning mist.”
• “A sense of injustice fueled the team’s determination.”
• “Shock was etched on every face, a shared experience of horror.”
• “The solemn mood was only broken by the occasional crackle of the police radio.”
• “Anger simmered below the surface, a response to the senseless violence.”
• “Despair seemed to seep from the walls, enveloping the scene.”
• “The tension was like a tightrope, each step fraught with emotional peril.”

Here is a video that will help you learn how to describe a crime scene in a story:

Examples of How to Describe a Crime Scene in Different Genres

How to describe a crime scene in one genre is not the same way you describe it in another.

Check out these examples.

In a mystery novel, the crime scene is often laden with subtle clues and red herrings, set against a backdrop of everyday normalcy that’s been shattered by the crime.

Picture a quaint English village where a beloved community member has been found dead in their well-kept garden.

The description focuses on the stark contrast between the peaceful setting and the violent act.

The vibrant flower beds, usually a source of pride for the village, were now marred by the outline of a body. Detective Smith noted the disarray of the garden tools, an unusual sight for the meticulous victim. The gentle hum of bees and the distant chatter of neighbors formed a dissonant soundtrack to the grim tableau.

As Smith knelt to examine a peculiar set of footprints leading away from the scene, he couldn’t help but feel the killer was hiding in plain sight, masked by the village’s deceptive tranquility.

In horror stories, the crime scene description often amplifies the elements of fear and shock.

Imagine a decrepit asylum where unspeakable acts have occurred.

The hallway was dimly lit, the flickering lights casting long, twisted shadows that seemed to writhe along the walls. The air was thick with the stench of decay. As the investigator moved forward, her flashlight beam fell upon a grotesque scene – remnants of what appeared to be a ritualistic killing.

Symbols drawn in blood adorned the walls, and in the center lay the victim, their expression frozen in a silent scream. The sense of an unseen presence was overwhelming, as if the walls themselves were watching, reliving the horror over and over.

In a sci-fi setting, crime scenes can incorporate futuristic technology and alien elements.

Envision a space station orbiting a distant planet, where a crew member has been mysteriously killed.

The body floated in the zero-gravity chamber, a serene yet eerie sight. Commander Zhao maneuvered through the weightlessness, her eyes taking in the high-tech surroundings – the advanced medical equipment now recording the absence of life, the holographic displays flickering with data.

She noticed a strange, crystalline substance near the victim’s wound, something not of their world. As she collected samples, the reality set in – they were not alone in this vast expanse of space, and whatever had committed this act was beyond their understanding of life and death.

Final Thoughts: How to Describe a Crime Scene in a Story

Mastering crime scene descriptions can elevate your storytelling to new heights of intrigue and suspense.

For more insights and writing tips, explore other articles on our website.

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Home — Essay Samples — Law, Crime & Punishment — Criminal Procedure — Crime Scene Report Examples

Crime Scene Report Examples

• Categories: Criminal Procedure

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Words: 260 |

Published: Mar 25, 2024

Words: 260 | Page: 1 | 2 min read

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Example of a crime scene report, type of incident: burglary, reporting officer: detective john smith, description of the scene:, evidence collected:, witness statements:, investigator's observations and conclusions:.

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Writing Realistic Crime Scenes

These chats take place every Wed. from 3-4 p.m. EDT. You can send in your questions at any time by tweeting to me @SueColetta1  with the hashtag #ACrimeChat . They’ll be saved under the hashtag until our next chat, and you’ll be notified of the answers, as well as receiving a recap of the entire chat. Here’s how it works: I take the questions in the order they are received and RT, marking each question with Q1 (Question #1), Q2, Q3, etc. The experts answer with the corresponding A1 (Answer #1), A2, A3, etc., so those watching can follow along. We launched two weeks ago with Crime Scenes  (<- the link will take you to the recap). Last week, we covered Evidence. And this week, the topic is Forensics. At the conclusion of each chat I announce the following week’s topic. You can also find the topics under the hashtag in case you’re not with us live.

These chats are a lot of fun and very informative. Because all of the experts are writers and/or crime writing consultants, if the answer to your question isn’t what you hoped, often times we can help you create a logical, realistic way around it so your story still rings true. I hope you’ll join us by going to #ACrimeChat . Incidentally, I’ve linked each member’s name with their Twitter handle so you can follow them, if you wish. I’ve also included their websites.

Now, without further ado, please welcome Captain (Ret.) Joe Broadmeadow.

In Writing Realistic Crime Stories, It’s all about the Little Things

One mistake many writers make in attempting to create an interesting scenario is they try too hard. In the real world of homicide investigations, or any serious crime for that matter, it’s the little things that create the biggest problem.

Here are two examples of actual cases where investigators faced a crime scene which told them one story and, after wasting precious time looking in the wrong direction, turned out to be something entirely different.

These are actual cases with identifying information removed to protect privacy. By understanding real-life scenarios, the writer finds unlimited possibilities.

Okay, first case.

“911, what is the nature of your emergency?”

“Help, someone shot my wife, oh my god, help. She’s bleeding, there’s blood everywhere.”

“Hold on, sir. I have help on the way…”

Thus began a series of events which would bring a veteran police officer to his knees, his own department accusing him of murdering his wife while his newborn child lay sleeping nearby.

Rescue personnel arrived first. The two paramedics were experienced and well-versed in dealing with victims and their families. They began to work on the victim, a 32-year old female, noting a gunshot wound to the head. Within a short timeframe, it became apparent the victim was deceased.

Several issues complicated the scene.

The body had been moved, forcing investigators to recreate the original position to determine trajectory.

The husband, a police officer, discovered the body after returning home from the overnight shift. He worked as a dispatcher that night and had left work at 8:00 am. When he found his wife he tried to revive her. Because he had come in contact with her, his hands were stained with blood. He told investigators he left his service weapon at home since he knew he would not be on the road that night.

On the floor next to the victim laid his department service weapon. It had been fired only once. Later examination found the husband’s prints on the barrel as well as all six cartridges, including the expended bullet. The investigator’s recovered a single round lodged in the ceiling of the bedroom. Based on the position of the body, the round would have been fired from the side, below the level of the bed, as if someone had crawled along the floor and then pressed the weapon to her temple and fired.

Stippling and powder burns surrounded the wound, indicating close contact.

At the time, the couple was in the midst of a reconciliation. Their first-born child, age two months, was still asleep in the same room where his mother died.

Based on the physical evidence and known circumstances it appeared to investigators that this was a homicide staged to look like a suicide.

All they needed was a statement from the husband, who insisted his wife had been depressed and had shot herself. But once they began the interrogation, he asked to speak to a lawyer.

Investigators went back to the scene to search for something more definitive.

One aspect of any investigation is to have early arrivers re-enact their actions. Investigators had the rescue team return to the scene along with the first responding officer. As the rescue personnel took their positions around the bed, the husband told investigators he had gone to the far side of the bed in order to assist as best he could. When he did, he moved a small changing table, pushing it further away from the bed.

This was not in his original statement.

When CSI detectives put the table back into its original position, they noticed a clear dent on the edge of the table that appeared to be a ricochet mark from the round. Once the scene had been put back into the untouched condition, it changed the entire situation.

Investigators re-examined the trajectory, and it matched perfectly with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the temple.

Mary Jones repeatedly called her 17-year old daughter who was home sick from school. All she got was a busy signal. Concerned that something was wrong, she called a neighbor to go check.

The neighbor, an off-duty firefighter, went to the house. He knocked on the door and got no response. Sensing something was wrong, he sent his wife home to call the police.

The door was unlocked.

When he entered the residence he glanced down the hallway. Someone’s legs protruded from one of the bedrooms. Running quickly to the body, he then checked for a pulse and breathing .

Within seconds, Officers arrived on scene. The local firemen weren’t far behind. Unfortunately, it was no use. The woman had already succumbed to her injuries.

They secured the crime scene.

The firefighter who discovered the body was brought to the station for a statement. Investigators’ first impression of the crime scene showed no indication of forced entry. There was apparent sexual assault and the victim had been manually strangled.

Everything indicated the victim knew the perpetrator and let him in the house.

Under these circumstances, suspicion falls immediately on family and friends. Officers notified the father and asked him to come to the station. One of the most difficult tasks an officer faces is telling a parent their child is dead.

This is compounded when the parent is also considered a suspect. The reaction to the news can be telling and useful to the investigation.

In this case, the father showed genuine emotional responses to the news. Investigators were able to learn that the victim had stayed out of school, did not have a steady boyfriend, and there was no concern on the parent’s part that she would have someone over to the house without their knowledge.

The circumstances still lent itself to a person known to the victim.

Investigators again returned to the scene to continue their search.

A uniform sergeant, who’d been at the scene within minutes of the call, told investigators he had picked up a small table next to the door and placed the telephone back on the table. When he first arrived the phone was lying on the floor. Which explained the busy signal when the mother tried to call. Before this, he had not spoken to investigators.

Once investigators learned this new information, it changed how they viewed the crime scene.

By talking to the parents, they learned the table was normally located next to the door. From the position described by the sergeant and with the table moved back into its original position, it became apparent that someone had forced themselves through the open door, knocking the table over.

Once again, a tiny detail changed by someone who should have known better sent investigators down the wrong path.

In this case, armed with a new theory, investigators were able to locate a subject on prison work release, attending a training program in the area.

How The Murder Really Happened

The subject was attempting to break into the house. Knocking at the door, he was startled when the girl opened it. Panicked that he was not supposed to be away from his assigned training location, he forced his way inside, knocking the table over and the phone off the hook. At trial, the jury convicted him, the judge sentencing him to life.

When creating scenarios for your characters, the force combining to create tension and drama do not have to be complex or labyrinthine, often it’s the simplest things that work best. They’re also what will bite you every time if you get them wrong. Television and movies give a false impression of the nature of criminal investigations. Experience taught everyone a lesson here. The smallest detail can have serious consequences, giving writers many opportunities to wreak havoc on their characters.

Joe Broadmeadow retired with the rank of Captain from the East Providence, Rhode Island Police Department after twenty years. Assigned to various divisions within the department, including Commander of Investigative Services, he also worked in the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and on special assignment to the FBI Drug Task Force. He has testified in State and Federal Court as an expert in Electronic Surveillance and Computer Forensics.

You can learn more about Joe and his books at his website and   Amazon author page .

If you enjoyed this post, please share. Thank you!

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Sue Coletta

Sue Coletta is an award-winning crime writer and an active member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. Feedspot and Expertido.org named her Murder Blog as “Best 100 Crime Blogs on the Net.” She also blogs on the Kill Zone (Writer's Digest "101 Best Websites for Writers"), Writers Helping Writers, and StoryEmpire. Sue lives with her husband in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Her backlist includes psychological thrillers, the Mayhem Series (books 1-3) and Grafton County Series, and true crime/narrative nonfiction. Now, she exclusively writes eco-thrillers, Mayhem Series (books 4-9 and continuing). Sue's appeared on the Emmy award-winning true crime series, Storm of Suspicion, and three episodes of A Time to Kill on Investigation Discovery. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her murder of crows, who live free but come when called by name. And nature feeds her soul.

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20 comments.

EVE ANDERSON

Just little details change the whole perspective. Here we had a crime & the justice official in charge (a novice), let the family clean, removed & burn the mattress.

To this day the Justice Department try to convict someone & 2 times the Judges say Um, No.

Something is fishy & is clear that the Justice Dept. is trying to deviate the attention. The Lawyer & his group (Defensors of Poor Peiple) of the supposely murderer Lcdo. Moczó, just crush the opposition in 2 turns at the bat..

Poor child as of today the criminal is free.

Oh, how sad, Eve. Sounds like that official really messed up that crime scene…to the point where a conviction would be nearly impossible now. And unfortunately, it’s the family who suffers.

Jennifer Chase

Great post! Interesting details as the cases unfolded. Thanks for posting 🙂

Thanks, Jen. It’s nice to see you. 🙂

Extremely intriguing to see how these scenes played out and the minute details that made a difference in the findings. Thank you, Richard, for sharing your knowledge and experience with us, and thank you, Sue for having such a wonderful guest.

BTW, I think the #ACrimeChat is an awesome idea. I hope to be tweeting questions once I have some time to focus on my WIPs. I’m assuming that it’s best to only ask questions related to the topic at the time? Thanks for organizing it, Sue, and to all your experts for taking the time to share their knowledge!

We try to stay on topic, Mae, but if you reach a point in your story where you need an answer, just tweet it to me regardless of topic. The whole crew is easy-going. We all want this to work for writers, so that’s the most important thing.

I’m glad you enjoyed Joe’s post. Enjoy your week!

Joe Broadmeadow

Mae, We are always looking for topics to explore. If you have a question ask it on #ACrimeChat and we’ll add it to our list of topics

Very cool post. I assumed they weren’t all intricately woven layers of plot and false evidence. There is a balance between making things obvious and getting enough mystery to tell a good story.

Exactly, Craig. Totally agree.

As to case #1 It shows how important it is to get detailed statements from all involved. One reason why (in Canada) we don’t let anyone but the forensic investigators onto the scene while investigating is too many cooks in the kitchen. I’ve had something similar and furniture that has been moved recently usually leaves a tell. carpet leaves indentation marks, floors, lack of dust or dirt where the legs or base was located. We use the right hand rule on scenes. start to your right and go completely around the room examining and photographing everything. It is time consuming but works. The forensic investigator should have found the table to be moved and the mark left by the bullet. that information could then be brought to the husband. Never let the suspect onto the scene.

I had what looked like a natural death. the body was on the bed and was supposedly discovered by the tenant who was renting the main house while the deceased stayed in the cottage. the tenant stated that he had tried to knock on the door but when he got no response he went to the back of the cottage and looked into the room. when he saw the deceased on the bed he stated to the police officers that he opened the window and climbed in. The man was still at the scene when I arrived and I noticed he was acting strange. after hearing his story i ordered the officers to remove him. the rear window was indeed open but an examination of the siding and the window trim showed no evidence that anyone had climbed in. fingerprint examination showed only the tenants prints on the bottom of the window frame but reversed. (the prints were made while standing inside the room) further investigation of the bed sheets and pillow case showed that the deceased had been smothered. A conviction was registered.

Forensic Investigation isnt just about photographing and collecting evidence. you have to read the scene, read the evidence and go through a process of eliminations.

I enjoyed reading about your two cases, Richard. We can never have too much information for crime writers, so I thank you!

Richard, One of the problems within most agencies is the immediacy of the moment often clouds the best-laid plans. In Case #1 the position of the table in the initial view appeared to be normal. There was no reason to move it. The realities of crime scene procedures and the expectations of the perfect scene are often far apart

Garry Rodgers

Great points, Joe. Definitely coming from someone who’s been there. In my experience, most crime scenes are fairly straightforward as long as they’re investigated objectively. A big mistake I’ve seen investigators make is to form a theory and then try to make the details fit, rather than just look at what the details are saying. Like you point out, one of the biggest hindrances is when a scene has been disturbed. (Hate it when that happens 🙂

Interpretation of crime scene details is an art on its own and is something I think most crime readers enjoy working out. I guess that’s why red herrings have been such a popular device and why the “Ah-ha!” moments are so rewarding.

Thanks for weighing in, Garry. Always happy to hear your two-cents. As you know, I watch a ton of true crime on ID. My favorite is Homicide Hunter. I mention him because often times when his team gets off track they go back to the beginning and start again. It helps him clear any misconceptions that’ve crept up in the investigation and many times, he finds new information that leads him to the correct conclusion, like the cases here.

Garry, There’s an interesting case in Rhode Island that illustrates this point. A woman is found murdered. There’s some significant injuries to the victim indicating rage and perhaps a personal connection.

The body was found by an off-duty officer.

The attention focuses on the police officer who was having an affair with the woman and lied to investigators about it. The investigators, from the officer’s own department, made certain assumptions and ignored normal procedures.

To make a long story short, the officer was convicted after trial. Six years later, another man walked into State Police Headquarters and confessed to the crime. He knew aspects of the case that only the killer would know. Investigators were able to determine he was also involved with the victim.

The officer served 6 years, convicted of a homicide he did not commit. Based on his lying to investigators about an affair, they assumed his guilt and manipulated the evidence to fit the theory.

This is one of the cases that changed my support of the death penalty.

Wow. It’s hard to recover after a homicide conviction. Did he get his job back? Or was his career ruined for good? He must have been bitter, sitting in that prison cell. I know I’d be.

No. Fought with the agency for back pay and a wrongful conviction suit

Margot Kinberg

This is so helpful Thanks very much to both of you. Those little details can make all of the difference; and in a crime novel, they can be effective ways to leave clues and create a plausible way for sleuths to get information.

I agree, Margot. The magic is in the tiny details. Unfortunately, it’s those same details that really derail a story, especially if a member of law enforcement is reading our book(s).

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The anatomy of a crime scene: examples, investigation and analysis, written by: hilbert college   •  jun 6, 2023.

The Anatomy of a Crime Scene: Examples, Investigation and Analysis ¶

Law enforcement is trained to gather evidence and solve crimes. However, a crime scene involves many people and many steps, so everyone involved must work together to effectively process a crime scene. Understanding the anatomy of a crime scene can make or break a case.

To learn more, check out the infographic below, created by Hilbert College Global’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

What Is a Crime Scene? ¶

A crime scene describes the location where a crime takes place. It can also include where evidence is found or where a suspect lives.              

Robberies ¶

A robbery is a theft that involves violence or the threat of violence. Robbery crime scenes may include, convenience stores, commercial establishments, banks, private residences, parking lots or the streets. Basically, it’s anywhere a person was robbed.

Homicides ¶

A homicide is a murder committed intentionally or during the commission of another crime. Homicide crime scenes may include where a victim was killed and where the body was found. It may also include where a murder was planned or where the murder weapon was discarded.

Secondary Locations ¶

A secondary location is a site important to identifying and prosecuting a suspect. Secondary locations may include the paths a suspect traveled during the commission of a crime, where a second crime was committed, or a location where suspects convened before or after a crime. These crime scenes may be found after the initial crime is discovered.

An assault is the intentional harming of another person physically. Assault crime scenes may include a residence, highways and sidewalks, parking garages and lots, convenience stores or hotels and motels. An assault may happen anywhere, so crime scenes can vary.

Digital Crime Scenes ¶

Some crimes are committed online or through invasive malware. For cybercrimes, investigators go through victims’ digital devices to find evidence. Suspects’ computers and mobile devices are also considered crime scenes.

Who’s on the Scene? ¶

• Investigators interview witnesses and gather information from law enforcement on the scene. They also manage information given to the press.
• Crime scene technicians identify physical evidence at the scene. They also photograph crime scenes so  law enforcement and lawyers can see the original scene. Once they’ve finished at the crime scene, they write final reports of their findings.
• Police officers are often first at the scene and alert necessary law enforcement. They protect the crime scene by cordoning it off. They will also keep witnesses so the Investigator can interview them.
• Medical examiners and coroners examine victims’ bodies and in the morgue. They also collect physical evidence from victims. Once they’ve analyzed the scene, they will provide law enforcement with information.

How Long Is It a Crime Scene? ¶

A crime scene isn’t considered cleared until the investigative team has gathered all possible evidence and information. This may take between one and two days. If a crime takes place over multiple locations, it may take longer to process each crime scene and clear them all. 

What Happens at a Crime Scene? ¶

At the crime scene, law enforcement dispatches a crime scene detail to process the scene through:

Evidence Gathering ¶

Evidence can prove motive, opportunity, intent, planning and identity. A perimeter must be established to keep the crime scene from being compromised. Law enforcement searches the scene for physical evidence and any clues about the subject. 

Technicians photograph blood evidence, victims’ wounds, surrounding areas and physical evidence before being bagged. The scene is sketched with measurements. Everything is put into evidence bags, labeled and sent to the appropriate authorities.

Witness Questioning ¶

Law enforcement establishes witnesses and obtains valid identification. Then, they separate each witness and record their name, birthday, address and all phone numbers. Finally, witnesses are interviewed individually on scene or at the office location.

Investigation ¶

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) lists the steps of a well-planned investigation as:

• First responders notify correct personnel.
• The prosecutor, the forensic doctor and scientific/technical assistance are assigned to the case.
• Parties arrive at the crime scene.
• Cordon off the crime scene.
• Determine the proper procedures and apply.
• Keep the location secure.
• Medical personnel takes responsibility for the scene.
• Decide what information the media will receive.
• Interview witnesses.
• Disperse uninvolved bystanders.
• Record the crime scene.
• Notify involved civilians.
• Take statements and gather information.

Processing ¶

USAID lists the most important steps while processing a scene as follows:

• Determine where to search for evidence and suspects.
• Describe the immediate setting as evidence.
• Properly gather and remove evidence.
• Identify, label and tag evidence.
• Establish the chain of custody from the scene.
• Analyze the evidence for information.
• Preserve the evidence for trial.
• Use available information to interpret the crime scene. 

What Happens Next? ¶

Once all possible information has been gathered from a crime scene, investigators and attorneys build a case to either convict or exonerate a suspect.

Forensic Analysis ¶

Forensic analysts examine the crime scene evidence. Whether the evidence is physical or digital, forensic analysts extract information and provide it to the defense and prosecution. Forensic analysts may also serve as expert witnesses.

Identifying Suspects ¶

Through examining the crime scene and data provided by forensic analysts, investigators assemble a list of suspects. Investigators interview possible suspects and reinterview witnesses. When suspects are identified, they may be brought in for questioning or arrested.

Preparing for Court ¶

Investigators turn over their findings to prosecutors and defense lawyers. The lawyers may return to the crime scene to better understand the crime. Suspects work with the defense to prove their innocence. Both parties gather expert witnesses to strengthen their cases.

Presenting the Case ¶

During trial, witnesses take the stand to explain what they saw. Lawyers reconstruct the crime scene to either prove or disprove a defendant’s guilt. Evidence gathered at the crime scene is presented to the judge and jury.

Analysis of a Crime Scene ¶

Every crime leaves evidence behind, and law enforcement is trained to identify it. At the crime scene, technicians, officers and investigators gather all available evidence and do their best to find a suspect. Many steps and different professionals are involved, and they all must understand their roles and how crime scenes function.

Britannica, Homicide

Encyclopedia.com, Crime Scene Investigation

Federal Bureau of Investigation, Trend of Violent Crime from 2011 to 2021

Find Law, Robbery Overview

My Law Questions, “What Is A Crime Scene?

National Institute of Justice, Digital Evidence and Forensics

NOLO, “Assault, Battery, and Aggravated Assault” United States Attorney General, Homicide Scene Investigation: A Manual for Public Prosecutors

United States Attorney General, Homicide Scene Investigation: A Manual for Public Prosecutors

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Processing the Crime Scene: Tools and Techniques Essay

Processing the crime scene is one of the main parts of the investigation process and policy management. While it is obviously a victim’s crime to burglarize a house, it is not a victim’s crime merely to think about and plan such a burglary. Nor is it a victim’s crime to “stake out” the house to find the most vulnerable point of entry, or even to buy a gun to threaten anyone who might be encountered. Nevertheless, these preparatory processes are a part of committing burglary that most individuals favor, and legislatures enact, laws against such acts almost as if they were victim crimes themselves. In this way, the net of criminal rule in most communities comes to be cast beyond strictly victimizing acts. Legal statutes in many communities and states have even been extended to behavior that is widely believed to be associated with victim offending

The process of crime scene investigation involves such tools as examination, photographing and sketching. Studies have suggested that criminal behavior patterns be characterized in terms of two major behavioral tendencies: (1) tendencies toward manipulative, callous, and non-empathetic reply patterns in one’s social interactions, and (p. 2) tendencies to be impulsive, irresponsible, and criminal in one’s everyday activities (Wilson, p. 77). No matter what behavioral criteria one follows in identifying the crime causes, it should be kept in mind that, like most clinical classification categories, there is not simply a group of individuals displaying all the symptoms and another group who lack all those symptoms (Wilson, p. 21). The concept of criminal behavior refers to offenses but also encompasses acts that reflect a universal lack of concern for the long-term welfare of others. Also, numerous legal studies indicated that all of the above behavioral correlates of criminal behavior are positively correlated with one another. Overall, not only did this broad-ranging research topics review provide impressive support for arousal theory in explaining criminal behavior, but it also suggested that there are several essentially non-criminal behavior patterns that are universally correlated with victim criminal behavior (Fisher, p. 43).

Processing the crime scene involves techniques of identification, evaluations, and documentation of process and collection of physical, testimonial and fingerprint facts. Processing the crime scene has accumulated confidently for one to give an affirmative answer, at least when the focus is on serious victim crimes. Because more universal correlates of criminal behavior are likely to be found (see Ellis, 1985), and several of those herein identified may be either subdivided or subsumed under other, more general variable names, it is not likely that criminologists will (or necessarily should) ever agree on the exact number of universal correlates of criminal behavior (Wilson, p. 54). Yet, the general correlates of victim criminal behavior can be categorized as behavioral variables and demographic variables. This processing crime scene process contends that individuals most prone to criminality have nervous systems that crave more than a normal level of sensory stimulation. Theoretically, persons who are most criminally prone are seeking higher-than-normal levels of stimulation in a variety of situations. Some of these situations are so obnoxious and even threatening, too many of those with whom they interact that criminal laws have been passed to curtail their behavior (Sutherland and Cressey, p. 31).

The processing of the crime scene process is one associated with high rates of risks occurring after a short period of gestation that is followed by minimal parental care for each offspring. While it is certainly true that the human species is highly K-selected, humans could still show significant genetic variation in terms of their exact location along the continuum. If that is so, and if victim criminal behavior tends to reflect r-selection, then those who commit violent and property crimes most often should exhibit selected characteristics to a greater degree than those who are least prone to criminal behavior. The police officer takes into account possible demographic variables that were universally correlated with criminal behavior — sex, age, social status, race, family intactness, and a number of siblings — can be predicted theoretically. In summary, processing crime scene proposes that to understand the occurrence of behaviors involving substantial risks and only modest external rewards, such as most street crimes, one must postulate that such behaviors receive endogenous biological reinforcement. Researchers argue that processing the crime scene should take into account possible behavior patterns of victims and offenders based on the knowledge about the human brain constructed so as to support behaviors that are risky or arduous or both, even though they do not lead to a quick or certain payoff. Police officers accept as a fundamental premise, that external stimuli produced by operant actions can be, and often are, reinforcing in important ways, and that they can manifest a high level of control over operant behavior (Saferstein, p. 87).

Processing crime scene requirements, in which the suspect, having been cautioned, would be asked whether he wished to confirm, deny, or modify any earlier statement or silence, is in line with the approach recommended by Commission on Criminal Justice. Processing the crime scene should be seen as a complex and multi-dimensional process based on careful data analysis and data collection methods. The collected facts and materials will determine the success of further investigation processes and criminal responsibility issues related to a particular individual. So, the police officer should pay careful attention to details and crime scene-setting in order to ensure an objective and impartial investigation process.

Works Cited

• Fisher, Barry A. J. Techniques of Crime Scene investigation. CRC Press; 6th edition,2000.
• Sutherland Edwin H. and Cressey, Donald. Principles of Criminology , 7th ed. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott, 2001.
• Saferstein, R. Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science (College Edition). Prentice Hall; 9 edition, 2006.
• Wilson, Margaret. The Crime of Punishment . New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 2000.
• Cases Brief on Fire Scene Investigation
• Fingerprint Detection Techniques of Personal Identification
• Phobia in Operant and Classical Conditioning
• Subliminal Stimulation by Beatty & Hawkins
• Understanding Human Psychology: Brain Stimulation
• Forensic DNA Analysis: A Technique to Achieve a Conclusion of Identity
• The Privilege Against Self-Incrimination
• Use of the Information Technology to Solve Crimes: DNA Tests and Biometrics
• Criminal Justice and DNA: “Genetic Fingerprinting”
• Using the Internet to Solve a Crime
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Crime Scene Essay Examples

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Crime , Women , Woman , House , Police , Inside , Old Woman , Knife

Words: 1400

Published: 05/29/2023

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It was on a cold January night when the local police were informed of a suspicious activity reported by the neighbors in a locality. An old woman possibly living all by herself had not been seen or heard of since several days, whereas the locals had reported her of being very active and outdoorsy. Yet since two days, she had not been seen outside her home, and when a neighbor visited her, he returned back without an answer even though he waited for several minutes. They tried her number, but she would not answer as well. The police were forced to break into her home through the front door. Inside the house, it was dark and the lights were switched off. They had to switch on the lights and explore the home. A part of the team was exploring the back yard as well. There was no sign of any break-in or intrusion on the first floor hence the team inside the house went upstairs to the bedrooms. A strong odor permeated the top of the stairs and all through the house on the upper story. The bedroom lay on the right, and upon entering it they saw shards of glass on the floor and a sprawled body of an old woman, lying in her own pool of blood. The wide window in the bedroom was broken which showed signs of an entry and exit. With their gloves on, the police started to inspect the crime scene. The cupboard was opened, and clothes and belongings were thrown about in a haphazard manner which indicated that it was a robbery that turned into a homicide. An inward spiral search technique was used by the police as they started from the perimeter of the house and worked their way to the crime scene in the bedroom. The police were also inspecting the back yard and the rear portion of the house. There was a ladder present below the window which had been laid down. However, there were muddy footsteps present on it. The house was immediately cordoned off, and police tapes sealed it from all ends. The room upstairs and the old woman’s body were specifically dealt with care, and her body was outlined and then very carefully sent for a postmortem. She had evidently been stabbed multiple times in the chest, and there was a blow to the head which might have ended her life. The entire area was photographed, and pictures of the house were taken in a sequential order. The cupboard and apparent missing items were also searched for. The photography included taking the identification print shots and close ups of the crime scene, the dead body, and the flustered bedroom, as well as medium range shots to capture the bedroom’s condition. Overview photography was carried out by taking images from outside and inside the home and it was added to the evidence. The outside of the home was also photographed, and the ladder and window were thoroughly examined. The weapon of the crime was also searched however it was not present inside the house. Initially, it was guessed that a blunt knife could be the weapon of choice while the head wound might have resulted from hitting the head sharply on the hardwood floor. The shards of glass were recovered and collected by the team, and the ladder was also taken off for inspection. To measure how the perpetrator touched and broke the glass, the samples were sent for examination in the Glass Refractive Index Machine so that the properties of the glass and possible method of breaking in could be uncovered. The readings showed the glass had been broken with a strong object in a single blow. All evidence of fingerprints was taken from the cupboard, window and various places inside the room. The ladder was also searched for fingerprints, and all traces of mud, dirt, and soil were brushed off and collected samples for investigation. The possible missing items inside the house were cash, the old woman’s handbag and the empty slots inside the cupboard indicated she had either money or some expensive item kept inside. Upon looking at her dresser, it was discovered that there were no jewels amongst her belongings. Hence the initial statement gathered by the investigating officers was that the woman had been robbed and then murdered and the murderer escaped from the entrance site, which was the bedroom. The police found a bloody butcher knife a few meters away thrown into the bushes. Then it was time for the forensic team to deliver the postmortem. There are four basic types of mortis; rigor, livor, algor and palor. The forensic team analyzed the body through rigor and algor mortis, as the body was cold and not stiff; this coupled with signs of the blood clotting and organ condition revealed she had been killed over 40 hours. There were signs of struggle as there was blood under her nails, which showed she had fought the murderer. There were five wounds in her chest which were pulled off with the use of a blunt knife. The head wound was caused by a deep blow that resulted in an inter-cranial bleed leading her brain to hemorrhage. The loss of blood and the hemorrhage led to her death. There were no signs of sexual assault; hence the reason for the murder was concluded robbery and then assault that led to a homicide. After the postmortem details had been laid out, the police and detectives sat down to reconstruct the scene. Evidence collected from the neighbors revealed that the woman was not seen since two days, however, on the day of her death, she had been spotted going out in the daytime. Hence the robbery should have occurred at night. It was a suburban area, and there were woods at the back of the homes. The cameras at the front of the homes detected no suspicious person. However one of the neighbors reported that their newspaper boy who came for deliveries early in the mornings had not come since three days. There was virtually no sign of him. They also said that the old woman had no children or relatives visiting her and she only had a few friends in the neighborhood that she was close with. The forensic evidence showed that the muddy steps were imprinted from sneakers worn by the perpetrator and the mud inside the room and on the shoes were from the woods. The soil sample was collected with the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves which were used to prevent tampering of evidence and it was brushed off the places it was found in and then preserved in a zip-lock plastic bag for any future investigation. Therefore whomever it was, wore sneakers, had the ability to climb a ladder to the second story, break in through the window and probably scared the old lady. She might have tried to fight him off, but he was too strong for her; he scared her with the knife, but she was not afraid upon which he stabbed her and hit her head on the floor thus killing her. Then he looted her belongings and ran away, but laid the ladder down. A tool marks impression test was carried out on the ladder which was made with a wooden material so as not to disturb the original impressions. The fingerprints were from one perpetrator as the rest belonged to the old woman. The ASIF biometric identification system was used to analyze the fingerprints. They showed that only one person was present at the scene since the fingerprints belonged to the old woman and the perpetrator. The tool marks were examined, and the impressions on the knife were the same as those of the other objects in the room. Therefore the killer had only used the knife as his weapon of defense and probably knew the old woman could be handled with the knife; he did not bother for more weapons. It was, however, not a perfect crime since the DNA of the killer was in the hands of the police and they would trace him, eventually.

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Crime Scene Investigation

Investigators may apply the updated, current, simple, and complex forensic techniques to thoroughly and accurately examine the crime scene. Though the specificity of this work has significantly changed, photographing the location, where a criminal act has occurred, using the recent advanced technologies, remains the main tool in the forensic investigation. The immediate collection of hard evidence, namely blood, fibers, fingerprints, and hair as well as the methods of their analysis, have also developed. The competent authorities and individuals concerned pay special attention to the rapid resolution of offenses taking into consideration crime investigation themes raised by the mass media and TV. No doubt, it is impossible to resolve a criminal act immediately. However, the educational level, experience, skills, and training of criminal justice professionals are the best way to safeguard the communities and prevent crimes.

Keywords : crime scene, criminal justice, evidence

Introduction

The initial steps of criminal justice specialists at the crime scene may directly affect the outcome of the investigation. The diligent examination ensures that evidence is thoroughly explored, and witnesses are interrogated. Every investigator meticulously examines a crime scene in order to get real representation of what has happened. Criminologists describe it as a meeting point of legislation, science, and consistency. The paper is dedicated to the tedious process of crime scene investigation, which is an integral part of the work conducted by criminal justice professionals, who document the incidents circumstances and gather the hard evidence that indicates the potential perpetrator and the nature of offense.

Place New Order

The Importance and Responsibility of Investigators

No one can underestimate the importance of crime scene investigation to the criminal justice field. When a criminal act occurs, it undermines public safety and a life of every person (Stevens, 2011). Peoples beliefs that the competent authorities will quickly respond to the offense occurred, can ease fear in the communities. The crimes nature, identification, and conviction of a perpetrator may directly influence the duration of investigation. Therefore, involvement of well-trained and skillful specialists is essential for the justice system and a perfect way toward prevention of criminal acts (Brown, Esbensen, & Geis, 2013). Criminal justice experts are the qualified specialists, who bear responsibility for gathering the hard evidence directly from a scene. Thorough examination enables them to link offenders to the criminal acts committed. These competent authorities have an experience in law enforcement and possess necessary skills. Moreover, they are proficient in conducting research and analyzing the clues detected. Every crime scene investigator properly identifies, collects, and preserves the physical evidence, while other specialists examine fingerprints, ballistics, blood, or fibers. These specialists constantly enrich their knowledge base and abilities through training. In reality, effective realization of this process can be carried out only if personnel possess advanced skills in that help carefully and accurately investigate a crime scene.

The Main Participants of the Process

In order to recognize the importance of clues revealed and reach the desired outcome, an investigator has to follow a set goal and chosen approach that will direct him/her while working. The main objective is to retain evidence that may provide a specialist with trustworthy information thus promoting the course of investigation. The competent authorities reach the scene since it is the only way to preserve clues and get the real presentation of what has happened. Moreover, it is necessary to take into consideration the statement made by the witnesses of the incident and information received from the suspected individuals. It will help to examine the location carefully and objectively. Since every crime scene is unique and specific, there is no certain investigative approach toward its examination (Stevens, 2011).

The policemen are the first to arrive at the place, where a criminal act has been committed. The police officers detain perpetrators and request the medical aid in case if it is needed. They also ensure that unauthorized persons do not penetrate the scene, remove, or damage the hard evidence. Specialized unit examines the location and documents even unimportant details. Public official, including the district attorney, is often invited to help an investigator in obtaining a search warrant to conduct an investigation. If it is a murder, the presence of medical experts is necessary since they identify the preliminary cause of victims or offenders death. Osterburg and Ward (2014) mention that physical evidence may require a thorough analysis that can be conducted only by experts, scientists, and forensic psychologists. The participation of detectives is also important since they consult with investigators and interrogate witnesses to get testimonies.

Meticulous Examination of a Crime Scene

According to Duncan (2014), the main aim of investigation is to expose and gather clues and evidence. The process starts with calling a group of competent authorities, which guarantee the system functions smoothly. The initial task is to make a detour and get a general idea of what has happened. If a person moves or damages the hard evidence, police agents, detectives, and investigators need to capture defects upon arrival. In truth, it is better to keep everything untouched.

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An investigator carefully documents, photographs, and takes video of the crime scene as well as every detail that he/she regards as clue. Only the specialists with gloves can touch all the items found. Then, they have to make sure that the package of evidence is intact on its way toward the crime lab for further examination. Every police officer controls and monitors the main area of investigation (Stevens, 2011). Examination of the location is the long process that requires attention of the competent authorities. They ask strangers to leave the crime scene since it will help to ensure that the examined area is safe, and evidence is preserved. Afterwards, investigators ask the public prosecutors or attorneys to involve in the process since a search warrant may be required. If the judge does not take into consideration the evidence or clues presented, then it can be said that their value is minimal. An investigator always fulfills his/her obligations with a legal document. In this case, it is a search warrant. The right approach chosen by the criminal justice specialists will help them gather the physical evidence without any complications.

Documentation of Evidence Detected at the Crime Scene

Careful documentation of an incident helps to provide a detailed report at the end of the investigation. It will help public prosecutors and other competent authorities to recreate clear picture of what has happened in a proper way. Investigators often use digital camera as the most useful device for capturing the evidence and important finds. The main responsibilities of every investigator are to identify the perpetrator, gather the evidence, and preserve it for the further meticulous analysis and examination in the court. If a criminal justice professional fulfills the tasks step by step, he/she will be able to reconstruct the crime and come to certain conclusions (Li, 2013). The importance stage of gathering evidence takes a long time. The criminal justice professional scrutinizes the scene of the incident searching for clues, important items, and makes notes. If a dead body is detected, the investigators have to start their work from that place. Depending on the conditions and the nature of evidence, various types of data may be collected either at the scene or in the lab.

The Process of Collecting the Physical Evidence

Experts, law enforcement agents, criminal justice professionals, and other competent authorities bear responsibility for safeguarding a crime scene, preserving clues and findings, as well as delivering them for scientific research. The evidence detection directly affects the course of entire investigation and may lead to the immediate and effective resolution of an offense. The implementation of this process depends on the initial steps the specialist takes at the beginning of investigation. In order to document and retain clues in a proper manner, it is vital to apply the recent technology that will help to effectively analyze and accurately interpret the findings recovered. The meaningful and objective approach chosen by the criminal justice professional is a key factor that reflects significance of evidence detected. The goal of physical evidence collection is to reveal and preserve findings that provide the investigation with relevant and reliable data.

Importance of Testimony and Investigators Duties

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The crime scene investigation is the only way for experts and specialists to reconstruct the criminal act, preserve the evidence, and make the necessary conclusions. In order to objectively and carefully assess the place of incident, it is important to take into consideration information from the witnesses and statements made by suspected individuals. The competent authority can redirect the course of investigation and pay attention to the evidence that earlier he/she has considered unnecessary. In order to successfully resolve the case with a minimum of efforts, it is crucial to emphasize every single clue and testimony.

Since a crime scene investigator deals with emergency cases, dramatic and tragic events, he/she needs to work long hours using all the skills and experience. The responsibility of criminal justice professionals is huge. The result of investigation directly depends on it. Owing to their job, the experts can apply various updated scientific approaches that will help to promote investigation. The police and civilians can also contribute to the resolution of a criminal act. Their testimony and statements are crucial. Before starting to work in the law enforcement agency, a person, who wants to become a crime scene investigator, has to possess skills and get education and training. Close cooperation with suspects and interviewing witnesses and those present are not related to the duties of these criminal justice professionals. Unlike a detective, an investigator does not persecute or interrogate an individual, who has committed a crime. Every expert in the criminal justice field is responsible for his/her own duties.

After an investigator has finished the report, his/her duties do not end. Moreover, the investigation cannot be considered completed even if the laboratory has examined the important clues and provided conclusion. An integral part of investigation is to inform about the evidence gathered and techniques applied. The crime scene investigation is deservedly described as the tedious process that requires attention, efforts, time, skills, and experience of the competent authorities, who are directly involved in it. Meticulous and careful documentation of a crime scene helps to successfully resolve an offense and convict the perpetrators.

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Solving the murder: Students investigate mock crime scene

By Nina Mastandrea  

How did this happen? When did it happen? Who did this? Are you certain of that?

Those were just a few of the questions about 25 students in Instructor of Criminal Justice Tracy Hoilman’s Criminal Investigation and Interrogation class asked both of themselves, and of each other.

The class spent the morning of Friday, October 28, investigating the death of dummy Gale Sample in the Robb Center for Career Exploration.

The scenario was based on a real crime scene Granite Falls Police Captain TJ Bates investigated.

Bates, a Lees-McRae alumnus and police officer for 21 years, regularly returns to campus to give students a hands-on lesson on how to assess and properly handle a crime scene from all angles.  

  Over the course of the fall semester, Hoilman’s class has been immersed in criminal investigation techniques; the mock crime scene was their chance to put what they learned into action.

Before the scenario, students were given the chance to choose one of several roles integral to the exercise. Some of those positions included ‘Police Information Officer’, ‘Media’ and ‘Investigator’ among several others.

Students measured the distance of the body from several corners of the room, and documented evidence found with numbered notes before carefully placing them into brown bags labeled “EVIDENCE.”

Outside, students worked as patrol officers and kept the scene secure.

Bella Lopes, a sophomore and one of the responding patrol officers on the scene, stood at the inside edge of the iconic, bright yellow tape, creating a log of everyone that entered, and exited, the property.

“It is really interesting and fun,” Lopes said. “Though it can be stressful at times.”  

  Standing on the other side of the tape, two journalists, seniors Rachael MacRae and Dylan Hanes, called out questions and demanded answers.

What is her name? Is it true that it may have been a murder? Is there a murderer on the loose? The people need to know! They both shouted at Sydney Harrison, who was playing the part as a public information officer.

“It’s fun and different to see how other roles play an integral part of a larger investigation,” Harrison said.

An hour later, the students gathered in a classroom to debrief and explain what they believe happened to Sample.

During the meeting, Bates said that the exercise was not for the students to find out what happened, but to understand the roles and certain tasks given to officers during cases like the one they witnessed.

“They did an outstanding job,” Bates said. “We have some very inquisitive minds.”

For Bates, the event, which has been held almost every year—sometimes by other officers—for the past several years, is not only a way for him to teach students what he has learned over the years as an officer, but as a way for him to learn, too.

He said that he will watch as students try new things, and look at a problem in a certain way Bates never considered before.

“I take those ideas and methods and apply them in the field,” he said.  

  The mock crime scene scenario is one of several similar simulations students both across campus and programs have been able to partake in.

One of the main focuses at Lees-McRae is to offer experiential learning opportunities for all students no matter what program they are in.

Earlier in October, students in the May School of Nursing and Health Sciences worked hands-on with performing arts students standing in as “victims” in the school’s first mock disaster scenario.

The mock crime scene involved all of Hoilman’s students, giving each the opportunity to discover first-hand what careers in those positions can be like.

“It is one thing to read about the information but it is another to see it and to participate in the things you learn about in class. Many students prefer and learn more by hands on activities or demonstrations,” Hoilman said.

She believed that this years’ mock crime scene was the best one to date and was proud of the students who took their roles seriously and used their critical thinking skills.

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Crime Scene Essay Examples

Many students are faced with the problem of finding ideas for writing their essays. This website contains a database with more than 50 000 essay examples, using which you can easily find inspiration for creating your own essay on Crime scene.

Here you will find many different essay topics on Crime scene. You will be able to confidently write your own paper on the influence of Crime scene on various aspects of life, reflect on the importance of Crime scene, and much more. Keep on reading!

Elisa White from Everest College Online shares her passion for solving mysteries through a career in Crime Scene Investigation. Having grown up in a town with unsolved missing persons cases, including someone she knew personally, White was particularly impacted by the issue. One of the missing individuals was a young pregnant white teenager involved with […]

Crime scene preservation should be the most important step to any first responder. This protocol should continue to be followed by anyone who processes the scene. From the moment the first responder arrives at the scene, he/she should exercise a pertinacious attitude to insure that curious onlookers and personnel who are not involved in a […]

When this incident became public knowledge families of the victims of 9/11 were outraged by this horrific act. These FBI agents were accused at best of removing evidence from a crime scene and at Worse grave robbing. The reason why these people felt so strongly about the agents taking these invaluable objects was because they […]

Obtaining evidence is essential for the achievement of a case, regardless if it originates from a crime scene or police interrogations. Various techniques are employed by the police to carry out interviews, including using the MO system which exposes the criminal’s modus operandi. The MO system is utilized by investigators to identify criminals who have […]

Trace evidence plays a crucial role in forensic investigations, encompassing various microscopic materials and visible examples. Due to the wide range of commonly encountered evidence types, the subject is diverse. Trace evidence consists of tiny particles that can be transferred unnoticed between surfaces. Examples include metal filings, glass fragments, feathers, food stains, building materials, lubricants, […]

The NIBIN is The National Integrated Ballaistic Identification Network. What is rifling? What two types of markings does this produce? Rifling is the spiral grooves cut into the barrel of a gun in order to make a bullet spin as it is fired. The two types of markings that rifling produces is grooves and lands. […]

The wealth of information obtained from Herculaneum is crucial in modern archaeology. It provides extensive knowledge about various aspects of the ancient site, including diet, lifestyle, economic activities, and intricate details about its inhabitants. By combining these different elements, archaeologists can gain a comprehensive understanding of the society that thrived during that time period. Therefore, […]

Forensic anthropologists are vital in a range of forensic investigations, analyzing and studying human remains. Their role is especially important when it comes to identifying human remains after major disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis. They also assist in gathering evidence at crime scenes, specializing in osteology, the study of bones. By utilizing this information, […]

There are multiple search patterns used in criminal investigations, each with their own procedure and preferred timing. Some of these patterns include Line/Strip Search Pattern, Grid Search Pattern, Spiral Search Pattern, Wheel/Ray Search Pattern, Quadrant/Zone Search Pattern, and Vehicle Searches. The Line/Strip Search Pattern begins by investigators starting at one end of the crime scene […]

The documentation and maintenance of chronological history of a specimen from a source of scene has been a serious challenge since time immemorial. In deed identifying a specimen from point of collection and reporting it while still maintaining its integrity is not a guarantee. Specimens are suppose to provide real facts rather than mere fabrication […]

This essay discusses the literature on criminal evidence, focusing on the role of demonstrative evidence in the court of law. The literature suggests that all evidence presented in court should support a theoretical hypothesis in a court case, and to be credible, it should either be direct evidence or disprove any indirect evidence that tries […]

Although witness account is important, the law enforcers have to identify other means of obtaining evidence. This is because human memory is weak, and the police cannot use it as their sole source of evidence. Human memory and recall involves people reconstructing the events as they happened at the time of the crime. Some people […]

The film, titled “The Dope,” is a crime comedy drama that came out in 2015. It follows the story of Malcolm Adekanbi, a high school senior who lives in a neighborhood called Bottoms in California, where crime is common and not surprising. Malcolm’s dream is to attend Harvard University, and he shares this aspiration with […]

Crime is an illegal activity that is punishable by law. Some wrongs are not Criminal offenses, but only the government determines which actions are crimes. One of the most recent unlawful acts includes the killing of nine people at Umpqua Community College by a gunman. The offender was a student at the same institute. Some […]

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Hosting a Mock Crime Scene in Forensics

Hosting a mock crime scene is an exciting way to bring your curriculum to life and engage your students. If you’ve been wanting to execute a mock crime scene in your Forensics classroom, but aren’t sure where to begin, I’ve got you covered! Today, on the blog, I’m sharing my tips for Hosting a Mock Crime Scene in Forensics.

Here are some strategies for ensuring your mock crime scene is successful and educational:

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Begin with the End in Mind

Start by deciding how you will be assessing your students during the mock crime scene. Will you be grading them on their ability to process the scene? Have you recently taught a skill on which you can assess your students? Will this be a student-directed performance assessment or will you be providing assistance? Is this a class grade or an individual assessment?

When I host mock crime scenes in my own classroom, I have my students work collectively, as a class, and offer a class grade. I grade with a rubric that I provide my students prior to the assessment so that there’s no surprises- students know exactly how they will be graded. (To get the rubric and all of the other resources that I use for my mock crime scene, click HERE .)

Create a Storyline

Once you are clear on your end goal, create a storyline that is realistic and believable. Write out a script for the scene, including suspects, evidence, and an intriguing storyline. Decide who the perpetrator is and what clues will lead students to that conclusion so they have a trail to follow.

After teaching my forensics students about crime scene processes, I host an end-of-the-unit mock crime scene called “ The Case of Ima Minor .” The storyline is so much fun because it includes our school faculty and staff. My co-workers are always incredibly generous to help and they have a blast being interviewed on “interrogation” day.

Gather the Evidence

Once you have created a storyline for your crime scene, you will now gather the evidence that you will leave behind at the crime scene. This can include physical evidence such as fingerprints, footprints, notes, mystery powders, etc. Cigarette stubs, gum and empty coffee cups yield DNA. These are great options if you have already discussed biological evidence with your students. If you want students to use witnesses as well, find people willing to be interviewed or type up “reports” giving pertinent information.

Here are some examples of the evidence that my students discover when working the “Case of Ima Minor” mock crime scene .

Pick a Space to Set Up the Crime Scene

Next, choose a space that your students can easily work in and set up your crime scene there. In “ The Case of Ima Minor ,” I set up this scene in our school’s butterfly garden- an area adjacent to our school gymnasium. I sometimes have 30 or more students in one class, so this outdoor space is perfect for housing all of my students comfortably.

Also, there’s not a lot of traffic in this area, so I can rest assured that my scene isn’t tampered with while I am waiting for my students to arrive.

Prep Your Students

Before examining the scene, students will need access to appropriate tools and information. They need adequate time to discuss crime scene processes and procedures and to formulate a plan of action. I like to build in a “prep day” that allows me to discuss expectations with my students. I show them the rubric that I will use to grade them and allow them time to create a “crime scene kit.”

Here’s a list of supplies that my students usually pack in their “crime scene kit.”

• Crime Scene Tape
• Gloves (various sizes)
• Crime Scene Entry Logs
• Clipboards (I purchase a pack of 12)
• Crime Scene Notes printable (included in template & printables folder)
• Evidence markers and flags
• Cameras (I have two photographers and they use their cell phones to take pictures.)
• Graph paper , ruler, and measuring tape (for sketchers)
• Gallon Ziploc bags
• Quart Ziploc bags
• Paper evidence bags (or paper lunch bags )
• Evidence tape (masking tape or packing tape works too)
• Chain of Custody Logs

Divide the Tasks

If I’ve learned one thing in the past 12 years of hosting mock crime scene, it’s that you must divide the tasks into days. When I host my “ Case of Ima Minor ” mock crime scene, I allow for 5 days to prep, process, analyze, and conclude. Here’s what the breakdown looks like for this particular case:

• Day 1: Crime Scene Prep – students pack their crime kit and delegate roles within their lab groups
• Day 2: Crime Scene Processing – Students show off their 7 S’s of CSI skills, processing the scene, collecting evidence, and securing evidence.
• Day 3: Analysis of Evidence – Students discover what their evidence means and formulate a suspect list from their new found knowledge.
• Day 4: Suspect Interviews and Interrogation – Student divide and conquer… small groups of students question their suspects and bring information back to the classroom for deliberation.
• Day 5: Class Deliberation – This is where the students each share their knowledge with their classmates and the class formulates their final conclusion.

Execute a Successful Investigation

By following the steps above, you can be sure that your mock crime scene is successful, educational, and memorable for your students. It might take a little bit of effort on the front end, but your students will appreciate the time investment for a few days of engaging CSI work. Just be sure to have fun yourself and enjoy the experience!

Want to host a mock crime scene, but are not sure where to start? Check out my Mock Crime Scene- Student Performance Assessment (The Case of Ima Minor) . In this resource bundle, I have included everything that you will need to plan and implement a successful mock crime scene.

Hosting a Mock Crime Scene in Forensics doesn’t have to be time consuming. My ready-to-implement crime scene bundle includes editable templates that you can customize to fit your needs.

Thanks for hopping over to the blog to catch my tips for Hosting a Mock Crime Scene in Forensics. I hope you found something that you can use in your own classroom!

Until next time, happy teaching.

• Read more about: FORENSICS

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