Contact at the Scene

Upon arrival at the crime scene, the crime scene investigator will make contact with either the detective/officer who requested the crime scene processing services, or with the detective/officer assigned to oversee or manage the crime scene.

1) Information exchange.

After contact with the detective or officer in charge of the crime scene, the crime scene investigator will obtain the following information:

• Agency case number assigned to the investigation.
• Type of agency investigation.
• Exact location of the scene.
• Detective and reporting officer’s names and identification numbers.
• Names of victim(s) and personal information, if needed.

Additional information may be required due to the type of crime scene investigation including the following:

• Suspect information.
• Vehicle(s) information.
• Witness names.
• Additional crime scene locations.

2) Scene processing request or specific directions.

• Each crime scene investigation is unique, and as such, the establishment of a clear and direct method of communicating scene information is required.
• Crime scene investigators will discuss with the detective, or officer in charge of the crime scene, information regarding the type of investigation that is under way. Any relevant information regarding the processing of the scene and any specific scene-processing directions or evidence collection should be made known prior to scene entry.
• In any crime scene investigation, new or additional information may be developed from outside the scene by the investigating agency. When new or additional information is developed concerning the crime scene, the agency should communicate that information to the crime scene investigator. This new or additional information may cause the crime scene investigator to make changes in scene processing such as expanding to other areas and additional items of evidence or narrowing the scope of the scene and items of evidence.
• Crime scene investigators may develop additional information while processing the scene that may support the agency's theory or may be in conflict with statements made by individuals involved in the investigation. In either case, the crime scene investigator advises the detective or officer in charge of the crime scene of findings so the agency can proceed with its investigation.

Preliminary Survey or Crime Scene Walk-Through

A preliminary survey or walk-through of the crime scene with the detective or officer in charge should take place after the exchange of information. The investigator establishes a path to enter and exit the scene, avoiding the pathway used by the suspect, if possible, and preserving the scene from possible contamination. During this walk-through the crime scene investigator will do the following:

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