- The primary job of a crime-scene investigator is to collect evidence at the crime scene. This is the initial phase of the criminal investigation. Investigators inspect the scene very closely, going over every detail and collect and carefully package potential evidence from the scene for later deduction. Crime scene investigators must be sure not to contaminate any evidence, particularly physical evidence such as fingerprints or DNA evidence. Even slight carelessness in this collection can render the evidence useless in the case.
- An important part of the crime-scene investigation is recording. Investigators must make a record of the scene so that the officials involved in the case can accurately recall the circumstances of the crime. This may involve photographs, video, paper or audio records that show or explain the conditions found at the scene upon discovery. Without this accurate and detailed record, the prosecution in a case may be unable to prove in court that an arrested suspect is guilty of the crime. Investigators must be able to capture the scene in photographs or video as well as write in a very detailed way about what was discovered.
- During the case, whether before apprehension of the suspects or during trial, the crime-scene investigators may be called upon to provide information to lead investigators in the case or the district attorney's office to help make the case stronger. Often, the crime-scene investigators are the only ones capable of properly explaining the situation in a way that will have a direct impact on the case, including leading the case to a conviction.
- The final part of a crime-scene investigator's job is a final survey of the crime scene. This ties up any potential loose ends. Investigators physically comb back over the entire scene and ensure all important evidence has been collected, all of it is accounted for and is safely transported to the lab, all equipment brought in by the investigation team is removed and that the scene is ready for release.
previous post