Links

Tips for Properly Securing a Crime Scene
by Kim Goyette, Allied Security
April 2003

Return to the Knowledge Base

The scene of a crime usually contains evidence (clues) that the police can use to help identify the criminal and solve the crime. Because evidence is often very fragile, it is easily destroyed. When unauthorized or careless people enter a crime scene, they often destroy evidence without realizing it. This is called contaminating the crime scene.

When you arrive at the scene of a crime, broken window or door, never enter alone. Call for backup and wait for the police. Be careful, the criminal may still be in the area!
Take steps to help ensure that the crime scene remains as undisturbed as possible. It may be necessary to rope or tape off entrance and exit doors, and to reroute vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
Isolate a large enough area to prevent loss of evidence. Use other security officers or building employees to help restrict access.
Permit only essential personnel into the scene.
Don't touch or move furniture, trash, door knobs or any objects in the crime scene.
Identify, separate, and remove any witnesses from the crime scene. The police will want to interview them and possibly take statements.
Take good notes; don't depend on your memory. Include the following information:
- Notification and arrival of essential personnel,
- Name, titles, addresses, and phone numbers, (home and work), of reporting
- person, and witnesses,
- Police officer's name, badge number, and police case number, and
- Any factual information received.
You cannot do everything yourself. Notifiy your supervisor immediately. Assign tasks to other security officers or facility employees.
If a note or letter is found at the scene, don't handle it! If it has to be moved to prevent damage, handle it with your fingertips, holding it by the corners of the paper. Don't let anyone touch it until the police arrive. If it has to be read, lay it on a flat surface and bend over to read it.

Remember, the actions you take at a crime scene may determine whether important evidence is preserved or permanently lost.

Federated with

and