A crime is committed and the first responding officer comes to the scene. After looking around the area where the crime happened, what is the officer supposed to do. Should he/she call for backup, take pictures, look for a weapon, etc.? This is when the steps in processing a crime scene begins. .
Processing a Crime Scene.
Many crimes are occurring everyday in several different places in the United States. Our crime rates continuously increase over the past few years from murders, stealing, fighting, and several other violent related activities. Since crime is everywhere processing a crime scene can be relatively easy. Throughout this paper it will discuss processing at crime scene involving the first responding officer, safety, the investigator, examining, searches, and final survey. .
First Responder(s).
To start with, the first responding officer is the first step when processing a crime scene. When arriving at a crime scene, approach with caution. No one never really knows what to expect, so be prepare for each and everything possible. The officer should also be very observant looking at any body, potential evidence, vehicles, and etc. The first responding officer to the scene job is to secure the crime scene. Careful, thorough investigation is key to ensuring that potential physical evidence is not tainted or destroyed or potential witnesses overlooked (Programs, 2000). In order for the crime scene to be secure the first responding officer must remove and detain witnesses and suspects. If there's somebody that needs medical attention make a pathway for the paramedics. Having a pathway can prevent damages to evidence and the crime scene. Once the crime scene is secure it is necessary to document a crime scene log. The log should be signed by each person that enters the scene. The crime scene log is important because it helps the lead investigator with who may be responsible for certain items at the scene.
