Transcript: Crime Scene Definition, Investigation & Examples

Learn about crime scenes. Understand what a crime scene is. Learn what forensic evidence is
and what a crime scene investigator does. See crime scene examples.
The JonBenet Ramsey Case
Most of us have heard something about the murder of JonBenet Ramsey, a six-year-old
Colorado beauty pageant queen. JonBenet was initially reported missing from her home by
her parents the day after Christmas in 1996.

An initial police search of her residence turned up few clues, with the exception of a ransom
letter. However, the father found JonBenet's body later that day in an area of the basement.
The basement was immediately secured as a crime scene, along with the rest of the Ramsey
home. Despite an extensive investigation, which included processing of the crime scene,
JonBenet's murder remains unsolved.

What Is a Crime Scene?

In simple terms, a crime scene is the immediate and surrounding area where a crime has been
committed. In the opening example, the Ramsey home and basement were crime scenes. A
crime scene is likely to provide clues to help solve the crime that was committed.

Crime scenes can either be primary or secondary. A primary crime scene is the scene where
the actual criminal activity took place. For example, in a murder investigation, the primary
crime scene would be the scene where the murder occurred and the person's life was taken.
However, there might be additional crime scenes involved as well. For example, the
perpetrator might have relocated the body following the murder. Let's say the body was
removed and placed in a wooded outdoor area. This would then become the secondary crime
scene, as it will also likely yield clues that can assist in solving the crime.

In some cases, only the secondary crime scene can be investigated because the primary crime
scene remains unknown. In these instances, it is important for investigators to carefully sift
through the clues available at the secondary scene, because in addition to trying to solve the
crime, they are also attempting to find clues that will help them locate and identify the
primary crime scene.

Securing a Crime Scene

In order to collect valid, non-contaminated evidence, it is essential that the crime scene is
secured in order to maintain the integrity of the evidence found there. If crime scene evidence
is not secured, the likelihood of successfully prosecuting an offender in court decreases.

Securing the crime scene begins as soon as the first officer gets to the location. In a best case
scenario, the first arriving officer should carefully approach the location and do an inspection
of the visible area. However, if the perpetrator is still at the scene, this officer may have to
make an arrest before securing the scene. In both scenarios, it's crucial for the officer to try
not to touch or move items in the immediate area.
If the area is disturbed by emergency responders, all of this should be documented in detailed
notes. Additional notes should be taken on any peculiar smells that are present, the
temperature, the suspect and his condition if known, and anything else the officer deems
important. After taking these initial notes, the crime scene should be physically secured to
only allow those with authority to enter. It is usually a good idea to secure a larger area
around the crime scene, since this increases the chances of preserving evidence that may be
present outside of the immediate area.

Who Can Enter a Crime Scene?

Some of the authorized personnel that may be allowed to enter a secured crime scene include:

Medical first responders who are called to the scene, including firefighters and paramedics
Law enforcement officers dispatched to the scene
Crime scene investigators who are called to collect evidence and photograph the scene
In case of a homicide investigation, the coroner
It is important that only essential personnel be permitted to enter the crime scene area, and
only those directly involved in the investigation. Family members and friends should not be
permitted to enter the area until the investigation is concluded.

A crime scene is the area and immediate surrounding area where a crime has been committed.
There can be more than one crime scene. A primary crime scene is the location where the
actual crime took place. Primary crime scenes are not always known to investigators, and at
times only the location of a secondary crime scene may be known. A secondary crime scene
is a location that holds evidence of the crime, but it is not the location where the crime was
originally committed.

In order to collect valid and reliable evidence, a crime scene should be secured as quickly as
possible. This is usually the responsibility of the first responding officer, who first takes notes
and then secures the crime scene area. It is important that only authorized personnel, such as
medical first responders, law enforcement officers, crime scene investigators, and potentially
the coroner, be permitted to enter a crime scene in order to maintain the integrity of the area.

What Is a Crime Scene?

A crime scene is the place where the investigation of criminal activity takes place. A crime
scene is where investigative teams, including crime scene investigators (CSIs) and perhaps
forensic scientists, will document and gather evidence, both physical and photographic. They
are also responsible for one of the most important jobs, which is preserving evidence and
sending it along the proper chain of custody. The main characteristics of crime scenes are
whatever evidence they contain and a tremendous amount of documentation. Evidence can
include things like fingerprints, hair, blood, footsteps, location of furniture in the room, or
even types of wounds on the victim in a case of a violent crime.

Crime scene investigators might investigate the primary crime scene, where the crime
actually took place, or a secondary crime scene, which is related but is not the scene of the
crime. For example, someone kidnaps someone from their house. The crime scene is the
house, but when they actually find the victim alive and restrained, several miles away at a
hotel, the hotel is a secondary crime scene in the case of the kidnapping. The three types of
crime scenes are outdoor, indoor, and conveyance. An outdoor crime scene is susceptible to
the elements if not preserved well. An indoor crime scene is much less likely to be
contaminated, but still must be preserved and documented well. A conveyance crime involves
the steps one takes in carrying out the crime. For example, investigators should look to means
of transportation as well as indoor or outdoor crime scene evidence. Are there footsteps
leading away from the scene of the crime? Is there a vehicle missing that could have been
used by the criminal?

A crime scene needs to be secured and investigated

What Is a Crime Scene Investigator?

A crime scene investigator (also referred to as a crime scene technician or crime scene
analyst, forensic investigator, and many other names) approaches a crime scene from a
scientific perspective more often than a law enforcement one. They are responsible for
gathering, preserving, and analyzing the evidence at the scene of a crime. A crime scene
investigator's duties include, but are not limited to:

Creating a secure perimeter around the scene

Thoroughly photographing the scene
Taking clear and relevant pictures that are easily compared to some kind of scale
Collecting DNA evidence like blood, saliva, hair, etc.
Labeling each piece of evidence correctly
Transporting evidence
Following the evidence through the chain of custody
Documenting everything according to protocol
What Is Forensic Evidence?
Forensic evidence is where science meets the criminal justice system. Testimonial evidence
or law enforcement can accomplish many steps along the way, but science is needed in the
application of justice. When it comes to things like DNA testing by using a blood sample,
fingerprint analysis, or even ballistics, forensic evidence comprises the materials that are
collected at a scene that need scientific analysis. Ballistics studies the science, mechanical
and physical, behind the shooting of a gun, which includes directionality, type, and impact—
all of which are crucial in the analysis of crime scenes involving weapons.

Crime scene investigators are those responsible for gathering forensic evidence at a crime
scene, but forensic scientists analyze the evidence. This often needs to be science-specific.
For example, if a crime involves a shooting and there needs to be an investigation, a ballistics
expert should be called on to the case. However, if one is dealing with a sexual assault and
strangulation, one probably does not need a ballistics expert.

Forensic evidence is extremely important in a case. If there is a case that proves a person's
guilt or innocence based on the presence of blood, for example, that evidence had better be
fully documented, untampered with, meticulously preserved, and sent up the chain of
command. It is possible to make or break a case based on forensic evidence. This is why in
many legal trials, forensic experts are called to the stand to testify in court.

Crime Scene Investigation Characteristics

A crime scene is the location of an incident, often violent and fatal, that was criminal. A
crime scene investigation must proceed with the correct sequence and chain of command. It
should be treated cautiously and respectfully, and investigators need to adhere closely to
protocol. Those protocols include taping or blocking off the area to secure the scene and
prevent outside influence or tainting of the evidence. The characteristics of the crime scene
also include observation of the scene, markers the perpetrator left behind, the appropriate
professionals and experts for the crime, and orderly and thorough collection of evidence.
Things someone could look for immediately upon arriving on a scene might be the odor at the
scene, which doors and windows were open, or the presence of anything on the floor that
could be stepped on.

When this investigation is taking place and an area has been secured, there are only a select
number of people that can be allowed access:

CSIs (also called technicians, crime scene analysts, etc.)

First responders (police, firefighters, etc.)
In some cases, the coroner/medical examiner
Any essential personnel
Examples of those not permitted on the scene include:

Family members and friends of victims

Non-essential police officers
Investigators for the district attorney
Politicians
Anyone who has nothing to offer the investigation but contamination of evidence
Crime Scene Examples
JonBenet Ramsey: The baffling case of the death of 6-year-old child pageant star JonBenet
Ramsey still haunts true crime lovers today. She was found murdered in her home at
Christmas time in 1996. The primary crime scene was the basement, where investigators
found plenty of forensic evidence. However, before investigators got there, her family had
moved the body to the living room, making it the secondary crime scene. The case remains a
mystery due to confusing elements such as large unexplained footprints (conveyance),
suggesting an intruder, and other evidence suggesting a family member.
The Night Stalker: Featured in several shows and movies, the Night Stalker was a real serial
killer named Richard Ramirez. Between 1984 and 1985, Ramirez snuck into peoples' houses
while they were sleeping to conduct his malicious killer behavior. The way he was eventually
caught was by connecting a fingerprint in his abandoned car that had been reported for being
suspicious. The fingerprint they found matched that of Richard Ramirez, whose picture was
immediately shown on every media outlet and led to his capture and eventual conviction.

Lesson Summary
What is a crime scene? A crime scene is the location where a crime takes place or an area
connected to a crime that needs to be investigated. A primary crime scene is the immediate
surroundings of where a crime has taken place and a secondary crime scene is an area related
to but not the scene of the crime. If someone moves a body to another location after killing
them, this would be an example of a secondary crime scene.

A crime scene is usually investigated by a crime scene investigator, who gathers evidence,
preserves it, and ensures that it follows the proper chain of custody. The forensic evidence
collected at the scene includes gathered samples like blood, spit, and other bodily DNA
evidence. Once investigators arrive at the scene, it is important to secure it so that no one is
coming in disrupting or contaminating the evidence. The first responding officer at a crime
scene is the person responsible for securing it. This includes preventing the entrance of
people who are non-essential like lawyers, parents of a victim, or non-essential EMS
personnel.

What is an example of a crime scene?

An example of a crime scene is the room where someone was murdered and their body is
found. The crime scene can reveal things about the case when investigators gather evidence
and make detailed observations and documentation.

What is the purpose of a crime scene?

The purpose of a crime scene, specifically the careful documentation and analysis of a crime
scene, is to reveal facts about a case and find the perpetrator. When investigators arrive on
scene, they should follow protocol and the proper chain of custody.

Preliminary Investigation | Definition, Steps & Examples

What is a Preliminary Investigation?

An investigation is what occurs right after a potential crime has been reported to law
enforcement. A preliminary investigation is the initial response to any report of criminal
activity, including both accidental and intentional. It is a vital part of the total investigation
process and must be performed to determine if there is a need for a full investigation, formal
accusation, and trial. A preliminary investigation is required before an offense can be filed in
court. The main purpose of a preliminary investigation is to determine whether a crime has
been committed. If it is determined that a crime has been committed, law enforcement will
collect evidence to determine who committed the crime. If the offender is present, law
enforcement will obtain the offender and submit the preliminary report.

Preliminary Investigation Definition

The investigation definition is the process of carefully examining a situation through the
gathering of facts. The investigation meaning in criminology is the gathering of facts from a
crime to develop a criminal case. The preliminary investigation definition refers to all the
activities that responding law enforcement performs at a crime scene. A preliminary
investigation is used to develop a preliminary report, which will be used throughout the
criminal case.

Steps of a Preliminary Investigation

Law enforcement conducts an investigation step by step to ensure accurate information is
included in the preliminary report. A thorough and detailed preliminary report is vital to the
entire investigation process because it can help to solve a crime. The preliminary
investigation steps include the following:

The first step in a preliminary investigation is to assess the crime scene for any injured
persons. Responding law enforcement should attend to the injured parties and call for
emergency medical help. While waiting for paramedics to arrive on the scene, law
enforcement should check vital signs and assess the injuries of each person involved. In
certain cases, law enforcement can apply basic first aid while waiting for help to arrive.
The second step is to observe the scene. During this step, law enforcement will take note of
the positioning of the victim, items found at the crime scene, witnesses at the scene, and any
unusual activity.
The third step is to determine if a crime has occurred. If a crime has occurred, law
enforcement will begin the enforcement action process, which includes pursuing the offender
and making an arrest. If the offender has left the crime scene and cannot be obtained,
additional officers will be alerted and informed with a description of the suspect.
The fourth step is to secure the crime scene to ensure that all evidence is preserved. The
crime scene is blocked off using barricades to prevent the public from tampering with any
evidence. All evidence is photographed and documented carefully to ensure that it is not
contaminated.
The fifth step is to interview witnesses and gather witness reports. All witnesses of the crime
should be interviewed.
The final step of the preliminary investigation is to organize all of the information gathered
into a detailed report. The preliminary report will be used during the post-crime formal
investigation.
Analysis of the Preliminary Investigation
Analysis of the preliminary investigation is vital to the entire investigation process and must
be performed in a careful and thorough manner. Analysis of the preliminary investigation
occurs right when responding law enforcement receives the call of a potential crime scene.
As soon as law enforcement arrives on the scene, they begin to assess the situation by
observing all surroundings and taking note of any unusual activity.

Law enforcement collects information and statements from all people involved in the
situation, including the victim, suspect, and any witnesses. Responding law enforcement also
document their initial observation of the crime scene, as well as a thorough description of the
crime scene. In addition, all evidence is documented and photographed. Once law
enforcement determines that a crime has occurred, crime scene investigators (CSI) are
brought into the investigation to conduct further analysis. Crime scene investigators are
officers trained in forensics, such as fingerprinting and photographing a crime scene.

Preliminary Investigation Example

The following scenario is an example of how preliminary investigation is conducted:

A robbery occurs at a local bank, in which multiple people were severely injured. A witness
outside of the bank notices the commotion and calls 911. Law enforcement is dispatched to
the scene and while in route notice a silver truck speeding away from the bank.

When on the scene, the officers assess the scene for all injured parties and call for emergency
medical assistance. While waiting for the ambulances to arrive, officers check vital signs and
apply basic first aid. The officers then observe the scene, documenting the positioning of the
victims, the evidence left behind, and the witnesses involved. Witnesses then inform the
officers that they saw three men exit the bank and get into a silver truck.

The officers then determine the crime as a robbery and send out a description of the suspects
and vehicle to additional officers. The scene is secured to prevent contamination of evidence
by using barricade tape. The officers interview all witnesses and then compile all the gathered
information into an official report. Next, crime scene investigators arrive on the scene to
conduct further investigation.

Lesson Summary
Investigation is the process of carefully examining a situation by gathering facts. Preliminary
investigation refers to all the activities a responding police officer performs at the crime
scene. The information gathered in a preliminary investigation is used in the post-crime
formal investigation. Crime scene investigators are utilized when it has been determined that
a crime has occurred. Crime scene investigators (CSI) are officers trained in forensics, such
as fingerprinting and photographing a crime scene

The first step of the preliminary investigation is to look for injured parties and call an
ambulance if necessary. The second step is the observe the crime scene, taking note of all
victims, witnesses, and evidence. The third step is to determine if a crime has occurred. If a
crime has occurred, law enforcement will begin the enforcement action process, which
includes sending out a description of the suspect to other officers, pursuing the offender, and
making an arrest. The fourth step is to secure the crime scene and preserve all evidence. The
fifth step is to interview all witnesses and gather witness statements. The final step of the
preliminary investigation is to compile all the information into a detailed report.

What is the importance of preliminary investigation?

The preliminary investigation is important because it involves the gathering of facts and
details that can help solve a crime. During the preliminary report evidence is gathered, as
well as statements from the victims and witnesses. The preliminary report can help to obtain
the offender.

What are the 6 steps in a preliminary investigation?

The 6 steps in a preliminary investigation include:

Assess the crime scene for any injured persons and call for medical help if needed
Observe the scene
Determine if a crime has occurred
Secure the crime scene and preserve all evidence
Interview witnesses and gather witness reports
Organize all of the information gathered into a detailed report