ABSTRACT
Learning to manage a crime scene is a critical skill, and students of forensic science and law enforcement should understand the principles of scene management if they are to become successful crime scene scientists/investigators. They must have a grasp and understanding of the investigation sequence in order to understand how these elements fit together. This makes an efficient and coordinated investigation and, if the team leader is also effective, it generally leads to a successful scene investigation. The key ingredients a successful team manager must possess include the following: A broad experience in scene investigation, knowledge of scene forensics/criminalistics, knowledge of police and legal procedures, understanding the value of physical evidence, knowing the limitations of the science, applying the scientific method, recognizing, collecting and preserving evidence, and how to effectively blend the investigative sequence.
