ABSTRACT
The crime scene encompasses all areas over which the actors—victim, criminal, and eyewitness—move during the commission of a crime. Usually it is one, readily defined area of limited size, but sometimes it comprises several sites. The crime scene, in most cases, is a critical aspect of the investigation. Unfortunately, the expanding use of crime scene technicians frequently results in the patrol officer, or perhaps the first investigator on the scene, to forego any crime scene work. Although the first officer on the scene may not be expected to conduct an in-depth examination, such as lifting latent prints, it is incumbent upon him or her to conduct preliminary crime scene activities, such as making a rough sketch, looking for evidence that may deteriorate or succumb to weather conditions if outside, or identifying evidence that may not be visible. In some cases it may be some time before a crime scene unit responds, or is perhaps reassigned to a more serious crime. For this reason, knowledge of crime scene activities is an important aspect of the investigative function.
