Back in May I wrote a post on the working relationships of police officers and stated that it would be the first in a series of posts on policing. I haven’t yet followed up on that. This is now that second post. And from now on, I shall try to be a bit more regular with these kinds of posts because I know that one was popular. You can find it Here if you didn’t read it.
Today I’m going to look at crime scenes. Now crime scenes are a large area to cover, in terms of what you’re looking at if you’re attending one (therefore wanting to know about if writing crime) so this post will get split up into a couple of posts so as not to drag on. I’d rather give you bite-sized posts that are easily taken on board than throw a lot of info at you that will just turn to mush inside your head.
Usually, the first person at the scene of an incident is the uniform officer. They’re your front line. Your first port of call. You don’t know you have a murder unless someone goes to look first. Unless of course someone phones in to say ‘I’ve just murdered so-and-so and his head is hanging off because I used my chainsaw on his neck.’ But then the fastest person there is still going to be your uniform officer.
Also, notice I said incident and not crime. It may well look like a suicide, for example, a hanging, but you still need to have a look at it properly – get CSI’s out to check the scene, to make sure it is what it looks like.
But, if you suspect it’s a suspicious death or outright murder, then the right people are called to the scene and that’s where you choose what you call your team who are going to investigate (if you’re writing) because it’s different in every force. In the UK, we do use the word homicide unit rather than murder though.
So, you do suspect it to be murder, what does the uniform officer do while waiting for their plain clothes colleagues?
- Make sure the person is definitely dead first! It’s ok to go into the crime scene to save life.
- Then, don’t touch anything.
- Close the crime scene and make it as wide as you think is necessary. It can always be brought in later. Think about entry and exit routes from the scene. Think about where an offender may have parked a car. Think about a bit of privacy for your victim if they are out in an open area because don’t forget you are not touching anything so your victim could be in an exposed place being gawped at and, equally, distressing other people. You can NOT cover them up. You’d be transferring fibres onto them and possibly taking away evidence when you remove whatever it is you cover them up with. Better to contain rather than miss anything.
- Start a scene log (logging people in and out and what time) and don’t let anyone into the scene unless they need to be in. Think of the above re; exit and entry, if you need to cover these to prevent other people contaminating your scene by walking into it, then cover them.
- If there are any potential witnesses lurking, grab and detain. (You will hopefully not be alone by now and these tasks are all shared out) If they’re adamant they won’t stay, obtain their details and try and confirm they are giving you the right details. (driving license etc).
- All the while you are updating the control room (inspector) who is getting everyone necessary to you.
So, that’s a fair bit of information for just arriving at a crime scene. My next post will be on what the homicide team’s thoughts will be when they get there.
If you have anything you want to see covered in this series, then please let me know. I have a few questions already waiting that writing friends have asked in the past but I’m open to more.
Margot Kinberg says
This is absolutely fascinating, Rebecca! So much to think about if you’re first on scene. And all of these little things are so important and make sense. Everything has to be considered. I can see that this is going to be a really valuable series.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Margot. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’m looking at the post now and thinking there are things I’ve missed off but that I can easily cover in the next post. This series will keep me very busy! š
mbarkersimpson says
This is really useful, thank you. In my current WIP I’m not using the police as much, but researching for Hands of Evil was really difficult. I bought text books, spoke to a few people I know with ties to the police, and did as much research as I could. I got bogged down in murder investigation teams to learn the name had changed, and at the end of it my head was spinning! This time I’m focusing more on the close protection team, but it’s driving me crazy. Why can’t it be like in the movies, where a tranquilizer gun can knock the victims out in just a few seconds! But I digress! Thanks again. This is fab š
Rebecca Bradley says
I’m glad you enjoyed it Mel. But you’re right, there is so much to know, this post is just the very tip of the iceberg and there is very obviously going to be procedural stuff I might not be able to share but I’ll share as much as I can and people can take away what they need from it. The thing with research is knowing it all but not making it look like you researched it all when you finally complete your book isn’t it? Not easy!
mbarkersimpson says
That’s so true š
Kristina Stanley says
I got stuck at make sure the person’s dead. That in itself if awful. All great detail for writing a novel, but I hope I never attend a crime scene in person. This is just too scary.
Rebecca Bradley says
It’s not as scary as it sounds. I never attended a person who was murdered but I did attended road accidents and other incidents. They’re sad sometimes but the person isn’t scary.
Janet O'Kane says
Fascinating and invaluable information already, as on the first page of my current WIP I have the body covered up! Thank you for saving me from committing this procedural faux pas. Though now there’s the question of keeping flies off it …
Rebecca Bradley says
I’m glad I could help Janet. Though I’m sorry to have to cause you to rewrite your first page! If CSI’s get there fast enough they can erect a tent if they think it’s necessary…
Jacqui Murray says
Fascinating. There’s so much detail and thinking involved.
Rebecca Bradley says
There is Jacqui and this is only basic level stuff. We’ve only just got started š
writerdsnelson says
Fantastic post Rebecca, thank you for sharing. It’s great to have a first hand source for these things and this will definitely come in useful. I suspect you could compile them all in a book by the time you’ve finished š
Rebecca Bradley says
I’m really pleased you found it helpful and I’m sure you’re right! It’s a consideration š For now I’ll keep putting them out there as blog posts. I hope it will build up into a good resource.
writerdsnelson says
I’m collecting them š
Rena George says
Such a helpful, no nonsense post for those of us who write crime fiction. Thank you Rebecca. Didn’t know the murder detectives were now known as the homicide team, or that covering a body might destroy valuable evidence.
I can see what a responsibility it must be for those first uniform officers at a crime scene when they have so much to do. Lots of practical information here. I’ll look forward to the next post.
Rebecca Bradley says
I’m glad you found it helpful. Like I say though, in relation to what you call your murder detectives, that is your call because each force is different. You have homicide units dealing with murders. Major crime teams, CID can deal with CAT C murders. Major and Serious crime. For a novel I’m sure anything along those lines and you’d be fine.
Elle Turner says
A very interesting post, Rebecca. Great series idea, I’m looking forward to the next post. š
cleopatralovesbooks says
Fascinating stuff Rebecca, I wasn’t aware UK police forces called themselves homicide – I’d always thought that was US terminology. Looking forward to your next post on this subject now.
Rebecca Bradley says
I know, it’s strange isn’t it. We’ve also now taken to calling Scene’s of Crime officers CSI’s. š
Lesley Krier Tither says
This is absolutely perfect!! Just what I need and confirms that what I was about to write for Book IV is pretty much spot on. Thank you so much!
Rebecca Bradley says
You’re welcome. I’m glad you found it useful.
emaginette says
As insightful as always. Thanks for the post š
Anna from Elements of Writing
Rebecca Bradley says
I’m glad you enjoyed it š
Sue Coletta says
Love this, Rebecca! Now following so I don’t miss part II. Great blog!