Law
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Involved in a Crime Investigation?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Properly investigating a crime scene is essential for law enforcement to determine what has occurred and gather the data necessary to identify and locate the perpetrator of the crime. While exact methods of conducting a crime investigation will vary depending on national and local laws that apply to the work of crime investigators, there are several elements that are bound to be involved in any type of crime investigation.

One of the first events to take place with a crime scene is to secure the general area. There are a number of important reasons for this. First, chances are there is evidence at the scene that will aid in the crime investigation. Fingerprints, DNA, elements of the general state of the area, and other factors may be key in identifying suspects once the investigation is in full swing. Often, investigators allow no one outside law enforcement into the scene until a thorough inspection is made.

Securing the crime scene is one step of an investigation.
Securing the crime scene is one step of an investigation.

Along with securing the crime scene, police also must identify the victim of the crime. In situations where the crime is an assault or burglary, this step is fairly straightforward. Should the crime in question be murder or if the victim is unconscious, the identification process may take more time to complete. However, the crime scene itself may yield information that makes the identification process relatively easy.

Crime investigations are necessary to determine what happened and to identify the perpetrator.
Crime investigations are necessary to determine what happened and to identify the perpetrator.

Witnesses to the crime are usually interviewed as quickly as possible by qualified investigators. It is not unusual for the investigator to collect contact information from each witness, making it possible to contact them at a later date if necessary. Eyewitness reports often yield clues that would otherwise make it more difficult to evaluate the evidence and begin the process of compiling a list of possible suspects.

Crime scene photos are an essential part of a crime investigation.
Crime scene photos are an essential part of a crime investigation.

Once a preliminary interview with the witnesses is done, it is normally time to document the site. This is often done with the use of video and the creation of still photographs. In most cases, the stills are taken with a high quality digital camera, making it easier to use computer technology to isolate and enlarge various sections of the shots if necessary.

A crime lab analyst inspects material evidence from crime scenes.
A crime lab analyst inspects material evidence from crime scenes.

The collection of evidence from the scene of the crime normally commences as soon as the documentation phase is complete. Samples may be taken of body fluids or any other liquids at the scene. Often, a criminal investigation will also include collecting clothing, hair samples, or other objects or materials that may aid in the process of DNA profiling or obtaining clear fingerprints from the general area.

Witnesses can identify a defendant as the offender in court.
Witnesses can identify a defendant as the offender in court.

Once the initial processing of the crime scene is completed, the office files a crime report, including all relevant information regarding the nature of the crime. From that point, the collected evidence is evaluated, a list of suspects is established, and the process of finding the criminal gets underway in earnest.

The crime investigation is perhaps the single most important process in the field of criminology. Highly methodical, the success of any investigation relies on the ability of the investigators to expertly assess all the evidence, zero in on the perpetrator, and bring the culprit to justice. In some cases, the crime investigation may be a quick and clean process. At other times, a complex investigation may take years or even decades before any conclusive results emerge.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Securing the crime scene is one step of an investigation.
      By: Loren Rodgers
      Securing the crime scene is one step of an investigation.
    • Crime investigations are necessary to determine what happened and to identify the perpetrator.
      By: corepics
      Crime investigations are necessary to determine what happened and to identify the perpetrator.
    • Crime scene photos are an essential part of a crime investigation.
      By: Luis Louro
      Crime scene photos are an essential part of a crime investigation.
    • A crime lab analyst inspects material evidence from crime scenes.
      By: Vasiliy Koval
      A crime lab analyst inspects material evidence from crime scenes.
    • Witnesses can identify a defendant as the offender in court.
      By: Junial Enterprises
      Witnesses can identify a defendant as the offender in court.
    • Police will try to secure the crime scene and identify victims before the investigators are called in.
      By: LukaTDB
      Police will try to secure the crime scene and identify victims before the investigators are called in.
    • Patrolmen may create a perimeter around a crime scene during an investigation.
      By: ia_64
      Patrolmen may create a perimeter around a crime scene during an investigation.
    • A criminal investigator may be responsible for following someone's movements.
      By: endostock
      A criminal investigator may be responsible for following someone's movements.