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topicnews · September 28, 2024

These things can be found at crime scenes

These things can be found at crime scenes

vMany of us know crime scenes from films and series, but what actually happens behind the police lines in real life? Crime scenes can be fascinating and truly exciting, especially for those interested in forensic science. But they can also be shocking and brutal, a sad reminder of how cruel we sometimes are to one another.

In this gallery we take a look outside the box of police work and explore what can be discovered at a crime scene. Keep clicking and find out.

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Police and criminal investigators

Police arrive at the scene and perform a variety of tasks, including taking statements, logging evidence, and securing the crime scene.

A police cordon

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A police cordon

A crime scene is immediately secured by a police cordon. This is important to ensure no evidence is compromised. As a rule, a record is kept of who enters the crime scene.

The victim(s).

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The victim(s).

The victim or victims of the crime are likely at the scene. They are crucial to solving the case, whether they are dead or alive.

Witnesses

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Witnesses

There may be a few people present who witnessed the crime or the events before or after it.

Suspicious

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Suspicious

Yes, suspects can be present at the crime scene. Some may have even reported the crime themselves. The judiciary must decide whether they are actually the perpetrators.

Vehicles

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Vehicles

The vehicles involved in the crime can be found at the scene. Examples include an abandoned vehicle that was used in a robbery, or a vehicle that collided with a person or object, etc.

Ambulance

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Ambulance

Paramedics and other emergency services such as the fire department may be present at the scene. Of course, this depends on the nature of the crime.

Coroner

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Coroner

In the case of fatalities (particularly homicides), a forensic pathologist may be called in to determine the preliminary cause of death.

Other specialists

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Other specialists

Depending on the type of crime, other specialists may be called in, including forensic psychologists and entomologists.

press

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press

Reporters, photographers and television crews could quickly rush to the scene to report on it.

Investigator

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Investigator

Investigators will arrive at the scene to investigate and search for evidence.

Forensic photographers

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Forensic photographers

Coroners will also be present and will be part of the inquest. We’ll now take a look at what forensics are looking for and what they might find.

fingerprints

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fingerprints

Fingerprints are unique to each person and are therefore an important piece of evidence in an investigation that can help identify a victim or perpetrator or eliminate a suspect.

Shoe prints

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Shoe prints

Shoe prints can provide valuable information. The impression is cast and then examined in the laboratory. The impression material varies depending on the surface on which the shoe prints are found (e.g. mud, snow, etc.).

Lip and ear prints

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Lip and ear prints

These can be found on glasses or even windows (e.g. if someone was spying on the house or trying to hear what was being said).

Tool marks

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Tool marks

Tool marks can also be found at a crime scene and can be crucial to the investigation (e.g. they can indicate forced entry, etc.).

Hair

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Hair

Hair contains DNA that can be used to identify a person. When hair is found at the crime scene, it is sealed and sent to a laboratory for DNA analysis.

fibers

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fibers

Like hair, fibers can provide valuable information when investigating a crime. For example, the fibers on a suspect’s shoes may match the fibers on the carpet in the victim’s home.

Clothing

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Clothing

Items of clothing can be found at a crime scene. They may belong to the victim(s), the perpetrator(s), or another person.

blood

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blood

Depending on the nature of the crime, there could actually be traces of blood. In such cases, the blood spatters are usually examined.

Other body fluids

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Other body fluids

In addition to blood, other body fluids can also be found at a crime scene, such as: E.g. saliva, vomit, etc.

feces

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feces

Yes, that can happen. It’s not pleasant, but sometimes you find feces at a crime scene.

Weapons

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Weapons

If someone has used a weapon to commit a crime, there is a good chance it will be discovered at the crime scene. And it’s not always just guns or knives, there can be other things too.

Bullets and traces of smoke

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Bullets and traces of smoke

Whenever a firearm is fired, spread residue around the area and onto clothing. Even if a fired bullet is not found, residue can often be found at the crime scene.

Telephones and other electronic devices

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Telephones and other electronic devices

Phones, laptops and other electronic devices can be found at a crime scene. The information found on it can help solve the crime.

Drugs

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Drugs

Drugs, including alcohol and cigarettes, can also provide clues to what happened.

Broken glass

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Broken glass

Glass shards are another form of evidence that forensic investigators look for when analyzing a crime scene. While large pieces can be cleaned and glass is not always visible to the naked eye, sometimes microscopic shards are left at the scene.

Color

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Color

Traces of paint can provide valuable information in certain crimes. In the case of a hit-and-run, for example, the vehicle’s paint can be transferred to the victim’s clothing.

Documents

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Documents