Using the Scientific Method to Solve Crimes Steps in Crime Scene Investigation A crime scene is like a giant jigsaw puzzle waiting to be solved. Let’s see how the police use the scientific method to solve the crime.

Step 1 – Identify the Problem: Police officers are the first to arrive at the crime scene and identify the problem: a crime has been committed. They secure the area by stretching yellow tape around the perimeter of the crime scene. Put on plastic gloves and walk the crime scene to collect evidence and brainstorm what might have happened.

Step 2 – Collect Information Investigators examine the crime scene carefully looking for evidence. They use crime scene kits to gather evidence. Investigators record the crime scene by taking photographs and making sketches. Evidence is then taken back to the forensic lab for closer examination and testing. Investigators will also interview witnesses.

Step 3 – Construct a Hypothesis Detectives review all evidence and interviews and make an educated guess as to what happened. What crime took place? How was the crime committed? Who might have committed the crime?

Step 4 – Conduct Experiments Forensic scientists analyze the evidence collected. The evidence is weighed, measured, and compared to reference files and computer databases.

Step 5 – Analyze Data Evidence is examined by a forensic team to look for clues to solve the crime. Ex: anthropologist, biologist, chemist, etc.

Step 6 – Draw Conclusions Based on scientific principles and procedures used to examine the evidence, the forensic scientist provides the detective with the information needed to determine the innocence or guilt of the accused.