1. Science of Crime Scenes
Chapter 3.4
Science of Crime Scenes

2. Non-forensic Personnel: Superiors, Officials, the Media
At a crime scene, you will encounter both the police and the news media
Both groups will want you to provide them with information about the events
How the two groups ask for that information will be very different
What information you give (if any) to the police or the news media is greatly influenced by your relationship with them
Both groups use words and communicate very differently
Science of Crime Scenes

3. Science of Crime Scenes
Example: Theft
Police
Stealing: Theft when the perpetrator has legal access, like from an open store
Breaking and entering: Theft when the perpetrator gains unlawful entry
Burglary: Breaking and entering at night
Media
Theft = stealing = breaking and entering = burglary
Science of Crime Scenes

4. Science of Crime Scenes
Example: Wording
Police
“A deceased woman who had suffered blunt trauma was discovered in her residence this morning. Police are actively investigating the crime.”
Media
“A caregiver was shocked this morning to find an elderly widow on the floor of a small apartment. The victim showed obvious signs of having been brutally bludgeoned to death. This is the second such incident in this apartment complex in the last year. The police have no suspects at this time.”
Science of Crime Scenes

5. Public perceptions about crime in the U.S.
Opinion surveys regularly find that Americans believe crime is up, even when the data show it is down
In 21 Gallup surveys conducted since 1989, a majority of Americans said there was more crime in the U.S. compared with the year before
But violent and property crime rates were generally down
In a Pew Research Center survey in late 2016, 57% of registered voters said crime had gotten worse since 2008, even though Bureau of Justice Statistics and FBI data show that violent and property crime rates declined by double-digit percentages during that span
Science of Crime Scenes

6. Science of Crime Scenes

7. Public Information Officers
During an active crime scene investigation, the CSI will obviously not be able to speak directly with the media (or the public)
In most police agencies that role is performed by a professionally trained Public Information Officer (PIO)
If the PIO holds timely briefings and provides updated information, then most of the media will not interfere with the crime scene or jeopardize the investigation
The PIO also assists the CSIs by keeping superiors and officials informed
Science of Crime Scenes

8. Science of Crime Scenes
Media everywhere
CSIs may encounter photographers at crime scenes particularly at outdoor scenes
The media should not be allowed close enough to record sensitive pictures that may be embarrassing or distressing to family members of the victim
News media helicopters and drones flying overhead recording images can also be expected at high profile crime scenes
Science of Crime Scenes

9. Science of Crime Scenes
15 Minutes of Fame
At crime scenes, a crowd of onlookers will quickly form. Such crowds also attract the media.
In the form of their cell phone, each member of that crowd has a camera, and a video and audio recording device, that are capable of live broadcasting throughout the world
CSIs must be on guard constantly
Science of Crime Scenes