The diversity and complexity of scenes we are presented with that need to be investigated can be mind boggling at times. As we all have realized what we do is nothing like the crime dramas on television, but the public many times expects that farfetched type of investigation. We can go from a Criminal Mischief investigation to an Assault Investigation to an In-Custody Death investigation. Missing clues or evidence at an investigation scene can be extremely embarrassing to start. Compile that with the potential effects it could cause to the final outcome of the investigation.

Your approach to the scene is an extremely critical factor in how the scene gets worked. Every scene needs to be approached in an objective, not subjective manner. My approach has been for many years to not solicit details of the preliminary investigation immediately upon arriving at a scene. I get the basic call information and conduct a walk through with the "Primary Reporting Officer". Yes, this has caused some egos to get ruffled, by not getting the details from the on-scene supervisor. I want to have the opportunity to get a firsthand look at the scene, and give the scene the opportunity to "tell me a story". This has to be prior to any subjective opinion from others that have had time to develop a theory. Once I have a good idea of what I believe the evidence is saying; I now want the opportunity for a discussion with the "Primary Reporting Officer", or the ones that secured the scene. Through the discussion, he/she may provide me with details that I missed or vise versa. If there is a discrepancy in what was observed, we have the opportunity to walk back through the scene together and continue to discuss it. If this is a newer Officer, what a learning experience this could be. If it is a more seasoned officer, you may find yourself learning something new.

I changed my approach after letting my guard down and relying on the scene description provided by another officer. Luckily, I followed my hunches, but it was after a significant amount of time had passed. If you are fortunate enough to work with a partner doing scene work, develop the atmosphere to be critical of the work performed following the scene. An "After Action Review" if you will. This is difficult to do with the Alpha personality most of us tend to have with our respective professions. Discuss what worked and what did not. If this is honestly done following each scene worked, you, along with your colleagues will notice your professional development.   

Photographing fingerprints, footwear prints and impressions, and tool marks is standard practice during a crime scene investigation. However, if those photographs are going to be of use for comparison at a later date it may be necessary to print the images to a 1:1 scale.

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