Every crime scene investigator has heard, or at some point will hear, the words, “How much longer do you think you will be?” These words often come from supervisors, but are also uttered by fellow police officers who are not familiar with the intricacies of the process. Although these words do not openly call for a speedy conclusion to the crime scene work, they inevitably make crime scene investigators more conscious of the time that has been taken or how much time will be taken. This can result in mistakes being made if crime scene investigators hurry through their work.

Crime scene investigators should resist the urge to rush the process because someone is asking them how long they will be. Crime scene processing requires a methodical approach each and every time and deviating from this can have negative consequences. If the process and results are to be credible in court, established procedures and a standardized methodology need to be followed.

In a perfect world, crime scene investigators would not have to justify the time spent at a scene to impatient co-workers or administrators. Fellow officers and supervisors should understand it is an absolute necessity that sufficient time be allotted, no matter how long it takes. We all know that this is not the case. No judgment should be passed on others who make these comments however. We, as crime scene investigators, have specific concerns relative to the jobs we perform, as do supervisors. Supervisors are concerned with coverage issues for crime scene security, patrol coverage, or overtime expenditures. Crime scene investigators need to recognize this and continue their methodical approach; viewing the question as a request for information, not a request to expedite the process.

In addition, crime scene investigators should be mindful of rushing or putting unrealistic time restrictions on themselves. The old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” holds true in everyday life and is equally important in crime scene investigations. The “ounce of prevention” is following the methodology, meticulously processing the scene, and taking adequate time to complete the process. The “pound of cure” is spending less time on the witness stand, especially during cross-examination by a defense attorney. It can be uncomfortable, which is expected when someone attacks your work, but it is especially regrettable when it could have been avoided. If investigators make an error because they rushed, they have no one to blame but themselves.

If a crime scene investigator considers dusting one more item, or checking one more area for physical evidence, then the extra time should be taken. If a crime scene investigator thinks about double checking paperwork before leaving, or comparing the evidence record to the evidence one last time, then it should be done. By taking the necessary time and methodically processing the scene each and every time, a crime scene investigator will avoid problems later on.When it is all said and done, it is the crime scene investigator that is ultimately responsible for processing the crime scene. It won’t be the supervisor or fellow police officer sitting next to you on the witness stand. It will be you and you alone. Remember, when you feel rushed or hurried by a supervisor or co-worker, or when you put undue time restrictions on yourself—stop—take a minute, and say to yourself, “Where would I rather be?” Here at the scene for a few more minutes at the risk of making others unhappy, or a year from now, spending unwarranted, uncomfortable time on the witness stand getting cross-examined? I think the answer is obvious. Spend more time at the scene and less time on the stand!

Inv. Rodney Westbrook and Inv. Steven Ryan are members of the New York State Police Forensic Identification Unit- Troop “C” Sidney, NY. The authors have over 20 years combined of crime scene processing experience. They can be reached at rwestbro@troopers.state.ny.us and sryan@troopers.state.ny.us.