Do not cross crime scene?

Do Not Cross Crime Scene: Why Keeping the Scene Intact Matters

When a crime scene is discovered, one of the most crucial actions involved in the investigation is preventing contamination of the scene by unauthorized individuals. The infamous phrase "Do Not Cross" is often plastered across crime scene tapes to emphasize the importance of containing the area. But, why is it essential to keep the crime scene intact and what are the consequences if someone crosses the crime tape?

What Happens When You Cross the Crime Scene?

Contamination Risk

* **Physical evidence:**
+ Fragments of clothing, fingerprints, DNA, and other micro-traces of physical evidence can be disturbed, transferred, or destroyed when outsiders enter the scene.
* **Biological evidence:** Blood, saliva, body fluids, and other organic materials can be disordered, mixed, or compacted, making it even more challenging to extract, analyze, and preserve any potential evidence.
* **Environmental evidence:** Windblown particles, disturbed carpets, and altered footpaths can all compromise the opportunity to collect and process invaluable environmental evidence.

By restricting access to the crime scene, investigators can significantly diminish the risk of contaminating the area and potentially eliminating crucial evidence.

Interference with Law Enforcement Activities

When intruders enter the scene, they may:
– **Destroy or dispose of evidence:** Intentional or unintentional acts that eliminate or conceal physical proof of the crime can permanently damage the investigation.
* **Interfere with witness statements:** Any false information or misdirecting statements from unauthorized personnel on the scene can impact potential witness testimony and muddy evidence.
* **Preset the crime scene:** Purposeful or accidental alteration to the scene can modify police findings, making it appear as if the perpetrator planted evidence or tampered with the area.

It’s crucial to remember that allowing unauthorized individuals to access and disturb the crime scene severely hinders the investigator’s ability to reconstruct events truthfully.

Contact and Contamination Concerns

Unauthorized individuals may inadvertently contact dangerous substances, such as: **biohazard** materials, **sharp-edged objects**, and broken glass, which can have severe consequences for themselves as well as others around the scene.

Hazards and Distruptions

Breaking the crime scene security measure can lead to further disturbance and potential hazards: