Identify who has entered the scene and what may have

identify who has entered the scene and what may have been tampered with. For example if
medics have responded often times they indirectly alter evidence and affect the scene by stepping
on evidence, moving the body, etc. The detective must also ask the responding officers for their
initial observations as well as determine who was present at the scene upon their initial arrival.
This will help the detective develop reasonable suspicion as well as probable cause which are
required by the Fourth Amendment for investigations to proceed, along with exigent
circumstances in order to justify a warrant-less search (Bendert, J. & Bradley, R., 2011) .
Following these steps and properly identifying the crime with its supporting elements are
vital in the process of criminal investigation. If the crime is not properly identified and the
elements are not met, it will be nearly impossible to prosecute the defendant and the whole case
has the risk of being thrown out entirely (Brown, M., 2001) . This being said if the crime is not
properly identified the results are catastrophic and run the risk of the suspected killer walking
free.
Gather evidence / proof of the crime.
Another vital step in the process of investigating a potential homicide or any crime for
that matter is the collection of evidence. Evidence can be found in many forms, such as;
fingerprints, strand of hair, pictures of wounds, and statements. It is always important to ensure
that evidence is collected properly and lawfully. Evidence that is collected improperly may
become damaged and in turn can tamper with the information gathered from the evidence.

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Furthermore evidence collected unlawfully (i.e. a non-mirandized statement or evidence seized
in an unlawful search) will be inadmissible in court and can completely destroy the entire
investigation. This being said it is always important as a law enforcement officer to completely
know the rules and not violate a person’s constitutional rights.