What it is ^A location, namely the scene where a crime was committed, an accident occurred, or any other event under investigation took place, is an area of inquiry where indications, traces, exhibits and other evidence relating to the act committed and to the persons involved in it are or may be found. From these elements, useful conclusions can be drawn which guide us in clarifying the case and, by extension, in determining how it should be handled.
The physical evidence discovered at crime scenes and similar locations is one of the most important factors determining the outcome of a case that will be brought before Justice, as well as the understanding of the manner in which the act under investigation was committed. It is obvious that laboratory and scientific interpretations are based to a large extent on the recognition, collection and recording of evidence from such locations.
Method of scene examination ^
Depending on the requirements of each case under examination, we carry out:
- Scene inspection at the place where an act was committed, either to search for additional evidence or to confirm witness statements and the other material in the case file.
- Re-enactment of the scene, where, through appropriate scientific investigation and use of the material recorded in the case file in combination with the information arising from the findings and exhibits, we are led to the understanding and verification of the circumstances under which an offence, or any other act under investigation, was committed.
- Reconstruction of the crime scene or of the place where any incident or accident occurred, by preparing digital sketches, diagrams or any other plan deemed necessary in order to demonstrate the manner of commission and the particular features of each case under examination, such as movement of persons involved, bullet trajectories, vehicle movements and so on.
Indicative questions that may be answered through examination of the scene ^
Where is the place of occurrence determined to be?
What route did the perpetrator of the burglary or theft follow?
Why did the alarm not operate?
What is the position of the shooter?
What is the trajectory and direction of the bullets?
Does the shooter’s position justify the wound-ballistic result?
Is it a suicide or a criminal act?
What is the path of the vehicles involved in a traffic accident?
Are the statements of the persons involved compatible with the evidence found at the scene?
At which points may evidence related to the act committed be found?
