Murder Scene Checklist: It’s a Killer!
The first hours of a murder investigation are crucial to solving the crime. I say this because as time passes memories fade, evidence can become lost or destroyed, people have the opportunity to develop excuses, stories, and alibis, and the bad guys have the time to escape arrest.
Here’s a handy list to keep on hand that could help solve the cases investigated by the detectives in your stories. Keep in mind that time is of the utmost importance! So, in no real order, off we go …
Serving a search warrant. Knock, knock!
Investigators start the search at the scene and then extend the search area as needed.
Police Public Information Officers (PIO) are the direct line of communication between departments and the public.
It’s important to keep the bosses informed. They do not like to be blindsided with questions they can’t answer.
And then it’s time for …
*Remember, no list is all inclusive since no two crimes are exactly the same. And, no two detectives operate in the exact same manner.
I don’t write police procedurals but that’s a great list to keep in mind as I work through relevant scenes.
That’s a huge to-do list!
And it’s only a small portion.
Perfect timing! I’m writing this scene right now. Thanks for this–and all of your posts.