Collection of Evidence and Preservation of the Scene

Standard investigative practice calls for the security officer to attentively protect the crime scene and preserve the evidence. “Collection, preservation and the assurance of evidentiary integrity” ¹ are central to the investigative regimen. This is true in any type of case consisting of criminal conduct or civil injuries; insurance investigations for arson, fraud, and vehicular accidents; terrorist acts; bomb threats; executive protection threats; intrusions into hotels and motels, colleges and universities; violent labor disputes; workers’ compensation, as well as suspected retail theft. The skills and competencies required of a public police officer apply equally to the private security officer and investigator. This chapter presents a comprehensive analysis of methods and techniques employed by security investigators that insure the integrity of evidence during the collection process and the continuing preservation of the scene.