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The future of effective Crime Scene Management has now become a reality with the launch of the first "Crime Scene Management Kit". This kit is invaluable to the first officer arriving at a crime scene.

The South African Police Service launched the "Crime Scene Management Programme" during June 2000. Focus was placed on the importance of training of personnel in the ability to secure a crime scene in order to ensure successful prosecutions and convictions.

In the past evidence was obtained on confession-based information. This method was not entirely effective as previously only fingerprints on a crime scene could link a suspect to that specific crime scene. All visible evidence, e.g. fingerprints, foot prints, blood samples were analysed, compared to a suspect and then getting a suspect to admit to being present at a crime scene.

Now with the advancement of technology, forensic evidence gathering is more effective in linking a suspect to a crime scene. DNA samples and other forensic evidence can directly link a suspect to a crime scene. When leaving a crime scene, the criminal(s) will always leave traces of their presence behind and take traces from the scene with them. It is these traces that the police investigators need to find.

In order to make use of this technology, crime scenes must be preserved and be uncontaminated. If a crime scene is preserved, the police will be able to gather the uncontaminated evidence. The more the crime scene is damaged, the less evidence can be collected and thus resulting in fewer convictions.

This new crime kit provides the first officer with the means to secure a crime scene. The crime kit was developed through workshops in which all major role-players were involved.

In terms of the new approach, a plan on how to collectively approach a scene to ensure that all role players work in tandem has to be drawn up. This will ensure that the evidence from the various fields are combined into a solid case to be presented in court.

The Detective Service Management welcomes these new developments which will contribute and ensure the successful conviction of perpetrators. Initiatives such as these are giving momentum in improving the South African Police Service's crime investigating capabilities.

Enquiries: Captain Ronnie at Naidoo at 082 808 4547

Issued by: Office of the Divisional Commissioner: Detective Services, SAPS, 11 October 2001