s exclude both curious bystanders and curious officials. Investigators often must turn away any number of officials--both in and out of uniform--who could unintentionally destroy evidence.
Once the area has been secured, the investigator then carries out the duties of search commander. Initially, the commander must obtain the following information: "The time of the arrival of the first officer at the scene, who was present, what was said, and whether or not everything is exactly as it was when the officer arrived" (Dienstein, 1962, pp. 16-26). Then, the addresses of all persons found on or adjacent to the scene should be collected. Although these people are questioned about their exact location at the time of the crime, they do not usually undergo interrogation on the spot. Rather, such persons are simply removed from the scene and separated: They should not be allowed to talk to each other until each has been carefully questioned and statements have been obtained.
The next phase of crime scene investigation consists of surveying the scene. The investigator needs to get an "over-all picture of the area in which the offense occurred" (Dienstein, 1962, pp. 16-26). After a preliminary survey has been performed, the crime scene examination should be initiated. The investigator must try to start the investigation "cold" (Dienstein, 1962, pp. 16-26). There should be no preconceived notions of what happened, how it happened, or who might have done it. Such conclusions must be based solely on the evide
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