Underwater Crime Scene Investigation
The investigation of an underwater crime scene is similar in some ways to that on land. The purpose of the investigation is to find convicting evidence that will hold up in court; the investigation is conducted by trained forensics specialists with acute attention to detail; and it is essential that nothing in the crime scene be disturbed until the investigation is complete. This is where the similarities end, however, because conducting an underwater crime scene requires largely different equipment, practices, and procedures than on land.
In the past, underwater investigations were handled unprofessionally, having often been run ôlike salvage operations,ö as when law enforcement officers investigated a plane crash by ôtraipsing through South Florida swamps, gathering pieces of a downed ValuJet plane and throwing them in pilesö (Schcrope). Now, however, underwater investigations have become much more sophisticated, with specialized equipment and meticulous high-tech methods similar to those used in underwater archeology, where ôthe precise location of every scrap and artifact on a wreck site [is] mapped andàeverything recovered [is] carefully preservedö (Schcrope). Thanks to refinements and innovations, evidence found underwater can now be preserved intact and usable in court (Schrope).
Part of the challenge of conducting underwater investigations is the watery environment. Under the surface of the water, it can be incredibly dark; not only does light penetration diminish as water gets deeper, actively moving water can stir up debris from the ocean bottom that obscures the vision even further.
Where diving is possible for investigating a crime scene, forensic divers need special diving suits, underwater devices for locating and navigation, and transportation (Burke & OÆRear, 1). Divers can wear wet suits, designed to protect them from the hazards of sharp objects, and d...