An Overview of Crime Scene Practice and its Practitioners in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Contemporary studies into crime scene practice and its practitioners have outlined a divide between the portrayals of the discipline in popular culture, and reality. Conceptualizations of crime scenes beyond physical spaces is limited, despite its potential to inform operational strategies, management and policy if viewed conceptually. This thesis formulated and proposed a novel conceptualization of scenes as complex, dynamic chaotic systems existing within microecosystems, highlighting the unseen dynamics of scene work. The effects of austerity policies in the United Kingdom and reduction in police numbers have for the past decade raised questions on the state of crime scene practice, particularly in relation to the effect of such measures on staff numbers, and scientific support spending. Through analysis of practitioner numbers, law enforcement spending on scene work, and the roles, responsibilities and expectations of law enforcement pertaining to scene workers, an overall understanding of scene practice, potential size of the crime scene workforce and the investment of the state on the same, has been presented in quantitative and qualitative formats using the seldom-utilized, but methodologically robust UK freedom of information legislation(s) (FOIL). The historical developments and precursors to modern crime scene practice was examined to determine the social, cultural, political and legal factors in the enactment of fact-based systems of guilt and innocence, and their continued influence on current criminal justice apparatus. Diminishing financial and infrastructural investment from the state invoked questions surrounding the quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) systems currently in place; the increased reliance on mechanization, and attitude of automation of austerity regimes; viability of scene practice being taken over by machines; and, future of the discipline in times of fiscal austerity. These matters have been comprehensively investigated followed by recommendations to improve existing systems and implement policies which hold potential to elevate scene practice to its maximum potential.