What should you do after completing the initial walkthrough at a crime scene?

After completing the initial walkthrough at a crime scene, taking a moment to evaluate the scene is crucial because it allows investigators to organize their thoughts and observations before moving forward with evidence processing or witness interviews. This evaluation phase involves assessing the overall layout of the crime scene, the location of relevant evidence, and any possible trajectories or points of entry.

This reflective moment can help in creating a plan for systematic evidence collection and documentation, ensuring nothing is overlooked. It is also an opportunity to consider the context of the crime, which could inform the direction of the investigation. By carefully evaluating the scene, investigators can prioritize which areas might yield the most crucial evidence, thus enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the investigation that follows.

Starting evidence processing, interviewing witnesses, or checking for contamination are all critical aspects of the investigation, but they are secondary to the evaluation phase, which lays the groundwork for a thorough and methodical approach.