Author Jennifer Chase

5 Writing Tips for Punching up Fight Scenes in any Genre

Posted on November 7, 2022 by jchasenovelist

I love reading and writing action-oriented stories. It doesn’t matter if it’s a movie or book—I love all the action with fights, weapons, car chases, martial arts, or an old-fashioned shootout. It may sound easy enough to write, but you might be surprised what it takes to make your fight scene really shine and get your readers excited.

If you’re incorporating some type of fight scene into your story of any genre, there are a few things that you should be aware of when prepping for it. It’s not just a one-two punch and that’s the end of the fight. It may look that easy, but I have a few tricks that help punch up the scene.

1. KNOW YOUR HUMAN ANATOMY

The first phase to writing a fight scene is to know and understand basic human anatomy. Visit a reputable website(s), borrow a book from the library, or purchase a book for research (highly recommended).

Did you know that you have 206 bones in your body? More than half of those bones are in your hands and feet. Truly amazing. Take a closer look at your own hands. Study the details of the bones, tendons, veins, and how your fingernails are shaped. Think about it and how it would pertain to your characters. The next time your characters are in a fist fight or searching for something to defend themselves with, there are many possible scenarios of what can happen to the body, specifically the hands and feet. Think about injuries, weaknesses, and strengths.

It’s not just about the bones. By having an understanding of where the major organs are located, such as the kidneys, solar plexus, liver, and the heart, it will make the scene much more believable.

2. UNDERSTAND WEAPONS

I don’t know how many times I’ve read a novel where the author doesn’t understand the difference between a revolver and semi-automatic gun. If you’re going to use a gun as the character’s weapon of choice, know everything about it—size, make, model, type of grip, how many bullets it holds, how to hold, and how the safety works.

Weapons aren’t just limited to guns. There is a whole host of weapons that could be used in a fight. Besides bare hands, the character can use hatchets, hammers, knives, swords, bats, and just about anything that a person could use to attack someone or defend themselves. I’ve used kitchen pots and pans to implements found in a garden and garage for my character’s fights. The list is endless. Whatever the weapon of choice in a fight—find out everything about it.

3. IDENTIFY SELF DEFENSE & OFFENSIVE MOVES

If you’ve ever taken a basic self-defense class or some type of martial arts, it will help you on a fundamental level to know where your characters should and shouldn’t stand during a fight. Know the stances, both for defensive and offensive moves. How does your character stand? Where is the position of feet and hands? What are some of the realistic capabilities for your character?

You can watch movie fight sequences or pick up a book on various fighting techniques. Once you put your mind to it, there are almost limitless possibilities to your character’s fighting techniques. Whether your hero is a freestyle amateur or trained fighter, know your defensive and offensive moves.

4. DO YOUR RESEARCH

When you’re preparing to write a story, whether a book or script, make sure to add to the research list your fight scenes. I know that it may not sound like a big thing, but don’t drop the ball on understanding what you need to know for your fight scenes.

You can get as detailed as necessary, whatever the fight scene dictates. Plus, as an added bonus, whatever research you’ve done for one project can work for other stories as well. I think you’ll find that preparing for your fight scenes can be really fun as well as beneficial to the story.

5. SKETCH OUT SPECIFIC SCENES

This may seem extreme or even funny, but I cannot express to you how helpful it is to take a plain piece of paper and sketch out your fight scenes—nothing fancy just the basics. I do this for my crime scenes as well, when I have a scene with several people involved, detailed action scenes, and when I need the hero to kick some butt in a fight. Even if you’re not an outliner, it’s highly recommended that you outline a good fight scene. It’s actually fun and helps you to visually realize your scene. Try it. I promise it will help you make your fight scene jump off the page…

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If you haven’t read any of the Detective Katie Scott Series, you can read the first book, LITTLE GIRLS SLEEPING for FREE.

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The Reality of Forensics: 6 Myths Debunked

Posted on October 17, 2022 by jchasenovelist

Pop culture has a fascination with the world of forensic science. Whether it’s a television show, movie or novel. The public’s thirst for crime drama is unquenchable. And that’s because, crime has an inherent conflict on multiple levels, which equals great drama!

The problem is, much of what is portrayed on the screen is not accurate.

So, in honor of the women and men who dedicate their lives to forensics—here are 6 myths exposed.

#1 Crime Scenes

Myth: A single forensics investigator collects and analyzes all the evidence from a crime scene.

Reality: Crime scene investigations are conducted by a team of forensic experts. Each investigator is well-versed in their particular discipline, and that’s what they focus on. It could be DNA analysis, ballistics, fingerprints or some other specialization.

So, in short—the proper processing of a crime scene requires several forensic experts. Both from a collection and analysis standpoint.

To that end, once the investigators collect all the evidence present at a crime scene, the evidence is sent off-site to a lab (or labs) for analysis. At that time, highly trained scientists dissect and analyze the evidence that pertains to their discipline. From beginning to end, the process is tedious and time-consuming.

#2 Crime Investigation

Myth: Detectives analyze crime scene evidence.

Reality: This is an interesting one. The answer is both yes—and no. Of course, detectives piece together evidence as part of their investigation into criminal activity. But, they rarely (if ever) have a role in analyzing the actual evidence collected at crime scenes.

At the crime scene, detectives are obviously present. But, as stated above, specific forensic personnel are present to collect the evidence.

Once the evidence has been collected, detectives work alongside the forensic investigators, who generally enter the process after the evidence has been sent to the lab for analysis. The detective relies on the expertise of the investigator to provide them with the salient details of the evidence analysis.

Basically, the detective handling the case defers the evidence work to the experts. And how about the detective’s role? Well, they only have the monumental task of putting together the intricate puzzle of the crime elements – from opportunity to motive to evidence.

#3 Forensic Psychology

Myth: Forensic science, and forensic psychology are one in the same.

Reality: Well, they both have forensic in their description. And they’re both based on science. So, they must the same

Right?

No, not exactly.

It’s true that both spheres use science to solve crimes, but that’s where the similarities end. The main difference is this: forensics is a “hard science,” in that the conclusions are based on laboratory investigations of tangible items. Think blood, bullets and fingerprints. Whereas, forensic psychology is applying psychological knowledge to the context of a legal situation. Essentially, forensic psychologists use their education and experience, and apply that understanding to issues related to the law.

So, for instance, a forensic psychologist won’t use a microscope to make a concrete determination as to whose hair fibers were left a crime scene. But, they will use their expertise to help law enforcement understand the motive behind a killer charged with First Degree Murder.

#4 Criminal Evidence

Myth: Every single crime scene is processed for evidence.

Reality: The fact is—processing crime scenes is an expensive and time-consuming endeavor. That’s why most crime scenes are not scoured for evidence. Law enforcement agencies have tight budgets, and limited resources. And sometimes, certain crimes do not make the cut for being processed.

Criminal justice agencies would love to process every single crime scene. Why wouldn’t they? More evidence would certainly bolster the investigation and eventual prosecution. However, due to the immense amount of resources exerted in the proper processing of crime scenes, many police departments either abbreviate the processing, or eliminate it altogether.

For example: large, urban police departments generally won’t process a burglary scene unless it meets a certain monetary threshold—like $5,000.

#5 Analysis of DNA

Myth: Modern DNA analysis can identify a person within minutes.

Reality: Even in ‘simple’ cases, DNA analysis takes at least several hours. And, at that point, the DNA processing is still not complete. In order for a thorough DNA analysis conclusion to be made, it generally takes 30 or more days.

So, although, the initial analysis could match someone within a few hours, such analysis is not going to be enough to convict someone.

The FBI’s Combined DNA Index System has over 8 million records, but the index does not store personal information. Thus, in order to confirm the identity of someone, the forensic investigator must scour a plethora of other databases, including convicted perps, missing persons and unsolved crimes. If that isn’t hard enough. The search has to be done sometimes at the local, state and federal levels.

#6 Criminal Profiling

Myth: A forensic psychologist exists only to conduct criminal profiling.

Reality: Criminal profiling is a fascinating, and deeply complex, discipline. But, it’s just one of many responsibilities of a forensic psychologist.

The myriad of items that forensic psychologists are tasked with include designing crime prevention programs for adults and juveniles. Advising police departments on cutting-edge criminal psychology theories, and the prevailing views on various mental illnesses. And consulting – on an array of psychological issues – with attorneys, judges and other criminal (and civil) court personnel.

Although pop culture often stretches the truth for dramatic purposes, many highly-regarded TV shows and movies use forensic consultants to ensure accuracy. In my opinion, the realism adds to the drama, as opposed to detracting from it.

***

If you haven’t read any of the Detective Katie Scott Series, you can read the first book, LITTLE GIRLS SLEEPING for FREE.

AUTHOR JENNIFER CHASE AMAZON BOOK PAGE

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Posted in Criminology, Forensic | Tagged author and criminologist jennifer chase, behaviorial evidence, crime, crime scene investigation, detective katie scott, DNA, evidence, forensics, profiling, psychology of personality | 6 Comments

Detective Katie Scott and K9 Cisco are back in THREE SMALL BONES–out now!

Posted on September 16, 2022 by jchasenovelist

I’m so excited to announce that THREE SMALL BONES is out today! I love publication day! This was a fun and exciting story to write for cold case Detective Katie Scott. There’s plenty of action and crime scenes of course! One area of forensics that I find fascinating is forensic anthropology. You’ll have to wait and find out in this book.

SYNOPSIS:

Smoke curls from what’s left of the beautiful family home on the edge of the woods. The heat is unbearable as she descends the stairs to the basement, past a set of bicycles––two big, one small. That’s when she sees three little white bones in the cracked earth at her feet, turning her blood to ice…

When firefighters tackling a blazing house in a quiet suburb of Pine Valley, California discover human remains, Detective Katie Scott races to 717 Maple Street. She calls a halt to the excavations the moment she sees the full number and size of the bones; someone has buried a whole family down here.

Working night and day, it’s up to Katie to prove her theory that the fire was no accident, that someone wanted to expose the secret in the basement. Tiny traces of explosives residue found at the scene is all the proof she needs. But the Cross family have been missing for months––leaving friends and loved ones in agonizing pain––what twisted soul would do this now? And why?

The case takes another heart-shattering turn when Katie’s suspicions over recent renovation work on the house leads to the discovery of more bodies in the back yard: two little girls, buried years apart. What other devastating secrets are hidden in this perfect family home?

It’s a dead end at every turn as Katie tracks down anyone who knew the family. Just when it looks like all hope is lost, reports of the Cross’s landlord harassing the family before they went missing gives Katie a crucial lead. With a menacing grey sedan following her every move, how many more innocent lives will be lost before Katie can dig up the truth?

An absolutely gripping and totally addictive thriller from a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. It will keep you racing through the pages all night long—fans of Lisa Regan, Rachel Caine and Melinda Leigh will devour in one sitting!

***

BUY THE BOOK HERE: ow.ly/gE2N50KJawW

AUDIO AVAILABLE HERE: ow.ly/i7ax50KJb1I

🎧Listen to a sample here: ow.ly/oeH150KJb1J

***

Readers love Three Small Bones:

“Edge-of-your-seat suspense to the very end! … Clear your schedule… you will not want to put it down!” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“Love, love, LOVE… I absolutely adore this series!!” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“Grabbed me from the very first page! It was so intense, and enthralling. I stayed up until 11pm two nights in a row so I could finish it.” NetGalley reviewer

“I was glued to my chair flipping pages!” Danie Reads

***

If you haven’t read any of the Detective Katie Scott Series, you can read the first book, LITTLE GIRLS SLEEPING for FREE.

AUTHOR JENNIFER CHASE AMAZON BOOK PAGE

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Posted in Book Blog Tour, detective katie scott | Tagged author jennifer chase, bestselling, bookouture, crime, crime fiction, detective katie scott, K9Cisco, mystery, newrelease, series, threesmallbones, thriller | 6 Comments

Two High-Profile Deadly Mysteries Solved by Forensics

Posted on June 29, 2022 by jchasenovelist

Years pass, but the scars remain. Family members agonize for a resolution of the case that destroyed their lives. While many cold cases go unsolved, there always remains a sliver of hope that a resolution will be attained.

Whether it’s—a distraught witness finally coming forward, a determined family member who won’t let the case go, or a modern forensic technology that sheds light on a mystery – many of these so-called cold cases do eventually get solved.

And, although the resolution of the case does not bring back the victim, the family members do often feel a sense of closure. Finally, they can move on with their lives.

Here are two high-profile mysteries that were recently solved with the help of modern forensic science.

Photo courtesy of suffolktimes.com.

The Disappearance of Louise Pietrewicz

On a cool Long Island autumn day in October of 1966, a 38-year old mother named Louise Pietrewicz withdrew her remaining funds from the bank and closed her account. She was never seen again. At that time, she was in an abusive marriage, and had been secretly seeing another man, a police officer named William P. Boken.

On the day of her disappearance, Louise’s 12-year old daughter vividly remembers kissing her mother good-bye at the school bus stop. The daughter also recalls believing that her mother would eventually return home to her. And that something awful must have happened—because she was a dedicated parent who would never willingly leave her daughter.

The local police apparently never took the case very seriously, despite the fact that her boyfriend, Boken, had called out sick the three days prior to the disappearance. And then, quit the police force on the day after Louise closed her bank account and vanished.

The case went cold for almost 50 years. Then, a local newspaper renewed the public’s interest in the matter after publishing a piece on the incident. A documentary soon followed. And, as a result of the exploding media exposure, a witness finally came forward. It was the former wife of the now-deceased Boken.

Boken’s wife dropped a bombshell by revealing that she believed a body was buried in the basement of her modest Long Island home. A forensic team swooped on the scene, and using ground penetrating radar (GPR), investigators discovered a skeleton. The GPR impressively discovered the body despite it being buried 7-feet underground, beneath a 5-inch concrete slab.

A forensic pathologist determined the cause of death to be a fatal gunshot. Then, on March 19, 2018, forensic investigators also made the determination that the body found in the basement was, in fact, Louise Pietrewicz.

Despite the overwhelming evidence pointing to Boken, the confirmed identity of Louise’s killer will most likely never be determined.

Photo courtesy of nationalgeographic.com.

The Identity of Buckskin Girl

On April 22, 1981, a young woman’s body was found in a ditch alongside a highway outside of Troy, Ohio. The woman had no identification on her. And all attempts to ID the young lady through published and broadcasted police sketches proved to be fruitless. The young Jane Doe victim was then nicknamed “Buckskin Girl” due to the tasseled buckskin jacket she was wearing at time her body was discovered.

The forensic pathologist determined her age to be 21, and that she died due to strangulation and blunt force trauma to the head. Buckskin Girl was eventually buried at a local Troy cemetery, but her clothing remained in storage at a police evidence facility. Prior to her burial, investigators were able to extract her fingerprints, dental information and other items that would be later used for DNA analysis.

Police found no evidence of sexual assault. And, as a result, investigators’ primary theory that Buckskin Girl may have been another victim of a recent killing spree of local sex workers was ruled out. Police ran into dead-end after dead-end, and eventually the investigation went cold.

In 2008, the police had a renewed interest in this case. So, at that time, investigators entered the victim’s dental information, fingerprints and DNA analysis into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons database. No matches were found.

Then, finally in 2016, there was significant progress in the quest to determine the identity of Buckskin Girl. First, forensic pathologists conducted testing on the woman’s clothing, and a forensic facial reconstruction was performed that resulted in a three-dimensional facial image of the woman.

Through the clothing analysis, the forensics team was able to narrow down the areas of the country where she had frequented during the months prior to her death. And, as a result of the forensic facial reconstruction, investigators were able to reach out to the media in those areas with a tangible image of Buckskin Girl.

The non-profit group DNA Doe Project soon got involved in the investigation, and their help led to the eventual identification of the woman. The Project created a DNA profile using blood taken at the time of the victim’s death. They entered the profile into a public genealogy database, and voila – a family member match was found.

After speaking with the family member, it was revealed – on April 9, 2018 – that Buckskin Girl’s real name was Marcia Lenore King, a runaway from Arkansas. Marcia was never officially reported missing, but her mother never left the family home in hopes that Marcia would someday return.

To date, there are no murder suspects being investigated in connection with Marcia’s murder.

These cases prove that – with the help of modern forensic science – no case is every truly cold. Are there are any murder mysteries of which you are aware that could be included in this post?

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WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE DETECTIVE KATIE SCOTT SERIES:

“THERE WAS NO WAY I WAS PUTTING THIS BOOK DOWN!!!!!… I was literally holding my breath… I HAD TO KNOW!!!!! As for the explosive ending: WOW definitely not what, or who I was expecting.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“Fantastic… had me glued to the pages and I didn’t want to put it down… so gripping and suspenseful and wonderfully paced… A brilliant, nail-biting and highly recommended read.” Brianne’s Book Reviews, 5 stars

“I was hooked from the start. I couldn’t stop reading. I just needed to find out what happens. Katie is a total badass… I loved the story sooo much… awesome…I recommend it to everyone.” Mama Bear’s Book Shelf, 5 stars

“One hell of an unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way… I almost had to read through my fingers… A brilliant, and highly recommended read.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“I envy you the binge read!” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“An excellent, exhilarating read. I had to keep reading just another page, another page, as everything raced towards a high tension ending.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“A twist at every page!… Absolutely loved this book… so engrossed, read it in 2 days… well-written and enthralling. Couldn’t put it down.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“Brilliant! Brilliant! Absolutely freaking brilliant!!” Shalini’s Books & Reviews, 5 stars

SILENT LITTLE ANGELS (Detective Katie Scott Book 7)

Order Here: http://ow.ly/erw950HsCfZ

Out April 19th!

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Posted in detective katie scott, Silent Little Angels | Tagged author jennifer chase, cold cases, crime, crime fiction, detective katie scott, forensic science, forensics, gpr, k9, mystery, pathologist, thriller | Leave a comment

COMPULSION–An Emily Stone Thriller–Is FREE on Amazon This Weekend!

Posted on May 27, 2022 by jchasenovelist

The first Emily Stone Thriller COMPULSION is FREE this weekend! The Emily Stone Series is available on Amazon Kindle Unlimited. If you’ve not met this vigilante detective, then I would suggest checking out how it all began for this serial killer hunter.

COMPULSION US: http://amzn.to/z1daYq

COMPULSION UK: http://amzn.to/OPlSe8

I caught up with Emily Stone from Compulsion recently and had 5 questions for her so that you can get to know her better.

EMILY STONE INTERVIEW WITH 5 QUESTIONS

Jennifer Chase: Thank you Ms. Stone for taking the time to stop by to answer five questions. I know that you have never given an interview because you work covertly and wish to remain anonymous. First, tell us a little bit about your working background.

Emily Stone: I was a police deputy sheriff for almost eight years in Indiana. I worked patrol, special investigations and was overlooked for SWAT. My primary interest was to work child cases. I felt it was where I could make a difference. I studied forensics and criminal profiling intensely through college courses and police seminars.

JC: Now you are working on your own hunting down serial killers and child abductors. What made you decide to quit the police department and work on your own? Was it something that happened to you? Did they make you quit?

Emily Stone: I have the background, training, and determination. It’s a calling, or need if you will, that I feel strongly about. Why I quit the department is a personal decision that I’m not prepared to discuss right now. I find that I could do more work effectively behind the scenes as a ghost detective unrestrained by police politics in order to assist various law enforcement agencies. They’ve never questioned my anonymous emails or where my complete investigations came from. In fact, they are relieved to have assistance and most of the time the forensic evidence helps to find a serial killer or child abductor.

JC: It must be dangerous work. Do you ever worry about your personal safety?

Emily Stone: Of course, but I plan ahead, make deliberate decisions and do not act on impulse or emotions. Well… at least most of the time (softly laughs). I’m an expert with firearms and self-defense. I am always learning new techniques to keep me alive. I’m also fortunate to have someone on my side – so I’m not alone now. I don’t know if I would have quit or found another way of conducting my investigations if it weren’t for him. (Her voice faded as she thought about Rick)

JC: I’m familiar with serial crime and what potentially drives the various types of serial killers. Give us an example of your method of finding a serial killer.

Emily Stone: That is a complex question, but I will give you a quick overview in the time I have available. I start at the beginning with the crime scene or crime scenes. I ask myself many questions. Why this particular area to kill or dump the body? What does this area mean to the killer? What behavioral evidence is evident from the crime? Quite often, police overlook the areas that are indeed part of the crime scene, such as the areas that transport a person to the actual dumping ground. I make the crime scene areas much larger in my investigations than the police initially conducted theirs. Almost like clockwork, I find subtle clues that helps to give the beginning insight into the killer’s motives, behavior, modus operandi, signature, and if and when he’ll kill again. Every case is different, but my methods are always the same. That’s what makes it work.

JC: Ms. Stone where do you see yourself in the next few years?

Emily Stone: That’s your sixth question. I’m sorry, but those cases haven’t been written yet and I’m not prepared to discuss them with you.

CHECK OUT THE EMILY STONE SERIES

US: http://amzn.to/z1daYq

UK: http://amzn.to/OPlSe8

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Posted in Compulsion, Emily Stone Thrillers | Tagged author and criminologist jennifer chase, book 1, california, compulsion, crime, crime fiction, emily stone, forensics, jennifer chase, mystery, serial killer, serial killer partners, series, thriller, usa today best selling author | Leave a comment

PUBLICATION DAY! Silent Little Angels, Detective Katie Scott Thriller, Book 7 is Here!

Posted on April 19, 2022 by jchasenovelist

SILENT LITTLE ANGLES publication day has finally arrived! Cold Case Detective Katie Scott and her K9 Cisco are back and this time it’s personal.

GRAB YOUR COPY NOW

***

The water ripples as the girl’s body escapes the reeds and floats silently upwards. Her beautiful face—blue eyes frozen open, skin as white as snow—breaks the surface. But it’s too late, this innocent soul has taken her final breath…

When camp counselor Carolyn Sable’s body is found floating in a lake beside Eagle Ridge Summer Camp,Detective Katie Scott must dig deep to stay focused. As a child, Katie spent many happy weeks at that camp toasting marshmallows on the fire with her best friend Jenny… until the day Jenny disappeared. The loss will always haunt Katie, but Carolyn’s inconsolable family need answers.

Searching the area, the devastating discovery of two more bodies sends the case into a tailspin. Suddenly on the hunt for a serial killer, Katie’s blood turns to ice when she finds newspaper clippings about her own past cases planted near one of the bodies. Was this twisted killer banking on Katie taking the lead? And why?

Carolyn was adored by children and staff at the camp, so Katie thinks her sudden resignation is key to cracking the case. Uncovering a tragic accident involving a group of children in the weeks before Carolyn left, Katie knows she’s getting close.

But when the carefully laid trap Katie sets to catch Carolyn’s killer backfires, Katie finds herself in unthinkable danger and unable to even trust her own team. Can she stay alive long enough to crack the toughest case of her career, and how many more innocent lives will be lost before she does?

An absolutely unputdownable crime thriller from a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. Fans of of Lisa Regan, Rachel Caine and Melinda Leigh will be sleeping with the lights on!

GRAB YOUR COPY NOW

Everyone is talking about SILENT LITTLE ANGELS:

“All-time favorite… I was shouting in my head, don’t go back there… wow!” I Spooky’s Maze Of Books, 5 stars

“THERE WAS NO WAY I WAS PUTTING THIS BOOK DOWN!!!!!… I was literally holding my breath… I HAD TO KNOW!!!!! As for the explosive ending: WOW definitely not what, or who I was expecting.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“It kept me guessing right until the end. There is plenty of action, suspense, and tension. I’ve become so invested in these characters. I was glued to this one and up way past my bedtime. I couldn’t put it down.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“I read this in one very short sitting, I couldn’t put it down. It was well written with well-developed characters and a gripping storyline that was full of mystery, tension and twists… a thrilling read.” NetGalley reviewer 5 stars

“I still have goosebumps!Omg……… amazing I flew through the pages with Olympic speed. I was hooked from the veryfirst page.” NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars

Katie and K9 Cisco are back to solve the next cold case!

GET YOUR EBOOK, PAPERBACK, OR AUDIO COPY HERE!

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Posted in Book Blog Tour, detective katie scott | Tagged bookouture, crime, detective katie scott, forensics, jennifer chase author, murder, mystery, new release, police, serial killer, Silent Little Angels, thriller | Leave a comment

9 Strategic Steps for a Successful Crime Scene Investigation

Posted on February 24, 2022 by jchasenovelist

To perform a successful crime scene investigation, there are a myriad of individual procedures used by investigators. And, of course, different crimes call for specific methods. Despite, however, the various tactics and circumstances, individual investigators generally utilize the following nine universal steps in order to conduct a fruitful and efficient crime scene investigation.

Establish Scene Dimensions / Identify Potential Hazards

An investigator must initially locate the main area of the disturbance, i.e. the focal point of the crime. This could be a ransacked living room, a traffic intersection where a collision occurred or a remote part of nature where a murder took place. Once the focal point has been ascertained, the investigator creates a radius of the area, in which all the immediate, relevant physical evidence may be present.

It benefits the investigator to create a relatively large radius, due to the fact that it is much easier to later condense the crime scene than enlarge it. It would be detrimental to the investigation if the area was too small, and crucial evidence (outside of the area) was compromised by onlookers or the media.

In addition to establishing the focal point’s radius, the investigator must identify the potential areas of ingress and egress of the criminal. The safety of all people in the area must also be taken into consideration. Therefore, any sort of hazardous materials, weapons or intentional traps must be identified.

Secure the Perimeter

Every single person who enters and exits the crime scene will “add or subtract” crucial material from the crime scene. Thus, it is vital that the lead investigator secure the area as quickly as possible.

In order to control access, the scene is generally cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape or other methods, such as rope or cones. Further, an entrance is established for all personnel to use when entering and exiting the scene. Once the common entryway has been created, all people who enter and leave the area must be documented. For larger and more complex crime scenes, additional consultation and evidence storage areas may be created.

Organize and Communicate

Prior to the collection of evidence, the crime scene investigators must develop a theory concerning what exactly transpired at the scene. Once the team has a working knowledge of what type of crime occurred, the investigators will be more prepared to anticipate what kind of evidence may be present.

A method for developing the crime theory is to interview witnesses, or persons of interest. Once the investigators have obtained sufficient information, the team will develop their strategy for collecting evidence.

Perform Initial Survey of Scene

A preliminary crime scene survey is performed in an effort to prioritize the collection of evidence. While conducting the scene walkthrough, the lead investigator will identify and take photos of important evidence.

Investigators will also document certain aspects of the crime scene, so that the scene conditions are properly captured. For example, the investigators will note weather conditions, the exact position of items such as furniture, the presence of any smells and whether the lights were on or off.

Process the Scene

After the plan has been established and the initial survey has been performed, the crime scene investigators conduct a diligent, thorough and coordinated investigation of the scene. At that time, the team will collect all probative evidence. The collection of evidence includes the proper digital documentation of the scene and evidence, which also may include 3D scanners, diagrams, models and sketches.

While the collection of evidence is being conducted, it is vital that all investigators follow strict protocol in the collection, packaging and preservation of the evidence. If the integrity of any of the evidence is compromised, it could hinder the investigation and eventual prosecution.

Conduct Second Walkthrough

For quality control purposes, a secondary walkthrough is conducted by the lead investigator so as to ensure that the entire crime scene has been thoroughly searched.

Preserve and Record Evidence

In order to ensure that all collected evidence has been documented, the investigation team will create an inventory log. Each piece of evidence is described in the log, and such description must match the photo of the evidence and the crime scene report description.

The evidence log and crime scene report establishes the chain of custody, which will follow the evidence throughout the duration of the case.

Perform Final Survey

The final survey allows the investigators to conduct a critical review of all aspects of the crime scene investigation. Each team member participates in the final survey to ensure that no inadvertent errors are found in the documentation, and that the paper trail is thorough, accurate and complete.

One last search of the area is performed to ensure evidence was not overlooked in hidden or hard to access sections of the crime scene.

Release Crime Scene

Once the final survey has been completed, the lead investigator or other authorized persons may release the crime scene. Oftentimes, in order to gain re-entry to a released crime scene, a warrant is required.

I thoroughly enjoy the topic of crime scene analysis and investigation. I hope you found this article both informative and interesting. And, most importantly, I hope you learned something about the fascinating world of criminal science.

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