Crime Scene: Odors at Crime Scene Checklist and Observations

When a crime occurs, the police and forensic crime scene investigative team may need to be specific on the types of odors present at the crime scene to gain insight about the context of the crime, and what was happening when the crime occurred. The app reviews the necessary items that should be observed including cigarette smoke, gasoline odors, ammonia, gunpowder, cigar smoke, kerosene, bleach, alcohol, natural gas, diesel fuel, marijuana, or perfume. A seasoned crime scene investigator or law enforcement officer is often trained to observe odors that may be evidence of a crime, or of the cover-up of a crime. For example, the strong odor of gasoline at a fire may indicate arson, while the smell of bleach at a violent crime scene may indicate an attempt to remove blood and DNA evidence. Crime scene investigators that know to look out for this type of forensic evidence are more prepared to successfully perform their jobs and solve crimes.