Crime won’t stop because of COVID. So how should we protect crime scene investigators?
COVID may have curtailed travel, hospitality, education and entertainment, but crime scene investigation never stops.
As a forensic scientist, researcher and lecturer, I know first-hand the risks and challenges crime scene investigation (CSI) teams have faced over the past two years as we’ve grappled with the realities of operating amid the threat of COVID.
CSI units present a unique challenge, as investigators often work at close quarters for prolonged periods. Yet surprisingly, until now, there has been very little adjustment to existing crime scene procedures.
When COVID first appeared, guidelines were quickly introduced in a range of countries for forensic autopsies of COVID-positive cases and the handling of infected biological samples, but not for CSI protocols more generally.
How should CSI teams be protected?
One possibility is CSI teams could adopt the existing protective measures used for chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents.
Those measures were largely developed in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks, and in response to broader concerns about terrorism that began to emerge in the 1990s.
But these safety precautions are burdensome, time-consuming and expensive, particularly for local and regional law enforcement agencies, and are not necessarily useful when dealing with a virus.
Officers dealing with identifying a potential toxic warfare agent, for example, would need much more bulky equipment than the standard PPE used to prevent COVID infections.
And let’s not forget the role of our law enforcement agencies also includes many other tasks, such as crime prevention and public order, not just identifying, securing and providing evidence in a criminal court. In an ideal world, each police department would have its own specialist forensic agents. But the reality, especially in small cities and remote areas, is that officers are trained for every task, including collecting forensic evidence.
Officer in anti-terrorism protective suit
Equipment designed to protect officers from terrorism-related hazards are often too impractical to use on a daily basis. Katelyn Strange/US Army/Wikimedia Commons
All over the world during the 2020 lockdowns, minor offences such as burglaries and car thefts declined. But there was no drop in serious crimes, such as homicide and domestic violence.
In fact, COVID has arguably created new types of incidents to investigate, such as suspicious deaths in hotel quarantine.
Read more: Some crimes have seen drastic decreases during coronavirus — but not homicides in the US
COVID looks set to be with us for some time yet. So what is the best way to protect our CSI teams in an affordable and practical way?
COVID-safe crime scenes
One place to look for ideas is Italy, which has so far recorded 5.6 COVID may have curtailed travel, hospitality, education and entertainment, but crime scene investigation never stops.
As a forensic scientist, researcher and lecturer, I know first-hand the risks and challenges crime scene investigation (CSI) teams have faced over the past two years as we’ve grappled with the realities of operating amid the threat of COVI
CSI units present a unique challenge, as investigators often work at close quarters for prolonged periods. Yet surprisingly, until now, there has been very little adjustment to existing crime scene procedure
When COVID first appeared, guidelines were quickly introduced in a range of countries for forensic autopsies of COVID-positive cases and the handling of infected biological samples, but not for CSI protocols more generall
How should CSI teams be protecte
One possibility is CSI teams could adopt the existing protective measures used for chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents
Those measures were largely developed in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks, and in response to broader concerns about terrorism that began to emerge in the 1990
But these safety precautions are burdensome, time-consuming and expensive, particularly for local and regional law enforcement agencies, and are not necessarily useful when dealing with a viru
Officers dealing with identifying a potential toxic warfare agent, for example, would need much more bulky equipment than the standard PPE used to prevent COVID infection
And let’s not forget the role of our law enforcement agencies also includes many other tasks, such as crime prevention and public order, not just identifying, securing and providing evidence in a criminal court. In an ideal world, each police department would have its own specialist forensic agents. But the reality, especially in small cities and remote areas, is that officers are trained for every task, including collecting forensic evidenc
Officer in anti-terrorism protective su
Equipment designed to protect officers from terrorism-related hazards are often too impractical to use on a daily basis. Katelyn Strange/US Army/Wikimedia Common
All over the world during the 2020 lockdowns, minor offences such as burglaries and car thefts declined. But there was no drop in serious crimes, such as homicide and domestic violence
In fact, COVID has arguably created new types of incidents to investigate, such as suspicious deaths in hotel quarantin
Read more: Some crimes have seen drastic decreases during coronavirus — but not homicides in the
COVID looks set to be with us for some time yet. So what is the best way to protect our CSI teams in an affordable and practical wa
COVID-safe crime scen
One place to look for ideas is Italy, which has so far recorded 5.6 millionCOVID may have curtailed travel, hospitality, education and entertainment, but crime scene investigation never stops.
As a forensic scientist, researcher and lecturer, I know first-hand the risks and challenges crime scene investigation (CSI) teams have faced over the past two years as we’ve grappled with the realities of operating amid the threat of COVID.
CSI units present a unique challenge, as investigators often work at close quarters for prolonged periods. Yet surprisingly, until now, there has been very little adjustment to existing crime scene procedures.
When COVID first appeared, guidelines were quickly introduced in a range of countries for forensic autopsies of COVID-positive cases and the handling of infected biological samples, but not for CSI protocols more generally.
How should CSI teams be protected?
One possibility is CSI teams could adopt the existing protective measures used for chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents.
Those measures were largely developed in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks, and in response to broader concerns about terrorism that began to emerge in the 1990s.
But these safety precautions are burdensome, time-consuming and expensive, particularly for local and regional law enforcement agencies, and are not necessarily useful when dealing with a virus.
Officers dealing with identifying a potential toxic warfare agent, for example, would need much more bulky equipment than the standard PPE used to prevent COVID infections.
And let’s not forget the role of our law enforcement agencies also includes many other tasks, such as crime prevention and public order, not just identifying, securing and providing evidence in a criminal court. In an ideal world, each police department would have its own specialist forensic agents. But the reality, especially in small cities and remote areas, is that officers are trained for every task, including collecting forensic evidence.
Officer in anti-terrorism protective suit
Equipment designed to protect officers from terrorism-related hazards are often too impractical to use on a daily basis. Katelyn Strange/US Army/Wikimedia Commons
All over the world during the 2020 lockdowns, minor offences such as burglaries and car thefts declined. But there was no drop in serious crimes, such as homicide and domestic violence.
In fact, COVID has arguably created new types of incidents to investigate, such as suspicious deaths in hotel quarantine.
Read more: Some crimes have seen drastic decreases during coronavirus — but not homicides in the US
COVID looks set to be with us for some time yet. So what is the best way to protect our CSI teams in an affordable and practical way?
COVID-safe crime scenes
One place to look for ideas is Italy, which haCOVID may have curtailed travel, hospitality, education and entertainment, but crime scene investigation never stops.
As a forensic scientist, researcher and lecturer, I know first-hand the risks and challenges crime scene investigation (CSI) teams have faced over the past two years as we’ve grappled with the realities of operating amid the threat of COVID.
CSI units present a unique challenge, as investigators often work at close quarters for prolonged periods. Yet surprisingly, until now, there has been very little adjustment to existing crime scene procedures.
When COVID first appeared, guidelines were quickly introduced in a range of countries for forensic autopsies of COVID-positive cases and the handling of infected biological samples, but not for CSI protocols more generally.
How should CSI teams be protected?
One possibility is CSI teams could adopt the existing protective measures used for chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents.
Those measures were largely developed in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks, and in response to broader concerns about terrorism that began to emerge in the 1990s.
But these safety precautions are burdensome, time-consuming and expensive, particularly for local and regional law enforcement agencies, and are not necessarily useful when dealing with a virus.
Officers dealing with identifying a potential toxic warfare agent, for example, would need much more bulky equipment than the standard PPE used to prevent COVID infections.
And let’s not forget the role of our law enforcement agencies also includes many other tasks, such as crime prevention and public order, not just identifying, securing and providing evidence in a criminal court. In an ideal world, each police department would have its own specialist forensic agents. But the reality, especially in small cities and remote areas, is that officers are trained for every task, including collecting forensic evidence.
Officer in anti-terrorism protective suit
Equipment designed to protect officers from terrorism-related hazards are often too impractical to use on a daily basis. Katelyn Strange/US Army/Wikimedia Commons
All over the world during the 2020 lockdowns, minor offences such as burglaries and car thefts declined. But there was no drop in serious crimes, such as homicide and domestic violence.
In fact, COVID has arguably created new types of incidents to investigate, such as suspicious deaths in hotel quarantine.
Read more: Some crimes have seen drastic decreases during coronavirus — but not homicides in the US
COVID looks set to be with us for some time yet. So what is the best way to protect our CSI teams in an affordable and practical way?
COVID-safe crime scenes
One place to look for ideas is Italy, which haCOVID may have curtailed travel, hospitality, education and entertainment, but crime scene investigation never stops.
As a forensic scientist, researcher and lecturer, I know first-hand the risks and challenges crime scene investigation (CSI) teams have faced over the past two years as we’ve grappled with the realities of operating amid the threat of COVID.
CSI units present a unique challenge, as investigators often work at close quarters for prolonged periods. Yet surprisingly, until now, there has been very little adjustment to existing crime scene procedures.
When COVID first appeared, guidelines were quickly introduced in a range of countries for forensic autopsies of COVID-positive cases and the handling of infected biological samples, but not for CSI protocols more generally.
How should CSI teams be protected?
One possibility is CSI teams could adopt the existing protective measures used for chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents.
Those measures were largely developed in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks, and in response to broader concerns about terrorism that began to emerge in the 1990s.
But these safety precautions are burdensome, time-consuming and expensive, particularly for local and regional law enforcement agencies, and are not necessarily useful when dealing with a virus.
Officers dealing with identifying a potential toxic warfare agent, for example, would need much more bulky equipment than the standard PPE used to prevent COVID infections.
And let’s not forget the role of our law enforcement agencies also includes many other tasks, such as crime prevention and public order, not just identifying, securing and providing evidence in a criminal court. In an ideal world, each police department would have its own specialist forensic agents. But the reality, especially in small cities and remote areas, is that officers are trained for every task, including collecting forensic evidence.
Officer in anti-terrorism protective suit
Equipment designed to protect officers from terrorism-related hazards are often too impractical to use on a daily basis. Katelyn Strange/US Army/Wikimedia Commons
All over the world during the 2020 lockdowns, minor offences such as burglaries and car thefts declined. But there was no drop in serious crimes, such as homicide and domestic violence.
In fact, COVID has arguably created new types of incidents to investigate, such as suspicious deaths in hotel quarantine.
Read more: Some crimes have seen drastic decreases during coronavirus — but not homicides in the US
COVID looks set to be with us for some time yet. So what is the best way to protect our CSI teams in an affordable and practical way?
COVID-safe crime scenes
One place to look for ideas is Italy, which haCOVID may have curtailed travel, hospitality, education and entertainment, but crime scene investigation never stops.
As a forensic scientist, researcher and lecturer, I know first-hand the risks and challenges crime scene investigation (CSI) teams have faced over the past two years as we’ve grappled with the realities of operating amid the threat of COVID.
CSI units present a unique challenge, as investigators often work at close quarters for prolonged periods. Yet surprisingly, until now, there has been very little adjustment to existing crime scene procedures.
When COVID first appeared, guidelines were quickly introduced in a range of countries for forensic autopsies of COVID-positive cases and the handling of infected biological samples, but not for CSI protocols more generally.
How should CSI teams be protected?
One possibility is CSI teams could adopt the existing protective measures used for chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents.
Those measures were largely developed in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks, and in response to broader concerns about terrorism that began to emerge in the 1990s.
But these safety precautions are burdensome, time-consuming and expensive, particularly for local and regional law enforcement agencies, and are not necessarily useful when dealing with a virus.
Officers dealing with identifying a potential toxic warfare agent, for example, would need much more bulky equipment than the standard PPE used to prevent COVID infections.
And let’s not forget the role of our law enforcement agencies also includes many other tasks, such as crime prevention and public order, not just identifying, securing and providing evidence in a criminal court. In an ideal world, each police department would have its own specialist forensic agents. But the reality, especially in small cities and remote areas, is that officers are trained for every task, including collecting forensic evidence.
Officer in anti-terrorism protective suit
Equipment designed to protect officers from terrorism-related hazards are often too impractical to use on a daily basis. Katelyn Strange/US Army/Wikimedia Commons
All over the world during the 2020 lockdowns, minor offences such as burglaries and car thefts declined. But there was no drop in serious crimes, such as homicide and domestic violence.
In fact, COVID has arguably created new types of incidents to investigate, such as suspicious deaths in hotel quarantine.
Read more: Some crimes have seen drastic decreases during coronavirus — but not homicides in the US
COVID looks set to be with us for some time yet. So what is the best way to protect our CSI teams in an affordable and practical way?
COVID-safe crime scenes
One place to look for ideas is Italy, which haCOVID may have curtailed travel, hospitality, education and entertainment, but crime scene investigation never stops.
As a forensic scientist, researcher and lecturer, I know first-hand the risks and challenges crime scene investigation (CSI) teams have faced over the past two years as we’ve grappled with the realities of operating amid the threat of COVID.
CSI units present a unique challenge, as investigators often work at close quarters for prolonged periods. Yet surprisingly, until now, there has been very little adjustment to existing crime scene procedures.
When COVID first appeared, guidelines were quickly introduced in a range of countries for forensic autopsies of COVID-positive cases and the handling of infected biological samples, but not for CSI protocols more generally.
How should CSI teams be protected?
One possibility is CSI teams could adopt the existing protective measures used for chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents.
Those measures were largely developed in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks, and in response to broader concerns about terrorism that began to emerge in the 1990s.
But these safety precautions are burdensome, time-consuming and expensive, particularly for local and regional law enforcement agencies, and are not necessarily useful when dealing with a virus.
Officers dealing with identifying a potential toxic warfare agent, for example, would need much more bulky equipment than the standard PPE used to prevent COVID infections.
And let’s not forget the role of our law enforcement agencies also includes many other tasks, such as crime prevention and public order, not just identifying, securing and providing evidence in a criminal court. In an ideal world, each police department would have its own specialist forensic agents. But the reality, especially in small cities and remote areas, is that officers are trained for every task, including collecting forensic evidence.
Officer in anti-terrorism protective suit
Equipment designed to protect officers from terrorism-related hazards are often too impractical to use on a daily basis. Katelyn Strange/US Army/Wikimedia Commons
All over the world during the 2020 lockdowns, minor offences such as burglaries and car thefts declined. But there was no drop in serious crimes, such as homicide and domestic violence.
In fact, COVID has arguably created new types of incidents to investigate, such as suspicious deaths in hotel quarantine.
Read more: Some crimes have seen drastic decreases during coronavirus — but not homicides in the US
COVID looks set to be with us for some time yet. So what is the best way to protect our CSI teams in an affordable and practical way?
COVID-safe crime scenes
One place to look for ideas is Italy, which haCOVID may have curtailed travel, hospitality, education and entertainment, but crime scene investigation never stops.
As a forensic scientist, researcher and lecturer, I know first-hand the risks and challenges crime scene investigation (CSI) teams have faced over the past two years as we’ve grappled with the realities of operating amid the threat of COVID.
CSI units present a unique challenge, as investigators often work at close quarters for prolonged periods. Yet surprisingly, until now, there has been very little adjustment to existing crime scene procedures.
When COVID first appeared, guidelines were quickly introduced in a range of countries for forensic autopsies of COVID-positive cases and the handling of infected biological samples, but not for CSI protocols more generally.
How should CSI teams be protected?
One possibility is CSI teams could adopt the existing protective measures used for chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents.
Those measures were largely developed in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks, and in response to broader concerns about terrorism that began to emerge in the 1990s.
But these safety precautions are burdensome, time-consuming and expensive, particularly for local and regional law enforcement agencies, and are not necessarily useful when dealing with a virus.
Officers dealing with identifying a potential toxic warfare agent, for example, would need much more bulky equipment than the standard PPE used to prevent COVID infections.
And let’s not forget the role of our law enforcement agencies also includes many other tasks, such as crime prevention and public order, not just identifying, securing and providing evidence in a criminal court. In an ideal world, each police department would have its own specialist forensic agents. But the reality, especially in small cities and remote areas, is that officers are trained for every task, including collecting forensic evidence.
Officer in anti-terrorism protective suit
Equipment designed to protect officers from terrorism-related hazards are often too impractical to use on a daily basis. Katelyn Strange/US Army/Wikimedia Commons
All over the world during the 2020 lockdowns, minor offences such as burglaries and car thefts declined. But there was no drop in serious crimes, such as homicide and domestic violence.
In fact, COVID has arguably created new types of incidents to investigate, such as suspicious deaths in hotel quarantine.
Read more: Some crimes have seen drastic decreases during coronavirus — but not homicides in the US
COVID looks set to be with us for some time yet. So what is the best way to protect our CSI teams in an affordable and practical way?
COVID-safe crime scenes
One place to look for ideas is Italy, which haCOVID may have curtailed travel, hospitality, education and entertainment, but crime scene investigation never stops.
As a forensic scientist, researcher and lecturer, I know first-hand the risks and challenges crime scene investigation (CSI) teams have faced over the past two years as we’ve grappled with the realities of operating amid the threat of COVID.
CSI units present a unique challenge, as investigators often work at close quarters for prolonged periods. Yet surprisingly, until now, there has been very little adjustment to existing crime scene procedures.
When COVID first appeared, guidelines were quickly introduced in a range of countries for forensic autopsies of COVID-positive cases and the handling of infected biological samples, but not for CSI protocols more generally.
How should CSI teams be protected?
One possibility is CSI teams could adopt the existing protective measures used for chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents.
Those measures were largely developed in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks, and in response to broader concerns about terrorism that began to emerge in the 1990s.
But these safety precautions are burdensome, time-consuming and expensive, particularly for local and regional law enforcement agencies, and are not necessarily useful when dealing with a virus.
Officers dealing with identifying a potential toxic warfare agent, for example, would need much more bulky equipment than the standard PPE used to prevent COVID infections.
And let’s not forget the role of our law enforcement agencies also includes many other tasks, such as crime prevention and public order, not just identifying, securing and providing evidence in a criminal court. In an ideal world, each police department would have its own specialist forensic agents. But the reality, especially in small cities and remote areas, is that officers are trained for every task, including collecting forensic evidence.
Officer in anti-terrorism protective suit
Equipment designed to protect officers from terrorism-related hazards are often too impractical to use on a daily basis. Katelyn Strange/US Army/Wikimedia Commons
All over the world during the 2020 lockdowns, minor offences such as burglaries and car thefts declined. But there was no drop in serious crimes, such as homicide and domestic violence.
In fact, COVID has arguably created new types of incidents to investigate, such as suspicious deaths in hotel quarantine.
Read more: Some crimes have seen drastic decreases during coronavirus — but not homicides in the US
COVID looks set to be with us for some time yet. So what is the best way to protect our CSI teams in an affordable and practical way?
COVID-safe crime scenes
One place to look for ideas is Italy, which haCOVID may have curtailed travel, hospitality, education and entertainment, but crime scene investigation never stops.
As a forensic scientist, researcher and lecturer, I know first-hand the risks and challenges crime scene investigation (CSI) teams have faced over the past two years as we’ve grappled with the realities of operating amid the threat of COVID.
CSI units present a unique challenge, as investigators often work at close quarters for prolonged periods. Yet surprisingly, until now, there has been very little adjustment to existing crime scene procedures.
When COVID first appeared, guidelines were quickly introduced in a range of countries for forensic autopsies of COVID-positive cases and the handling of infected biological samples, but not for CSI protocols more generally.
How should CSI teams be protected?
One possibility is CSI teams could adopt the existing protective measures used for chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents.
Those measures were largely developed in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks, and in response to broader concerns about terrorism that began to emerge in the 1990s.
But these safety precautions are burdensome, time-consuming and expensive, particularly for local and regional law enforcement agencies, and are not necessarily useful when dealing with a virus.
Officers dealing with identifying a potential toxic warfare agent, for example, would need much more bulky equipment than the standard PPE used to prevent COVID infections.
And let’s not forget the role of our law enforcement agencies also includes many other tasks, such as crime prevention and public order, not just identifying, securing and providing evidence in a criminal court. In an ideal world, each police department would have its own specialist forensic agents. But the reality, especially in small cities and remote areas, is that officers are trained for every task, including collecting forensic evidence.
Officer in anti-terrorism protective suit
Equipment designed to protect officers from terrorism-related hazards are often too impractical to use on a daily basis. Katelyn Strange/US Army/Wikimedia Commons
All over the world during the 2020 lockdowns, minor offences such as burglaries and car thefts declined. But there was no drop in serious crimes, such as homicide and domestic violence.
In fact, COVID has arguably created new types of incidents to investigate, such as suspicious deaths in hotel quarantine.
Read more: Some crimes have seen drastic decreases during coronavirus — but not homicides in the US
COVID looks set to be with us for some time yet. So what is the best way to protect our CSI teams in an affordable and practical way?
COVID-safe crime scenes
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