Who has overall responsibility at a crime scene?

The senior investigator holds overall responsibility at a crime scene primarily due to their experience and leadership role in managing the investigation. They are tasked with overseeing the investigative process, ensuring that all protocols are followed, and making critical decisions regarding the direction of the investigation. This includes coordinating with various team members, including detectives, patrol officers, and crime scene technicians, to ensure that evidence is collected properly and the scene is secured.

The senior investigator brings a wealth of knowledge to the situation, typically having a background in investigations and having worked on similar cases in the past. This allows them to provide guidance, balance various aspects of the case, and prioritize actions to be taken at the scene. By having a senior investigator in charge, the investigation is more likely to proceed efficiently, and valuable evidence is secured correctly, which is vital for solving the case.