Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO)

Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO)

It is the responsibility of the Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) to identify any relevant forensic evidence present at the scene of a crime and also ensure that the scene of the crime is safe for the other members of the criminal investigation team to access.  The forensic evidence, once identified, must be photographed and recorded prior to its collection and transfer into the appropriate receptacle.  The Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) is required, as part of their role and responsibility, to ensure that there is a chain of continuity and that all forensic evidence indentified and collected is done so in the correct manor wearing the full personal protective equipment.  The Scene of Crime officer will ensure that all documentation/ records are detailed and correct as they will be used in court, in the case of a murder trial, by both the prosecution and defence.  The Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) may be called to attend court in order to give a detailed and accurate account of the procedures that took place at the scene of the crime when they were identifying and gathering the relevant forensic evidence.  The Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) will liaise with the forensic scientists regarding the analysis and the findings gathered as a result of the analysis.  The Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) will be required at a criminal investigation that involves a terrorist attack as the relevant evidence will need to be identified and collected in order for transportation to the forensic laboratory for further analysis.  The Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) will need to work with the police and other departments to ensure that the scene is safe to access.