I don't often go into serious topics like investigative theory/criminal profiling... · 5:53pm Aug 29th, 2016
But there are certain things to be aware of (from a forensic anthropologists point of view) when reviewing a crime scene and forensic evidence in order to catch a criminal:
-Secure the area and mark off any potential exhibits of interest involving the crime scene.
-Finger/Toe/Palm/Foot prints: These can be hard to spot but highly crucial in the investigation.
-Ask yourself, in the case of a suspicious stain at the scene: Is this blood? Is this any semen or vaginal fluid? If it is blood, is it human blood? What could've made this type of injury?
-If the immediate murder weapon is not initially known, search!
-Collect as much forensic evidence as you can (i.e.: hairs, blood, fibers, clothing, etc...) and thoroughly analyse it.
-When the identity of the victim(s) is known, question their habits/relationships with others to get an idea on any possible scenarios related to the crime.
-In the event the murder weapon is located, take it to forensic labs to confirm it as the weapon.
-If forensic evidence proves correct and a suspect is discovered, track him/her DOWN! use a K-9 unit if necessary.
-When you have the suspect in custody, interrogate (good cop/bad cop routine isn't fiction). If a confession and motive is revealed, voilà! You've got a solid case that can be argued in a court of law!
Here's a example of Forensic profiling/science at work:
You know what's funny about this? I'm in the process of finishing an ace attorney crossover!
4179984 Interesting! If you need any other references, feel free to ask! I took a forensic science class in 10th grade plus I watch A Lot of Law and Order: SVU and Forensic Files as well as the Investigation Discovery channel.
4179987 Nah, I've nearly finished it. I just thought the timing was funny.
Besides, this Last case deals with an overwwhelming lack of evidence, which leads to the wrong suspect and a cover up to protect the wrong suspect.
4179992 Very interesting!
4179994 Oh just wait, there's a lot more. But I won't spoil.
4179995 Oh of course! I was just saying it sounds incredibly interesting.
4179996 that's what I'm hoping for, it is the fifth and final case of the series, so it's gotta be a big finale.
4180000 Excellent! Ending the series with a big ground-breaking case!
4180002 Oh yes. Its ground breaking. It literally starts with a prosecutor being accused of poisoning his fiance, and his daughter is prosecuting him. And then two seconds later it's revealed to the court that the Prosecutor was involved in two unsolved murder cases. And then after he's about to get a not guilty verdict, he confesses to the first two murders, which my defense attorney, the main character, doesn't believe.
Its gonna be big. Sadly, I'm traveling today, so I can't finish it yet.
4180010 ....I thought you weren't gonna spoil!?
4180030 Most of what I told you is already published here, and I got excited. . . Sorry
4180036 It's okay!
4180095 Oh, okay.
You forgot the First Rule of Forensic Investigation: isolate and secure the crime scene, doing everything possible to make sure all of the evidence is undisturbed - as much as possible, anyway - and that none of the evidence has been touched or otherwise contaminated.
4180357
You're right! I totally forgot that rather important detail!
4180595
Hey, cool. Nobody's perfect, not even me!
Now...
Proper forensic procedure is as follows:
1: upon receiving a report of a crime scene the lead investigator assigned to the case assembles an investigative/forensic team comprised of those s/he feels are best qualified to investigate that particular scene.
Note: each crime scene is different and requires different investigative approaches. Example: in the case of a bloody murder that takes place inside of a house or apartment and where numerous spatter points are found, it's best to bring along a spatter expert who can then lay out the scene according to his or her expertise in this field, thus giving a much clearer idea of where attacks took place and how they were committed.
2: upon arrival of the scene the lead investigator sends his/her lead forensics experts inside while instructing accompanying beat officers to clear out all non-witness spectators from the scene.
3: the lead investigator then begins the process of interviewing/questioning any potential or actual witnesses to the crime while taking careful notes, particularly of those statements from witnesses/potential witnesses who can shed light on what actually occurred.
3A: every good investigator knows that ninety nine percent of the time witnesses have notoriously bad memories, especially during times of stress or emotional distress.
4: After witnesses interviews, the lead investigator enters the now secure crime scene and begins questioning his investigators, building on what they tell him/her in order to build and establish a crime pattern.
5: Upon completion of this task the lead investigator then sends his forensic experts back to their various labs to analyze whatever evidence was found at the crime scene.
6: With the crime scene examination completed, the lead investigator then finalizes securing the crime scene, sealing doors and windows in order to protect the scene in case a second forensic examination is called for at a later date. It's not uncommon for a crime scene to be secured and sealed for up to six months.
How do I know this? One of my friends is a detective for the local police where I live. He's always happy to tell me things I want to know as long as it doesn't compromise an on-going crime investigation.
4182080 To be fair, I kinda just glossed over the basics of forensic science in a criminal case.
4182086
Well, to be fair, and I say this gently, if you're going to do any kind of detective/crime story then it's never a good idea to gloss over anything because, as I'm sure you're well aware, there are always those who will read a story and then proceed to nit-pick the hell out of it, pointing out every single little flaw.
Personally I find it a lot more fun thinking that they're ripping their hair out because they can't find any mistakes. That always gives me a chuckle and is always good for the lulz.
4182099 Huh? Oh! No! I wasn't planning a crime story! I was simply going over basics just for the hell of it!
4182111
Oh! Well, there you go!
The upside: at least you're prepared now prepped on procedure just in case you ever do write a crime story. 
4182272 Yes indeed!