Initial Scene Assessment
An initial scene assessment (ISA) is completed by the first SOCO that attends the crime scene, this consists of a detailed description of how the scene was found for example if the windows where open or closed upon arrival. This must be completed before any SOCO begins evidence collection as it shows where all evidence was present when the SOCO's entered and can give other investigators an insight of how the scene was found so they are able to get a pictured image if they where not present. When completing the initial scene assessment photographs will also be taken of the scene as they are able to back the initial scene assessment up and prove to the courts and other investigators that the evidence was present and collected for the correct reasons. These photographs will give a more detailed image of the scene from each angle, they ensure that nothing has been overlooked and everything has been taken into consideration when completing the plan of premises. By effectively carrying out this procedure this can contribute to valid evidence collection as each piece of evidence will be taken into consideration when completing the ISA due to the SOCO having to include it within the detailed description, this will mean the SOCO will have an insight already after completing the ISA of what evidence should be collected and the reason for this.
Initial Scene Assessment in the Soham Murders
Within the Soham murders an initial scene assessment was completed where the bodies where found. This assessment consisted of a detailed description of the area the bodies where found in, how the bodies where found and also the condition the bodied where found in. This was a beneficial process as it allowed the police to have an insight of the crime scene if they weren't present.