Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Writing Magazine

    Writing crime: Crime scene forensics

    Apr 07, 2022 6 minutes

    As crime writers, we work hard to get the crime scene forensics right. Not only is it often key to our plot, but it adds authenticity to our stories. Whilst it’s important to ensure the basics are correct, forensic science is rapidly changing and understanding those changes can also feed into our stories in new and different ways.

    CRIME SCENES CHANGE

    Way back in the 1990s, I was a scenes of crime officer (SOCO) and for the last 22 years I’ve worked as a police and crime journalist. If there has been one change in crime scene investigation it is a greater understanding and effort to preserve a crime scene, which means not destroying what you have or introducing something that wasn’t previously there.

    When I was a SOCO, it was rare to see anyone in protective suits unless it was a murder scene and, even then, only the SOCOs donned them. That has most definitely changed. Advancements

    You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

    More from Writing Magazine

    Writing Magazine3 min read
    Understanding Structure
    The concept of story structure might feel restrictive but it can enhance your creative freedom as a novelist. It can help you protect your story’s integrity, streamline your writing process, and boost your confidence, all through an understanding of
    Writing Magazine3 min read
    Standout, Breakout
    For a few years I had pinned above my desk a Private Eye cartoon by Peter Cook. Two literary types at a book launch, ‘I’m writing a novel,’ says one, ‘neither am I,’ replies the other. It’s a curious irony, given the amount of time that authors spend
    Writing Magazine7 min read
    Creative CONTROL
    Cally Taylor proves that crime writers who explore the darkest, murkiest areas of human existence can be amongst the nicest writers you’re likely to meet. ‘Yes! I know! The darkness that looms!’ she laughs. She’s a gregarious livewire to talk to – ge

    Related Books & Audiobooks