Gather Evidence for an Accident or Crime

Colin McLaren, former homicide investigator, brings his considerable experience to the table when discussing how to gather evidence on a workplace accident or crime. 

Course Overview 

When an accident or crime has occurred, it is important to gather as many relevant facts as quickly as possible. Colin McLaren talks to Eve Ash about how to properly document everything, photographing the scene, noting what people say they saw, and asking questions to establish facts. While gathering evidence, investigator should not have a preconceived notion of what how it happened. It is essential to remain calm and professional to help sort out what happened. 

Key Learning Points 

When gathering evidence, investigators should: 

• Document everything (times, dates, movements, sketches) 

• Photograph the relevant scene 

• Note what people saw 

• Ask questions to obtain facts 

• Not have a predetermined theory 

• Be calm and efficient 

Interviewer: Eve Ash 

Interviewee: Colin McLaren