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Crime scene preservation on a licensed premises

Writer's picture: Simon FrancisSimon Francis

Crime scene preservation on licensed premises, such as a bar, club, or other establishment with an alcohol license, is crucial in the event of a crime, like an assault or serious incident, to ensure that evidence is not contaminated or lost. Here's a general guide to preserving a crime scene on a licensed premises:

1. Immediate Action

  • Ensure Safety: The first priority is ensuring that the area is safe. If there is an immediate danger to staff, customers, or others, address this before worrying about preservation. Call emergency services if necessary.

  • Call the Police: Report the crime to the police as soon as possible. Provide details of the incident and request their presence to take over the crime scene.

  • Secure the Area: Keep people away from the scene to prevent contamination. Use barriers, signs, or staff to cordon off the area. This could include closing off rooms, sections of the bar, or even the entire premises, depending on the seriousness of the crime.

2. Minimize Contamination

  • Limit Access: Only essential personnel, such as first responders or law enforcement, should enter the crime scene. Prevent patrons, staff, and other individuals from entering.

  • Avoid Touching or Moving Anything: Staff should avoid moving or cleaning any objects that might serve as evidence, such as broken glass, weapons, or even personal belongings left behind.

  • Record What’s Changed: If any actions were taken before realizing it was a crime scene, such as moving items or cleaning, document these actions in detail for the police. This can help them understand what might have been disturbed.

3. Preserve Evidence

  • Protect Physical Evidence: This could include items like bloodstains, weapons, fingerprints, or items used in the crime (e.g., glasses or bottles). Make sure no one touches or tamper with these objects.

  • Preserve Digital Evidence: If there are CCTV cameras on the premises, make sure that the footage is preserved. Turn off automatic overwrite functions to ensure no footage is lost. Also, consider digital evidence like card transactions or communication records (e.g., staff radios or communication systems) that might be relevant.

4. Witnesses

  • Identify Witnesses: Ask patrons and staff who saw what happened to remain at the scene or provide their contact details for the police. Encourage them to refrain from discussing the incident to avoid contaminating their memories of the event.

  • Record Statements: If police are delayed, you might record initial statements from witnesses about what they saw, but this should be brief and done with caution to avoid leading questions.

5. Documentation

  • Keep Records: If possible, have a log of what time actions were taken (e.g., calling the police, securing the scene) and who was involved. This can be useful for police investigations and any follow-up inquiries.

  • Report to Licensing Authorities: Depending on local laws, the premises may need to report the incident to licensing authorities as part of regulatory requirements, especially if it involves serious crime.

6. Training

  • Staff Training: Ensure all staff are trained in crime scene preservation techniques. This could be part of broader security and safety training, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a secure scene and cooperating with the police


Crime scene preservation on a licensed premises

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Licensing Professionals guide to Licensing Act 2003
Crime scene preservation on a licensed premises

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