crime scene report college essay

Princeton University Admission Essay Sample: Crime scene Report

Princeton University Application Essay, Princeton University Admission Essay

College application essay about humor

"Crime scene Report"

Lauren Sanders

Duke University

Crime Scene Report

Crime: Missing Person

Location: Duke University, 2138 Campus Drive, Box 90586, Durham, north Carolina 27708-0586

Time: October 2, 2008, 11:00 A.M.

Investigated by: Admissions Offcers of Duke University

case description:

On the morning of October 2, 2008, at precisely 7:00 A.M., a Miss Lauren Sanders began to worry. Her future-self entered the gates of a prestigious university in the fall of 2009 and had not returned home. Miss Sanders fled a missing person's report, hoping someone could help her to locate her future-self in a world of possibilities.

The case began with a grueling interrogation of Miss Lauren Sanders, the person who knew most about her future-self. However, the questioning session yielded little information. Miss Sanders could not fully describe herself in the future. Pressured, she stated that "she has the ambition to fulfll all of her goals, is both stubborn and industrious, and wants to experience University life." Miss Sanders lacked a photograph of her future-self, but remarked that "she has brown hair, likes to describe herself as vertically-challenged, and is usually smiling."

NOTE: While unable to describe her future-self, Miss Sanders believed that examination of past experiences could possibly assist the admissions offcers in the case. According to Miss Sanders, her future-self has "volunteered in her community and traveled on a global scale."

Physical evidence collected during a thorough search of Miss Sander's bedroom included a Dell laptop, a collection of Jane Austin novels, worn textbooks, and an I-pod. Fingerprinting analysis and DnA processing determined that these items belong to both Miss Sanders and her future-self, and that they use these items frequently. Despite biological traces of the future-self found within the home, laboratory analysis concluded that Miss Sanders' future-self does not reside within her hometown.

With information gathered from the physical search of Miss Sanders' home and Miss Sanders' interrogation, a database search was conducted to determine possible universities in which Miss Sanders' future-self resided. Within minutes, Duke University appeared as a match.With this lead, authorities conducted numerous searches at Duke University in Durham, north Carolina, probing the dorms, library, and classrooms. All searches yielded nothing, yet the possibility of fnding Miss Sanders' future-self remains strong. Professors and students alike, when questioned about Miss Sanders' future-self, strongly believe that many individuals like her come to the University to fnd their potential paths.

Further examination will be needed to complete this investigation, including a thorough inspection of Miss Sanders' resume and letters of recommendation. Hopefully, the leads that we have will direct us to the whereabouts of her future-self.

Note: According to Miss Sanders, the future-self plans to travel on a foreign-exchange student program and hopes to conduct research in one of the many labs available to undergraduates. At present, these areas have not been searched by professionals.

On the morning of October 2, 2009, at precisely 7:04 A.M., the admissions offcers found Miss Lauren Sanders' future-self at Duke University. She had hidden in the incoming student body.

Essay Analysis

Lauren's "Crime Scene Report" proves that there is no "standard" format for a college admissions essay. This essay's creative structure completely breaks the mold. Not only is it written in letter format, it also includes quirky NOTES in the body of the letter. While Lauren takes a big risk in deviating from the standard introduction-body paragraphsconclusion structure, her essay is undeniably memorable. Lauren successfully pulls off her caper—both in the fctional mystery story she tells, and in her playful writing style.

The creativity of the "Crime Scene Report" probably attests to Lauren's personality. We see that she is not afraid to take bold risks in her writing and stand out in a crowd. This unabashed attitude can be seen in her audacious and hilarious ending: "She had hidden in the incoming student body." This is a completely unexpected yet confdent way to assert her strong belief that she deserves to be admitted to Duke.

The clever way that Lauren infuses details about her interests throughout her writing helps add more "serious" elements to the mischievous format of her essay. For example, under the guise of an "interrogation," we learn that she is ambitious, "stubborn and industrious" and curious about university life. Later on, we fnd more specifc data that is relevant to Lauren—that she hopes to study abroad and conduct research in a lab. Perhaps Lauren could narrow the scope of this research by describing the lab she sees in her future, as this lab might be in biology, psychology, robotics, and endless other possibilities. In addition to sharing her goals, Lauren reveals past experiences that have shaped her life, specifcally volunteerism and international travel. This note piques our curiosity about these experiences; ideally, Lauren would discuss these in more detail in another essay. Lauren creatively uses this format to present not just her future goals and past experiences, but also her appearance (we envision a "vertically-challenged" smiling brunette) and some of the things around her that hint at her interests (her laptop, Jane Austen novels, textbooks, and I-Pod).

All these details present Lauren from a number of perspectives. Overall, the specifcs provide content to what would otherwise be a fun and humorous, but perhaps not terribly substantial, piece of writing. Lauren may have considered combining the paragraphs that begin "With this lead . . . " and "Further examination . . . " Though these two paragraphs help move along the "plot" of the crime scene, they don't give us substantially more information about Lauren herself. Since space is so precious in college essays, it is important to edit carefully. Eliminating redundancy creates more space to add enriching and edifying details that will more fully present the complex person that you are.

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Home — Essay Samples — Law, Crime & Punishment — Criminal Procedure — Crime Scene Report Examples

Crime Scene Report Examples

Categories: Criminal Procedure

About this sample

Words: 260 |

Published: Mar 25, 2024

Words: 260 | Page: 1 | 2 min read

Example of a crime scene report, type of incident: burglary, reporting officer: detective john smith, description of the scene:, evidence collected:, witness statements:, investigator's observations and conclusions:.

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131 Crime Investigation Essay Topics

🏆 best essay investigative essay topics, ✍️ crime investigation essay topics for college, 👍 good crime investigation research topics & essay examples, 🎓 interesting crime scene investigation research paper topics, ❓ crime investigation questions, 🚨 crime scene investigation & criminal justice research topics.

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Importance of Toxicology in Crime Investigation
Use of Statistics in Criminal Justice and Criminology
Approaches in Criminal Investigation
How the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights Were Influenced by the Classical School of Criminology?
Forensic Science: Killing of JonBenet Ramsey
Feminist Perspectives’ Contribution to Criminology
Robert Merton’s Strain Theory in Criminology Robert Merton’s strain theory explains the link between crime and adverse social conditions and how the former may be precipitated by the latter.
Criminology as a Science: Cause and Effect Criminology is a study of the nature and degree of the problem of crime in society. For years criminologists have been trying to unravel criminal behavior.
Criminology and Impact of Automation Technology The sole objective of this study is to determine to what extent automation is embraced by law agencies and authorities to solve crimes with a faster and more accurate technique.
Aspects of Crime Scene Investigation Crime scene investigation is a real art that requires care and caution. Criminologists must be careful and persistent in their research.
Labeling Theory and Critical Criminology: Sociological Research Sociologists are researching offense and deviance to gain more knowledge about the motivations and attitudes of people involved applying theories of criminology based on sociology.
Full-Service Crime Laboratory: Forensic Science Forensic scientists study and analyze evidence from crime scenes and other locations to produce objective results that can aid in the investigation and prosecution of criminals.
Hernando Washington Case. Criminology The history of humanity has seen multiple cases of extreme violence, and such instances can hardly ever be justified by any factors.
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Contemporary Theories in Criminology This paper discusses three methods of measuring crimes, Classical School of criminology and its impacts on the US criminology, and the causes of crime – individuality and society.
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Three Case Briefs in Criminology This paper gives three case briefs in criminology. Cases are “Macomber v. Dillman Case”, “Isbell v. Brighton Area Schools Case”, and “Wilen v. Falkenstein Case”.
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A Look at Firearms and Ballistics in Forensic Science Firearms and ballistics expertise is an essential process and area of study within the framework of forensic science.
Classical and Positivist Schools of Criminology General and specific deterrence use the threat of negative consequences for illegal acts to reduce crime rates.
Crime Scene Investigation Effect in Justice System Movies have been known to influence popular culture in different parts of the world. Analysts believe that the “CSI effect” is one of the fruits of popular culture.
The Bank Robbery Crime Investigation The primary objective of securing the crime scene is to preserve all the evidence that can help trace and identify the bank robbery suspect.
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Chapter 7 of Statistics for Criminology and Criminal Justice Chapter 7 of Statistics for Criminology and Criminal Justice analyzes populations, sampling distributions, and the sample related to criminal-justice statistics and criminology.
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Postmodern Criminology: The Violence of the Language According to Arrigo (2019), postmodern criminology recognizes the specific value of language as a non-neutral, politically charged instrument of communication.
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The Usage of DNA Technology in Forensic Science DNA typing technology gives the forensic science an opportunity to uncover the information considered by the society “intensely private”.
Frank Hagan’s Textbook “Introduction to Criminology” Throughout the chapters, Frank Hagan deliberately made reference to positivism criminological theory as such, which was largely discredited.
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The Changing Nature of Crime and Criminal Investigations
DNA Profiling for Crime Investigation
Criminal Investigation: Electronic Evidence Collection
Effective Use of the Media in Serious Crime Investigations
Undercover and Entrapment Work in Criminal Investigation
Criminal Investigation: A Method for Reconstructing the Past
False Positive Error Reduction in Criminal Investigation
The Effectiveness of Forensic Psychology in Supporting the Investigation of Crime
Application of Artificial Intelligence in Criminal Investigation
Forensic Linguistics and Its Role in Criminal Investigations
Investigation and Analysis of Organized Crime
Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for Law Enforcement
Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation
Cyber Crime Investigation: Making a Safer Internet Space
Investigating a Crime: Victim and Witness Information
Criminal Investigation Then and Now
Importance of Evidence in Crime Investigation
What Are the Proper Steps in a Crime Investigation?
How Is DNA Used in Crime Investigation?
What Are the Most Common Types of Crime Investigation?
Which Method Is Used in Crime Investigation?
Is Medical Knowledge Effectively Used in the Crime Investigation?
What Are the First Steps in a Crime Investigation?
How Are Modern Technologies Used in Crime Investigation?
Why Is a Crime Investigation Necessary?
What Are the Techniques for Conducting Interrogation During Police Investigation of Crimes?
What Is the Main Purpose of Crime Investigation?
How Do the Police Conduct Crime Investigations Before Arrest?
What Is the Role of Crime Investigation in Criminal Justice?
Has Modern Technology Affected Crime Investigation?
What Is the Most Important Part of Crime Investigation?
Are There Ethical Issues Field Crime Investigation Applied Wrongful?
What Is the Most Important Goal of a Crime Investigation?
How Has Crime Investigation Process Developed Over the Years?
What Is the Best Method of Crime Scene Investigation?
What Is the Role of Police Enforcement in Crime Investigation?
How Are Methods of Inquiry Used in Crime Investigation?
What Skills Are Needed for an Effective Crime Investigation?
Is Documentation the Most Important Part of a Crime Scene Investigation?
What Are the Methods of Inquiry in Crime Investigation?
How Do Investigators Gather Evidence for Crime Investigation?
What Are the Key Questions That Can Help Start a Crime Investigation?
Comparative Criminal Analysis: Examining the Differences in Crime Scene Investigation Protocols between Two Countries
The Influence of Media Portrayals on Public Perceptions of Crime Scene Investigation and Its Effects on Juries
Challenges and Innovations in Juvenile Justice: Addressing the Specific Needs of Young Offenders in the Criminal Justice System
Psychology of Criminal Behavior: Profiling Techniques and Their Effectiveness in Criminal Investigations
GIS Technology in Crime Mapping and Its Application in Criminal Justice Research
Crime Scene Reconstruction Using Virtual Reality Simulations and 3D Modeling
Utilization of Ballistics Analysis in Linking Firearms to Crime Scenes and Suspects
Evolution of Crime Scene Investigation Techniques: From Traditional Methods to Modern Forensic Technologies
Artificial Intelligence in Crime Scene Analysis and Its Potential Implications for Justice Outcomes
Implications of Crime Scene Contamination and Ways to Prevent It During Investigations
The Reliability and Admissibility of Forensic Evidence in Criminal Trials: A Critical Examination
Analyzing the Impact of Body-Worn Cameras on Law Enforcement Practices and Transparency in Crime Scene Investigations
The Integration of Facial Recognition Technology in Identifying Suspects and Witnesses in Crime Scene Investigations

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These essay examples and topics on Crime Investigation were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

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CIVIL AND MISDEMEANORS

How to write a crime scene report.

By Danielle Smyth

December 09, 2018

Reviewed by Michelle Seidel, B.Sc., LL.B., MBA

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How to Write a Fire Investigation Report

Crime scene reports are critical components of an investigation. They reveal in great detail what a police officer or investigator saw upon arrival at the scene so that experts can later analyze the information in an effort to determine what transpired. Therefore, crime scene reports must be as thorough as possible, leaving nothing out.

Basic Crime Scene Procedure

Upon reporting to the scene of a crime, first establish the boundaries of the scene. Next, secure and protect the scene, ensuring the safety of all present and the security of evidence. Doing so will enable you to properly document the details in your crime scene report.

You should not smoke, chew tobacco, eat, drink or use the restroom upon arriving at a crime scene. Instead, writing your crime scene report must be the first thing you do once you have ensured the safety of all individuals present and secure any available evidence. You should also take photographs of the crime scene whenever possible unless there is a member of your team present dedicated to crime scene photography. Read More: Types of Evidence at a Crime Scene

How to Write a Crime Report

A crime scene report should always contain the who, what, when, where and how of an investigation. It is not possible in most cases to include the reason why a crime was committed, as this is often speculative.

Information should be documented in an organized fashion and should describe all of the individuals involved in the incident. List whether each was a victim, perpetrator or bystander. Describe the individual in great detail, including race, gender, height, weight, hair color, hairstyle, eye color, facial hair, any distinguishing marks and clothing worn. Take note of names, ages, addresses, contact information, occupations, employers and social security numbers for all involved parties.

The narrative portion of a crime scene report should overflow with detail. Start by noting the time you were called to the scene and explain what the caller stated had occurred. Describe who traveled to the scene with you and when you arrived. Things like time of day, temperature, precipitation, wind, humidity and light levels can be critical to an investigation, so be sure to note them all.

Include information about all involved officers or law enforcement agents, and who said and did what at the crime scene. Note any emergency personnel who responded and their reports of any injuries. Also discuss your impression of any injuries.

Describe what you saw at the scene in great detail. Positions of victims, witness, perpetrators or objects are all relevant to an investigation. Take statements from all involved parties, and document their assertions about what occurred. The more information you are able to collect, the more easily the investigation can conclude quickly and justly for all involved parties.

A crime scene report should be as detailed as possible and include information about all individuals present and the locations of all persons and objects. Your impressions of the scene should be documented without including suppositions.

Crime Scene: Incident Report
Tips for Writing a Crime Report

Danielle Smyth is a writer and content marketer from upstate New York. She holds a Master of Science in Publishing from Pace University. Her experience includes years of work in the insurance, workers compensation, disability, and background investigation fields. She has written on legal topics for a number of other clients. She owns her own content marketing agency, <a href="https://www.wordsmythcontent.com/">Wordsmyth Creative Content Marketing</a>, and enjoys writing legal articles and blogs for clients in related industries.

How to Write a Burglary Crime Report
How to Write an Incident Report
What Is the Purpose of a Police Report?

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Essay on DNA

Report On The Crime Scene

Type of paper: Report

Topic: DNA , Biology , Education , Television , Evidence , Alcoholism , Crime , Telephone

Words: 2250

Published: 11/26/2019

ORDER PAPER LIKE THIS

Weather: Clear, warm, temp at 86 F (outside) and 68 F (inside)

Time: Arrived on scene at 2058hrs

This was in response to an emergency phone call at 2055 hrs, made by a female who was hysterical but managed to give precise location of incident. On arrival at house, I found an early twenties white female lying on the living room couch and she seemed traumatized and confused. I quickly assume she is the caller and it was later confirmed that indeed she was Miss Jaen Daugh. She was assisted from the apartment by my colleagues and taken to the police station to record her statement. I later called to ask for some specimen to be collected from her after she had calmed down at the police station to assist in the investigation. I quickly checked through the rest of the apartment to ensure no one else was present and also no further threatening situation could take place that would further endanger lives or tamper with the crime scene. Satisfied, I embarked on my investigation and evidence gathering.

Immediately stepping into the bedroom facing Northwards, I saw a white male lying face down on a large king-sized bed placed at the center of the room with the head board touching the wall to the west of the room. I rolled him over to check his neck pulse as well as other body elements like the temperature which confirmed that he was dead.

Robert Allen Jones D.O.B 12/12/1975 (35 years), about 6 feet tall, middle weight and black hair, lay on the bed in a west to east direction with the head to the west touching the head board which was against the bedroom wall. This was after I moved him to check for the pulse and examine the head wound probably caused by the bullet. His Identification card and driver’s license found in one of the trouser pockets indicated that he was Mr. Robert Allen Jones. This was to be later verified by Miss Jaen Daugh as being true. She seemed to be the only witness present at the crime scene on my arrival and she claimed to have opened the door to discover the body at around 2050 hrs. There was heavy bleeding from a gushed right side of the head behind the ear. There were what seemed to be dirt marks on his right palm which was outstretched away from his body while the left palm rested on his chest. There were blood stains right below the head and a pool was gradually spreading on the head and neck area on the bed sheet below where a pillow on the ground must have occupied. The victim appeared to have fallen back at the spot he was found from the reaction of a shooting made by the riffle which lay south next to the bed below a pillow. The body temperature that was still fairly warm suggested the victim had not passed away long before 2050hrs. The victim had on a white flannel top with tight fitting Blue Demin trousers and had bare feet. The pillow next to his head was still well positioned and the fairly neat bed sheet indicated very little or no sign of a struggle.

Immediate South of the bed there was a nightstand that had a mobile phone and a table lamb. There was a clock too. Next to the nightstand westwards just after the bed there was a pillow resting on top of a riffle. To the Far East wall from the bed there was a TV cabinet with a Blue handwritten note next to the Television, which read, “You can ran but you cannot hide!” Just next to the TV cabinet to the south, there was a waste basket which contained another folded note. Northwest of the TV cabinet was a side table for the east adjacent solid wood dresser. The side table had a clear drinking glass and a liquor bottle. The dresser had several pens lined up, a music system and a table lamb too. East of the dresser was an empty box. The room arrangement is depicted by the attached pictures.

Exhibit Evidence Where Located

Body: Blood & Fluids

On bed at centre of the room in the east to the west direction

Cell phone: Calls & Messages

Top of Nightstand South next to bed’s head board

Nightstand: Fingerprints & DNA

South next to bed’s head board

Pillow: DNA

South next to bed and East of night stand on the floor

Firearm: Blood samples & Finger prints

South next to bed and East of night stand on the floor, beneath the pillow.

Bed Sheet: Blood stain and DNA

On bed below body

Note: Fingerprints & DNA

On Two tiered table (TV)

Waste Basket:

Fingerprints & DNA South of two tiered table

Liquor Bottle: Saliva, lip marks & Finger prints

On top of end table two next to dresser to the east

Drinking glass: Saliva, lip marks & Finger prints

Dresser: fingerprints & dna.

North of the bed against the wall.

Lamb 2: Fingerprints & DNA

On top of dresser

End Table 2: Fingerprints & DNA

Next to dresser to the east.

Laboratory Report Exhibit Description Test requested

Witness Fingerprint

Finger print analysis

Witness GSR

Gunshot Residue Analysis

Witness DNA

Forensic biology

Witness Hair

Trace Evidence analysis

Complete Medico- Legal Autopsy

Cell phone Analysis

Trace Evidence Analysis

Forensic biology & Trace Evidence Analysis

Forensic Biology

Liquor bottle

Drinking glass.

Results of Analysis: Exhibit Results Analysis

Finger print analysis: No fingerprints matching Jaen Dough were discovered within the crime scene.

Gunshot Residue Analysis: Gunshot residue analysis was performed on samples recovered from the hands of Jaen Daugh. No particles unique to gunshot residue were identified on these samples.

Gunshot Residue Analysis: No DNA matching Jaen Dough was discovered within the crime scene.

Trace Evidence analysis: No hairs matching Jaen Dough were discovered within the crime scene.

Complete Medico- Legal Autopsy: One small-caliber projectile was recovered from the brain of the deceased. A DNA sample, head hair sample, pubic hair sample, fingernail clippings, and fingerprints were extracted from the victim.

Cell phone Analysis: No voice-mail messages were present. The account for this phone is in the name of Robert Allen Jones. An attempt is being made to obtain the telephone records for this phone.

Trace Evidence Analysis: This test yielded no useful results.

Forensic Biology:

The stain present on the submitted pillow that had been under the head yielded positive test results for the presence of human blood. DNA was extracted from said pillow and compared with the known DNA sample of Robert Allen Jones. To a reasonable degree of scientific certainty, it was determined that the source of the DNA on this exhibit originated from Robert Allen Jones.

Trace Evidence Analysis:

Three hairs were recovered from the pillow that had been under the head. These hairs were determined to be of human origin. Their origin cannot be identified at this time. Please submit additional exemplar samples for identification.

A stain present on the submitted rifle yielded positive test results for the presence of human blood. DNA was extracted from this exhibit and compared with the known DNA sample of Robert Allen Jones. To a reasonable degree of scientific certainty, it was determined that the DNA on this exhibit originated from Robert Allen Jones.

Two hairs were recovered from the submitted rifle. These hairs were determined to be of human origin and are consistent in microscopic characteristics with head-hair exemplars of Robert Allen Jones. In addition, multiple synthetic fibers of were identified. These fibers are identical in microscopic characteristics and chemical analysis to the fibers contained in the pillows also submitted as evidence.

Gun Shot Residue Analysis:

Gunshot residue analysis was performed on samples recovered from the barrel of the rifle. Numerous particles unique to gunshot residue were identified on these samples. This indicates that the firearm had not been cleaned after being fired last.

Firearm Examination:

The submitted rifle was test fired. The submitted rifle is operational, and no safety defects were identified. The submitted projectile recovered from the deceased at autopsy was compared to a projectile that was test fired from the submitted rifle. It was determined that the projectile recovered from the deceased was fired from the submitted rifle.

The stain present on the bed sheet yielded positive test results for the presence of human blood. DNA was extracted from the pillow under head and compared with the known DNA sample of Robert Allen Jones. To a reasonable degree of scientific certainty, it was determined that the source of the DNA on this exhibit originated from Robert Allen Jones.

Seven (7) hairs were recovered from the sheets. These hairs were determined to be of human origin. Five of the hairs are consistent in microscopic characteristics with head-hair exemplars of Robert Allen Jones. Two of the hairs are not consistent in microscopic characteristics with head-hair exemplars of Robert Allen Jones, and their origin cannot be identified at this time. Please submit additional exemplar samples for identification.

Forensic Biology: Swab samples from the mouth of the submitted liquor bottle yielded positive test results for the presence of amylase (found in saliva). DNA was extracted from the submitted liquor bottle and compared with the known DNA sample of Robert Allen Jones. To a reasonable degree of scientific certainty, it was determined that the DNA on this exhibit originated from Robert Allen Jones.

Forensic Biology: Swab samples from the rim of the submitted water glass yielded positive test results for the presence of amylase (found in saliva). DNA was extracted from this exhibit and compared with the known DNA sample of Robert Allen Jones. To a reasonable degree of scientific certainty, it was determined that the DNA on this exhibit originated from Robert Allen Jones.

Reconstruction

The Victim came into room probably already high on marijuana, removed shoes and lay on the bed closer to the door. He was woken up by a threatening phone call thus sat up facing the TV set on the two- tier table. He then spotted the note placed besides the TV set and walked to it. He read the note and got scared. That is why he immediately placed it back besides the TV and went for the Alcohol bottle. He poured some in the glass and before sealing the bottle took several gulps of the drink directly from the bottle. He then drank from the glass before heading towards the nightstand and placed the cell phone on top. Being drunk and intoxicated with Marijuana, he climbed onto the bed and fell asleep on the second pillow. This must be how the killer walked into the bedroom, found and shot him in cold blood in the head. The killer must have had gloves on and thus dropped the gun on the floor and pulled the pillow from below the victims head and dropped it on the floor over the firearm. That must be the reason for the other set of hair strands not belonging to the victim (Holden, 2006). I rule out suicide because it is impossible to hold the riffle that far and pull the trigger then drop it on the ground and throw the pillow over it, falling on the bed.

Holden, H. M. (2006). To be a crime scene investigator. St. Paul, MN: Zenith Press.

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Hilbert College Global Online Blog

The anatomy of a crime scene: examples, investigation and analysis, written by: hilbert college • jun 7, 2023.

The Anatomy of a Crime Scene: Examples, Investigation and Analysis ¶

Law enforcement is trained to gather evidence and solve crimes. However, a crime scene involves many people and many steps, so everyone involved must work together to effectively process a crime scene. Understanding the anatomy of a crime scene can make or break a case.

To learn more, check out the infographic below, created by Hilbert College Global’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

The Anatomy of a Crime Scene: Examples, Investigation and Analysis

What Is a Crime Scene? ¶

A crime scene describes the location where a crime takes place. It can also include where evidence is found or where a suspect lives.

Robberies ¶

A robbery is a theft that involves violence or the threat of violence. Robbery crime scenes may include, convenience stores, commercial establishments, banks, private residences, parking lots or the streets. Basically, it’s anywhere a person was robbed.

Homicides ¶

A homicide is a murder committed intentionally or during the commission of another crime. Homicide crime scenes may include where a victim was killed and where the body was found. It may also include where a murder was planned or where the murder weapon was discarded.

Secondary Locations ¶

A secondary location is a site important to identifying and prosecuting a suspect. Secondary locations may include the paths a suspect traveled during the commission of a crime, where a second crime was committed, or a location where suspects convened before or after a crime. These crime scenes may be found after the initial crime is discovered.

An assault is the intentional harming of another person physically. Assault crime scenes may include a residence, highways and sidewalks, parking garages and lots, convenience stores or hotels and motels. An assault may happen anywhere, so crime scenes can vary.

Digital Crime Scenes ¶

Some crimes are committed online or through invasive malware. For cybercrimes, investigators go through victims’ digital devices to find evidence. Suspects’ computers and mobile devices are also considered crime scenes.

Who’s on the Scene? ¶

Investigators interview witnesses and gather information from law enforcement on the scene. They also manage information given to the press.
Crime scene technicians identify physical evidence at the scene. They also photograph crime scenes so law enforcement and lawyers can see the original scene. Once they’ve finished at the crime scene, they write final reports of their findings.
Police officers are often first at the scene and alert necessary law enforcement. They protect the crime scene by cordoning it off. They will also keep witnesses so the Investigator can interview them.
Medical examiners and coroners examine victims’ bodies and in the morgue. They also collect physical evidence from victims. Once they’ve analyzed the scene, they will provide law enforcement with information.

How Long Is It a Crime Scene? ¶

A crime scene isn’t considered cleared until the investigative team has gathered all possible evidence and information. This may take between one and two days. If a crime takes place over multiple locations, it may take longer to process each crime scene and clear them all.

What Happens at a Crime Scene? ¶

At the crime scene, law enforcement dispatches a crime scene detail to process the scene through:

Evidence Gathering ¶

Evidence can prove motive, opportunity, intent, planning and identity. A perimeter must be established to keep the crime scene from being compromised. Law enforcement searches the scene for physical evidence and any clues about the subject.

Technicians photograph blood evidence, victims’ wounds, surrounding areas and physical evidence before being bagged. The scene is sketched with measurements. Everything is put into evidence bags, labeled and sent to the appropriate authorities.

Witness Questioning ¶

Law enforcement establishes witnesses and obtains valid identification. Then, they separate each witness and record their name, birthday, address and all phone numbers. Finally, witnesses are interviewed individually on scene or at the office location.

Investigation ¶

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) lists the steps of a well-planned investigation as:

First responders notify correct personnel.
The prosecutor, the forensic doctor and scientific/technical assistance are assigned to the case.
Parties arrive at the crime scene.
Cordon off the crime scene.
Determine the proper procedures and apply.
Keep the location secure.
Medical personnel takes responsibility for the scene.
Decide what information the media will receive.
Interview witnesses.
Disperse uninvolved bystanders.
Record the crime scene.
Notify involved civilians.
Take statements and gather information.

Processing ¶

USAID lists the most important steps while processing a scene as follows:

Determine where to search for evidence and suspects.
Describe the immediate setting as evidence.
Properly gather and remove evidence.
Identify, label and tag evidence.
Establish the chain of custody from the scene.
Analyze the evidence for information.
Preserve the evidence for trial.
Use available information to interpret the crime scene.

What Happens Next? ¶

Once all possible information has been gathered from a crime scene, investigators and attorneys build a case to either convict or exonerate a suspect.

Forensic Analysis ¶

Forensic analysts examine the crime scene evidence. Whether the evidence is physical or digital, forensic analysts extract information and provide it to the defense and prosecution. Forensic analysts may also serve as expert witnesses.

Identifying Suspects ¶

Through examining the crime scene and data provided by forensic analysts, investigators assemble a list of suspects. Investigators interview possible suspects and reinterview witnesses. When suspects are identified, they may be brought in for questioning or arrested.

Preparing for Court ¶

Investigators turn over their findings to prosecutors and defense lawyers. The lawyers may return to the crime scene to better understand the crime. Suspects work with the defense to prove their innocence. Both parties gather expert witnesses to strengthen their cases.

Presenting the Case ¶

During trial, witnesses take the stand to explain what they saw. Lawyers reconstruct the crime scene to either prove or disprove a defendant’s guilt. Evidence gathered at the crime scene is presented to the judge and jury.

Analysis of a Crime Scene ¶

Every crime leaves evidence behind, and law enforcement is trained to identify it. At the crime scene, technicians, officers and investigators gather all available evidence and do their best to find a suspect. Many steps and different professionals are involved, and they all must understand their roles and how crime scenes function.

Britannica, Homicide

Encyclopedia.com, Crime Scene Investigation

Federal Bureau of Investigation, Trend of Violent Crime from 2011 to 2021

Find Law, Robbery Overview

My Law Questions, “What Is A Crime Scene?

National Institute of Justice, Digital Evidence and Forensics

NOLO, “Assault, Battery, and Aggravated Assault” United States Attorney General, Homicide Scene Investigation: A Manual for Public Prosecutors

United States Attorney General, Homicide Scene Investigation: A Manual for Public Prosecutors

Best Crime Essay Examples

Criminal investigations journal: the crime scene.

504 words | 2 page(s)

Abstract This paper will identify the best methods of maintaining the integrity of a specific crime scene, utilizing a fictional crime scene and fictional scenario to discuss the steps that would be taken to secure the crime scene, the priorities of the responding officers, and the reasons for those priorities. It will list all the pertinent factors that will need to be addressed in the securing of the scene, dealing with the victim, and the potential apprehension of the criminals. Keywords: crime scene, integrity, securing the scene, priorities, reasons 2-2 Criminal Investigations Journal: The Crime Scene In responding to the scene, my partner and I discovered that the store at which the silent alarm was triggered had been robbed; the second report from the area had indicated teenagers were in the area and were engaged in unruly behavior. We found evidence of this in the store and along the street in the form of a trail of broken beer bottles from the inside of the store, leading away from the crime scene toward a small wooded area nearby. We determined that it was necessary to secure the crime scene, maintaining its integrity for the crime scene technicians who were en route to process the scene.

As the first responders to the scene, we had six distinct priorities, to be completed in the following order: determining the need for medical assistance, conducting a walkthrough of the scene, taking the necessary steps to preserve and protect the scene, securing and isolating the crime scene through the use of ropes and crime scene tape, removing unauthorized personnel from the scene, and determining the lead investigator for the case (Crime Scene Procedure, 2006). As the clerk was assaulted during the course of the robbery, we called in for EMTs, and I offered the clerk basic first aid while my partner conducted a walkthrough of the scene, ensuring that there were no other wounded or dead. We cordoned off the area including the store, the path of beer bottles, and marked the entry and exit paths that it appeared were taken by the perpetrators (Process the Crime Scene, n.d.), separated the witnesses from the gawkers, and called in for additional backup. As my partner started taking witness statements, I started the process of reconstructing the crime scene (What Happens at a Crime Scene?, 2012), and called for backup to the wooded area, requesting a search of the area for the perpetrators; given the amount of empty broken beer bottles, it was likely that they were still present in the clearing due to high levels of inebriation.

Use your promo and get a custom paper on "Criminal Investigations Journal: The Crime Scene".

Forensic’s Talk. (2006). Crime scene procedures (forensics talk). [online] Retrieved from: http://harfordmedlegal.typepad.com/forensics_talk/2006/10/crime_scene_pro.html [Accessed: 16 Jan 2014].
Forensicsciencedegree.org. (2012). A behind-the-scenes look at forensic science: what happens at a crime scene? » forensic science degree. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.forensicsciencedegree.org/a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-forensic-science-what-happens-at-a-crime-scene/ [Accessed: 16 Jan 2014].
Love, M. (n.d.). Process the crime scene. [online] Retrieved from: http://drlchem.com/CHEM107/Lecture%202%20-%20Crime%20Scene%20-%20Notes.PDF [Accessed: 16 Jan 2014].

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How to Write a Professional Crime Scene Report

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A crime scene report is a vital document in investigations that provides an accurate and detailed account of the events that took place. It serves as the foundation for decisions made by investigators, prosecutors, and judges and, as such, must be properly written and formatted. In this article, we will discuss the components of a professional crime scene report and provide tips for effective report writing.

Understanding the Importance of a Crime Scene Report

A crime scene report is a written record of observations, interviews, and analyses conducted during an investigation. It documents the actions taken by investigators and provides a detailed account of the crime scene. The report is an objective document that should not contain personal opinions or biases. It should be written in a clear, concise, and organized manner to facilitate communication among investigators, prosecutors, and judges.

When it comes to solving crimes, the crime scene report is one of the most important pieces of evidence. It provides a detailed account of what happened at the crime scene and can be used to piece together the events leading up to and following the crime. Without a thorough and accurate crime scene report, investigators may miss crucial evidence or fail to identify key suspects.

The Role of a Crime Scene Report in Investigations

A crime scene report is a critical component of any investigation. It provides a visual representation of the crime scene, including the location of evidence, the condition of the victim, and other pertinent details. The report helps investigators and prosecutors to reconstruct the events that occurred at the crime scene, identify suspects, and determine the appropriate charges.

Crime scene reports are used by law enforcement agencies, forensic scientists, and legal professionals to ensure that justice is served. They are often used as evidence in court to support the prosecution's case and to help the judge and jury understand the events that took place at the crime scene.

Legal Implications of an Inaccurate or Incomplete Report

An inaccurate or incomplete crime scene report can have serious legal consequences. It can compromise the prosecution of a case and lead to wrongful convictions or acquittals. A poorly written report can also be challenged in court, casting doubt on the credibility of the investigator and the investigation as a whole. Therefore, it is crucial that the report accurately reflects the observations and actions of the investigating team.

It is important to note that crime scene reports are not only used to prosecute criminals, but they can also be used to exonerate innocent individuals. If a report is inaccurate or incomplete, it can lead to the wrong person being charged with a crime. This is why it is essential that investigators take the time to document every detail of the crime scene accurately.

In conclusion, a crime scene report is a vital component of any investigation. It provides a detailed account of what happened at the crime scene and can be used to identify suspects and prosecute criminals. It is essential that the report is accurate, complete, and free of personal biases to ensure that justice is served.

Essential Elements of a Professional Crime Scene Report

A professional crime scene report should include specific elements that are essential for an accurate and comprehensive document.

Accurate and Detailed Descriptions

The report should contain accurate and detailed descriptions of the crime scene, including the location, condition, and position of the victim, as well as any other relevant details such as the presence of weapons or drugs.

Proper Documentation of Evidence

The report should document any evidence found at the crime scene, including its location, condition, and how it was collected. All evidence should be properly labeled and packaged to ensure its integrity.

Inclusion of Photographs and Sketches

Photographs and sketches are essential elements of a crime scene report. They provide a visual representation of the crime scene and can help reconstruct the events that took place. All photographs and sketches should be properly labeled and dated.

Chronological Order of Events

The report should describe the events that took place at the crime scene in chronological order, including the actions taken by the investigating team. The report should be organized in a logical and concise manner to facilitate communication among investigators, prosecutors, and judges.

Tips for Effective Crime Scene Report Writing

Effective crime scene report writing requires attention to detail, clear communication, and objectivity. Here are some tips for writing an effective crime scene report.

Using Clear and Concise Language

The report should be written in clear and concise language that is free of technical jargon. The language used should be appropriate for the intended audience and should avoid the use of personal opinions or biases.

Avoiding Personal Opinions and Biases

The report should be objective and should not contain personal opinions or biases. The report should be based solely on the evidence found at the crime scene and the observations made by the investigating team.

Ensuring Accuracy and Consistency

The report should accurately reflect the observations and actions of the investigating team. The report should be consistent with any other reports or documentation related to the investigation.

Proofreading and Editing Your Report

The report should be proofread and edited to ensure accuracy and clarity. Any errors, inconsistencies, or inaccuracies should be corrected before the report is finalized.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Crime Scene Reporting

Investigating crime scenes and writing crime scene reports can be challenging. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a crime scene report.

Overlooking Important Details

It is important to take note of every observation and detail at the crime scene. Failing to document these details can lead to an incomplete or inaccurate report.

Relying on Memory Instead of Notes

Memory can be unreliable, especially in high-stress situations. Investigators should take detailed notes of their observations and actions at the crime scene to ensure accuracy and completeness of the report.

Using Jargon or Technical Terms Without Explanation

The report should be written for a general audience, so the use of technical jargon or terms should be avoided. If technical terms are necessary, they should be explained in simple language.

Failing to Update the Report as New Information Emerges

When new information emerges during the investigation, the report should be updated accordingly. Failing to update the report can lead to inconsistencies and inaccuracies.

ChatGPT Prompt for Writing a Crime Scene Report

Use the following prompt in an AI chatbot . Below each prompt, be sure to provide additional details about your situation. These could be scratch notes, what you'd like to say or anything else that guides the AI model to write a certain way.

Please compose a thorough and detailed report of a crime scene, including all relevant information and evidence that may be useful in the investigation and prosecution of the crime. Your report should be comprehensive and accurate, providing a clear and detailed description of the scene, any witnesses or suspects present, and any physical evidence that may be relevant to the case. Please ensure that your report is written in a clear and concise manner, with all relevant details and information included.

[ADD ADDITIONAL CONTEXT. CAN USE BULLET POINTS.]

Writing a professional crime scene report is a vital component of any investigation. A well-written report provides an accurate and detailed account of the events that took place and facilitates communication among investigators, prosecutors, and judges. By following the guidelines and tips outlined in this article, investigators can ensure that their crime scene reports are accurate, comprehensive, and effective.

Crime Scene Essay Examples

Many students are faced with the problem of finding ideas for writing their essays. This website contains a database with more than 50 000 essay examples, using which you can easily find inspiration for creating your own essay on Crime scene.

Here you will find many different essay topics on Crime scene. You will be able to confidently write your own paper on the influence of Crime scene on various aspects of life, reflect on the importance of Crime scene, and much more. Keep on reading!

Elisa White from Everest College Online shares her passion for solving mysteries through a career in Crime Scene Investigation. Having grown up in a town with unsolved missing persons cases, including someone she knew personally, White was particularly impacted by the issue. One of the missing individuals was a young pregnant white teenager involved with […]

Crime scene preservation should be the most important step to any first responder. This protocol should continue to be followed by anyone who processes the scene. From the moment the first responder arrives at the scene, he/she should exercise a pertinacious attitude to insure that curious onlookers and personnel who are not involved in a […]

When this incident became public knowledge families of the victims of 9/11 were outraged by this horrific act. These FBI agents were accused at best of removing evidence from a crime scene and at Worse grave robbing. The reason why these people felt so strongly about the agents taking these invaluable objects was because they […]

Obtaining evidence is essential for the achievement of a case, regardless if it originates from a crime scene or police interrogations. Various techniques are employed by the police to carry out interviews, including using the MO system which exposes the criminal’s modus operandi. The MO system is utilized by investigators to identify criminals who have […]

Trace evidence plays a crucial role in forensic investigations, encompassing various microscopic materials and visible examples. Due to the wide range of commonly encountered evidence types, the subject is diverse. Trace evidence consists of tiny particles that can be transferred unnoticed between surfaces. Examples include metal filings, glass fragments, feathers, food stains, building materials, lubricants, […]

The NIBIN is The National Integrated Ballaistic Identification Network. What is rifling? What two types of markings does this produce? Rifling is the spiral grooves cut into the barrel of a gun in order to make a bullet spin as it is fired. The two types of markings that rifling produces is grooves and lands. […]

The wealth of information obtained from Herculaneum is crucial in modern archaeology. It provides extensive knowledge about various aspects of the ancient site, including diet, lifestyle, economic activities, and intricate details about its inhabitants. By combining these different elements, archaeologists can gain a comprehensive understanding of the society that thrived during that time period. Therefore, […]

Forensic anthropologists are vital in a range of forensic investigations, analyzing and studying human remains. Their role is especially important when it comes to identifying human remains after major disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis. They also assist in gathering evidence at crime scenes, specializing in osteology, the study of bones. By utilizing this information, […]

There are multiple search patterns used in criminal investigations, each with their own procedure and preferred timing. Some of these patterns include Line/Strip Search Pattern, Grid Search Pattern, Spiral Search Pattern, Wheel/Ray Search Pattern, Quadrant/Zone Search Pattern, and Vehicle Searches. The Line/Strip Search Pattern begins by investigators starting at one end of the crime scene […]

The documentation and maintenance of chronological history of a specimen from a source of scene has been a serious challenge since time immemorial. In deed identifying a specimen from point of collection and reporting it while still maintaining its integrity is not a guarantee. Specimens are suppose to provide real facts rather than mere fabrication […]

This essay discusses the literature on criminal evidence, focusing on the role of demonstrative evidence in the court of law. The literature suggests that all evidence presented in court should support a theoretical hypothesis in a court case, and to be credible, it should either be direct evidence or disprove any indirect evidence that tries […]

Although witness account is important, the law enforcers have to identify other means of obtaining evidence. This is because human memory is weak, and the police cannot use it as their sole source of evidence. Human memory and recall involves people reconstructing the events as they happened at the time of the crime. Some people […]

The film, titled “The Dope,” is a crime comedy drama that came out in 2015. It follows the story of Malcolm Adekanbi, a high school senior who lives in a neighborhood called Bottoms in California, where crime is common and not surprising. Malcolm’s dream is to attend Harvard University, and he shares this aspiration with […]

Crime is an illegal activity that is punishable by law. Some wrongs are not Criminal offenses, but only the government determines which actions are crimes. One of the most recent unlawful acts includes the killing of nine people at Umpqua Community College by a gunman. The offender was a student at the same institute. Some […]

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 177 college essay examples for 11 schools + expert analysis.

College Admissions , College Essays

The personal statement might just be the hardest part of your college application. Mostly this is because it has the least guidance and is the most open-ended. One way to understand what colleges are looking for when they ask you to write an essay is to check out the essays of students who already got in—college essays that actually worked. After all, they must be among the most successful of this weird literary genre.

In this article, I'll go through general guidelines for what makes great college essays great. I've also compiled an enormous list of 100+ actual sample college essays from 11 different schools. Finally, I'll break down two of these published college essay examples and explain why and how they work. With links to 177 full essays and essay excerpts , this article is a great resource for learning how to craft your own personal college admissions essay!

What Excellent College Essays Have in Common

Even though in many ways these sample college essays are very different from one other, they do share some traits you should try to emulate as you write your own essay.

Visible Signs of Planning

Building out from a narrow, concrete focus. You'll see a similar structure in many of the essays. The author starts with a very detailed story of an event or description of a person or place. After this sense-heavy imagery, the essay expands out to make a broader point about the author, and connects this very memorable experience to the author's present situation, state of mind, newfound understanding, or maturity level.

Knowing how to tell a story. Some of the experiences in these essays are one-of-a-kind. But most deal with the stuff of everyday life. What sets them apart is the way the author approaches the topic: analyzing it for drama and humor, for its moving qualities, for what it says about the author's world, and for how it connects to the author's emotional life.

Stellar Execution

A killer first sentence. You've heard it before, and you'll hear it again: you have to suck the reader in, and the best place to do that is the first sentence. Great first sentences are punchy. They are like cliffhangers, setting up an exciting scene or an unusual situation with an unclear conclusion, in order to make the reader want to know more. Don't take my word for it—check out these 22 first sentences from Stanford applicants and tell me you don't want to read the rest of those essays to find out what happens!

A lively, individual voice. Writing is for readers. In this case, your reader is an admissions officer who has read thousands of essays before yours and will read thousands after. Your goal? Don't bore your reader. Use interesting descriptions, stay away from clichés, include your own offbeat observations—anything that makes this essay sounds like you and not like anyone else.

Technical correctness. No spelling mistakes, no grammar weirdness, no syntax issues, no punctuation snafus—each of these sample college essays has been formatted and proofread perfectly. If this kind of exactness is not your strong suit, you're in luck! All colleges advise applicants to have their essays looked over several times by parents, teachers, mentors, and anyone else who can spot a comma splice. Your essay must be your own work, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting help polishing it.

And if you need more guidance, connect with PrepScholar's expert admissions consultants . These expert writers know exactly what college admissions committees look for in an admissions essay and chan help you craft an essay that boosts your chances of getting into your dream school.

Check out PrepScholar's Essay Editing and Coaching progra m for more details!

Want to write the perfect college application essay? We can help. Your dedicated PrepScholar Admissions counselor will help you craft your perfect college essay, from the ground up. We learn your background and interests, brainstorm essay topics, and walk you through the essay drafting process, step-by-step. At the end, you'll have a unique essay to proudly submit to colleges. Don't leave your college application to chance. Find out more about PrepScholar Admissions now:

Links to Full College Essay Examples

Some colleges publish a selection of their favorite accepted college essays that worked, and I've put together a selection of over 100 of these.

Common App Essay Samples

Please note that some of these college essay examples may be responding to prompts that are no longer in use. The current Common App prompts are as follows:

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. 2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? 3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? 4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you? 5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. 6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the list of 177 college essay examples responding to current and past Common App essay prompts.

Connecticut college.

12 Common Application essays from the classes of 2022-2025

Hamilton College

7 Common Application essays from the class of 2026
7 Common Application essays from the class of 2022
7 Common Application essays from the class of 2018
8 Common Application essays from the class of 2012
8 Common Application essays from the class of 2007

Johns Hopkins

These essays are answers to past prompts from either the Common Application or the Coalition Application (which Johns Hopkins used to accept).

1 Common Application or Coalition Application essay from the class of 2026
6 Common Application or Coalition Application essays from the class of 2025
6 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2024
6 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2023
7 Common Application of Universal Application essays from the class of 2022
5 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2021
7 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2020

Essay Examples Published by Other Websites

2 Common Application essays ( 1st essay , 2nd essay ) from applicants admitted to Columbia

Other Sample College Essays

Here is a collection of essays that are college-specific.

Babson College

4 essays (and 1 video response) on "Why Babson" from the class of 2020

Emory University

5 essay examples ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) from the class of 2020 along with analysis from Emory admissions staff on why the essays were exceptional
5 more recent essay examples ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) along with analysis from Emory admissions staff on what made these essays stand out

University of Georgia

1 “strong essay” sample from 2019
1 “strong essay” sample from 2018
10 Harvard essays from 2023
10 Harvard essays from 2022
10 Harvard essays from 2021
10 Harvard essays from 2020
10 Harvard essays from 2019
10 Harvard essays from 2018
6 essays from admitted MIT students

Smith College

6 "best gift" essays from the class of 2018

Books of College Essays

If you're looking for even more sample college essays, consider purchasing a college essay book. The best of these include dozens of essays that worked and feedback from real admissions officers.

College Essays That Made a Difference —This detailed guide from Princeton Review includes not only successful essays, but also interviews with admissions officers and full student profiles.

50 Successful Harvard Application Essays by the Staff of the Harvard Crimson—A must for anyone aspiring to Harvard .

50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays and 50 Successful Stanford Application Essays by Gen and Kelly Tanabe—For essays from other top schools, check out this venerated series, which is regularly updated with new essays.

Heavenly Essays by Janine W. Robinson—This collection from the popular blogger behind Essay Hell includes a wider range of schools, as well as helpful tips on honing your own essay.

Analyzing Great Common App Essays That Worked

I've picked two essays from the examples collected above to examine in more depth so that you can see exactly what makes a successful college essay work. Full credit for these essays goes to the original authors and the schools that published them.

Example 1: "Breaking Into Cars," by Stephen, Johns Hopkins Class of '19 (Common App Essay, 636 words long)

I had never broken into a car before.

We were in Laredo, having just finished our first day at a Habitat for Humanity work site. The Hotchkiss volunteers had already left, off to enjoy some Texas BBQ, leaving me behind with the college kids to clean up. Not until we were stranded did we realize we were locked out of the van.

Someone picked a coat hanger out of the dumpster, handed it to me, and took a few steps back.

"Can you do that thing with a coat hanger to unlock it?"

"Why me?" I thought.

More out of amusement than optimism, I gave it a try. I slid the hanger into the window's seal like I'd seen on crime shows, and spent a few minutes jiggling the apparatus around the inside of the frame. Suddenly, two things simultaneously clicked. One was the lock on the door. (I actually succeeded in springing it.) The other was the realization that I'd been in this type of situation before. In fact, I'd been born into this type of situation.

My upbringing has numbed me to unpredictability and chaos. With a family of seven, my home was loud, messy, and spottily supervised. My siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing—all meant my house was functioning normally. My Dad, a retired Navy pilot, was away half the time. When he was home, he had a parenting style something like a drill sergeant. At the age of nine, I learned how to clear burning oil from the surface of water. My Dad considered this a critical life skill—you know, in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed. "The water's on fire! Clear a hole!" he shouted, tossing me in the lake without warning. While I'm still unconvinced about that particular lesson's practicality, my Dad's overarching message is unequivocally true: much of life is unexpected, and you have to deal with the twists and turns.

Living in my family, days rarely unfolded as planned. A bit overlooked, a little pushed around, I learned to roll with reality, negotiate a quick deal, and give the improbable a try. I don't sweat the small stuff, and I definitely don't expect perfect fairness. So what if our dining room table only has six chairs for seven people? Someone learns the importance of punctuality every night.

But more than punctuality and a special affinity for musical chairs, my family life has taught me to thrive in situations over which I have no power. Growing up, I never controlled my older siblings, but I learned how to thwart their attempts to control me. I forged alliances, and realigned them as necessary. Sometimes, I was the poor, defenseless little brother; sometimes I was the omniscient elder. Different things to different people, as the situation demanded. I learned to adapt.

Back then, these techniques were merely reactions undertaken to ensure my survival. But one day this fall, Dr. Hicks, our Head of School, asked me a question that he hoped all seniors would reflect on throughout the year: "How can I participate in a thing I do not govern, in the company of people I did not choose?"

The question caught me off guard, much like the question posed to me in Laredo. Then, I realized I knew the answer. I knew why the coat hanger had been handed to me.

Growing up as the middle child in my family, I was a vital participant in a thing I did not govern, in the company of people I did not choose. It's family. It's society. And often, it's chaos. You participate by letting go of the small stuff, not expecting order and perfection, and facing the unexpected with confidence, optimism, and preparedness. My family experience taught me to face a serendipitous world with confidence.

What Makes This Essay Tick?

It's very helpful to take writing apart in order to see just how it accomplishes its objectives. Stephen's essay is very effective. Let's find out why!

An Opening Line That Draws You In

In just eight words, we get: scene-setting (he is standing next to a car about to break in), the idea of crossing a boundary (he is maybe about to do an illegal thing for the first time), and a cliffhanger (we are thinking: is he going to get caught? Is he headed for a life of crime? Is he about to be scared straight?).

Great, Detailed Opening Story

It's the details that really make this small experience come alive. Notice how whenever he can, Stephen uses a more specific, descriptive word in place of a more generic one. The volunteers aren't going to get food or dinner; they're going for "Texas BBQ." The coat hanger comes from "a dumpster." Stephen doesn't just move the coat hanger—he "jiggles" it.

Details also help us visualize the emotions of the people in the scene. The person who hands Stephen the coat hanger isn't just uncomfortable or nervous; he "takes a few steps back"—a description of movement that conveys feelings. Finally, the detail of actual speech makes the scene pop. Instead of writing that the other guy asked him to unlock the van, Stephen has the guy actually say his own words in a way that sounds like a teenager talking.

Turning a Specific Incident Into a Deeper Insight

Suddenly, two things simultaneously clicked. One was the lock on the door. (I actually succeeded in springing it.) The other was the realization that I'd been in this type of situation before. In fact, I'd been born into this type of situation.

Stephen makes the locked car experience a meaningful illustration of how he has learned to be resourceful and ready for anything, and he also makes this turn from the specific to the broad through an elegant play on the two meanings of the word "click."

Using Concrete Examples When Making Abstract Claims

"Unpredictability and chaos" are very abstract, not easily visualized concepts. They could also mean any number of things—violence, abandonment, poverty, mental instability. By instantly following up with highly finite and unambiguous illustrations like "family of seven" and "siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing," Stephen grounds the abstraction in something that is easy to picture: a large, noisy family.

Using Small Bits of Humor and Casual Word Choice

My Dad, a retired Navy pilot, was away half the time. When he was home, he had a parenting style something like a drill sergeant. At the age of nine, I learned how to clear burning oil from the surface of water. My Dad considered this a critical life skill—you know, in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed.

Obviously, knowing how to clean burning oil is not high on the list of things every 9-year-old needs to know. To emphasize this, Stephen uses sarcasm by bringing up a situation that is clearly over-the-top: "in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed."

The humor also feels relaxed. Part of this is because he introduces it with the colloquial phrase "you know," so it sounds like he is talking to us in person. This approach also diffuses the potential discomfort of the reader with his father's strictness—since he is making jokes about it, clearly he is OK. Notice, though, that this doesn't occur very much in the essay. This helps keep the tone meaningful and serious rather than flippant.

An Ending That Stretches the Insight Into the Future

But one day this fall, Dr. Hicks, our Head of School, asked me a question that he hoped all seniors would reflect on throughout the year: "How can I participate in a thing I do not govern, in the company of people I did not choose?"

The ending of the essay reveals that Stephen's life has been one long preparation for the future. He has emerged from chaos and his dad's approach to parenting as a person who can thrive in a world that he can't control.

This connection of past experience to current maturity and self-knowledge is a key element in all successful personal essays. Colleges are very much looking for mature, self-aware applicants. These are the qualities of successful college students, who will be able to navigate the independence college classes require and the responsibility and quasi-adulthood of college life.

What Could This Essay Do Even Better?

Even the best essays aren't perfect, and even the world's greatest writers will tell you that writing is never "finished"—just "due." So what would we tweak in this essay if we could?

Replace some of the clichéd language. Stephen uses handy phrases like "twists and turns" and "don't sweat the small stuff" as a kind of shorthand for explaining his relationship to chaos and unpredictability. But using too many of these ready-made expressions runs the risk of clouding out your own voice and replacing it with something expected and boring.

Use another example from recent life. Stephen's first example (breaking into the van in Laredo) is a great illustration of being resourceful in an unexpected situation. But his essay also emphasizes that he "learned to adapt" by being "different things to different people." It would be great to see how this plays out outside his family, either in the situation in Laredo or another context.

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Example 2: By Renner Kwittken, Tufts Class of '23 (Common App Essay, 645 words long)

My first dream job was to be a pickle truck driver. I saw it in my favorite book, Richard Scarry's "Cars and Trucks and Things That Go," and for some reason, I was absolutely obsessed with the idea of driving a giant pickle. Much to the discontent of my younger sister, I insisted that my parents read us that book as many nights as possible so we could find goldbug, a small little golden bug, on every page. I would imagine the wonderful life I would have: being a pig driving a giant pickle truck across the country, chasing and finding goldbug. I then moved on to wanting to be a Lego Master. Then an architect. Then a surgeon.

Then I discovered a real goldbug: gold nanoparticles that can reprogram macrophages to assist in killing tumors, produce clear images of them without sacrificing the subject, and heat them to obliteration.

Suddenly the destination of my pickle was clear.

I quickly became enveloped by the world of nanomedicine; I scoured articles about liposomes, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, targeting ligands, and self-assembling nanoparticles, all conquering cancer in some exotic way. Completely absorbed, I set out to find a mentor to dive even deeper into these topics. After several rejections, I was immensely grateful to receive an invitation to work alongside Dr. Sangeeta Ray at Johns Hopkins.

In the lab, Dr. Ray encouraged a great amount of autonomy to design and implement my own procedures. I chose to attack a problem that affects the entire field of nanomedicine: nanoparticles consistently fail to translate from animal studies into clinical trials. Jumping off recent literature, I set out to see if a pre-dose of a common chemotherapeutic could enhance nanoparticle delivery in aggressive prostate cancer, creating three novel constructs based on three different linear polymers, each using fluorescent dye (although no gold, sorry goldbug!). Though using radioactive isotopes like Gallium and Yttrium would have been incredible, as a 17-year-old, I unfortunately wasn't allowed in the same room as these radioactive materials (even though I took a Geiger counter to a pair of shoes and found them to be slightly dangerous).

I hadn't expected my hypothesis to work, as the research project would have ideally been led across two full years. Yet while there are still many optimizations and revisions to be done, I was thrilled to find -- with completely new nanoparticles that may one day mean future trials will use particles with the initials "RK-1" -- thatcyclophosphamide did indeed increase nanoparticle delivery to the tumor in a statistically significant way.

A secondary, unexpected research project was living alone in Baltimore, a new city to me, surrounded by people much older than I. Even with moving frequently between hotels, AirBnB's, and students' apartments, I strangely reveled in the freedom I had to enjoy my surroundings and form new friendships with graduate school students from the lab. We explored The Inner Harbor at night, attended a concert together one weekend, and even got to watch the Orioles lose (to nobody's surprise). Ironically, it's through these new friendships I discovered something unexpected: what I truly love is sharing research. Whether in a presentation or in a casual conversation, making others interested in science is perhaps more exciting to me than the research itself. This solidified a new pursuit to angle my love for writing towards illuminating science in ways people can understand, adding value to a society that can certainly benefit from more scientific literacy.

It seems fitting that my goals are still transforming: in Scarry's book, there is not just one goldbug, there is one on every page. With each new experience, I'm learning that it isn't the goldbug itself, but rather the act of searching for the goldbugs that will encourage, shape, and refine my ever-evolving passions. Regardless of the goldbug I seek -- I know my pickle truck has just begun its journey.

Renner takes a somewhat different approach than Stephen, but their essay is just as detailed and engaging. Let's go through some of the strengths of this essay.

One Clear Governing Metaphor

This essay is ultimately about two things: Renner’s dreams and future career goals, and Renner’s philosophy on goal-setting and achieving one’s dreams.

But instead of listing off all the amazing things they’ve done to pursue their dream of working in nanomedicine, Renner tells a powerful, unique story instead. To set up the narrative, Renner opens the essay by connecting their experiences with goal-setting and dream-chasing all the way back to a memorable childhood experience:

This lighthearted–but relevant!--story about the moment when Renner first developed a passion for a specific career (“finding the goldbug”) provides an anchor point for the rest of the essay. As Renner pivots to describing their current dreams and goals–working in nanomedicine–the metaphor of “finding the goldbug” is reflected in Renner’s experiments, rejections, and new discoveries.

Though Renner tells multiple stories about their quest to “find the goldbug,” or, in other words, pursue their passion, each story is connected by a unifying theme; namely, that as we search and grow over time, our goals will transform…and that’s okay! By the end of the essay, Renner uses the metaphor of “finding the goldbug” to reiterate the relevance of the opening story:

While the earlier parts of the essay convey Renner’s core message by showing, the final, concluding paragraph sums up Renner’s insights by telling. By briefly and clearly stating the relevance of the goldbug metaphor to their own philosophy on goals and dreams, Renner demonstrates their creativity, insight, and eagerness to grow and evolve as the journey continues into college.

An Engaging, Individual Voice

This essay uses many techniques that make Renner sound genuine and make the reader feel like we already know them.

Technique #1: humor. Notice Renner's gentle and relaxed humor that lightly mocks their younger self's grand ambitions (this is different from the more sarcastic kind of humor used by Stephen in the first essay—you could never mistake one writer for the other).

My first dream job was to be a pickle truck driver.

I would imagine the wonderful life I would have: being a pig driving a giant pickle truck across the country, chasing and finding goldbug. I then moved on to wanting to be a Lego Master. Then an architect. Then a surgeon.

Renner gives a great example of how to use humor to your advantage in college essays. You don’t want to come off as too self-deprecating or sarcastic, but telling a lightheartedly humorous story about your younger self that also showcases how you’ve grown and changed over time can set the right tone for your entire essay.

Technique #2: intentional, eye-catching structure. The second technique is the way Renner uses a unique structure to bolster the tone and themes of their essay . The structure of your essay can have a major impact on how your ideas come across…so it’s important to give it just as much thought as the content of your essay!

For instance, Renner does a great job of using one-line paragraphs to create dramatic emphasis and to make clear transitions from one phase of the story to the next:

Suddenly the destination of my pickle car was clear.

Not only does the one-liner above signal that Renner is moving into a new phase of the narrative (their nanoparticle research experiences), it also tells the reader that this is a big moment in Renner’s story. It’s clear that Renner made a major discovery that changed the course of their goal pursuit and dream-chasing. Through structure, Renner conveys excitement and entices the reader to keep pushing forward to the next part of the story.

Technique #3: playing with syntax. The third technique is to use sentences of varying length, syntax, and structure. Most of the essay's written in standard English and uses grammatically correct sentences. However, at key moments, Renner emphasizes that the reader needs to sit up and pay attention by switching to short, colloquial, differently punctuated, and sometimes fragmented sentences.

Even with moving frequently between hotels, AirBnB's, and students' apartments, I strangely reveled in the freedom I had to enjoy my surroundings and form new friendships with graduate school students from the lab. We explored The Inner Harbor at night, attended a concert together one weekend, and even got to watch the Orioles lose (to nobody's surprise). Ironically, it's through these new friendships I discovered something unexpected: what I truly love is sharing research.

In the examples above, Renner switches adeptly between long, flowing sentences and quippy, telegraphic ones. At the same time, Renner uses these different sentence lengths intentionally. As they describe their experiences in new places, they use longer sentences to immerse the reader in the sights, smells, and sounds of those experiences. And when it’s time to get a big, key idea across, Renner switches to a short, punchy sentence to stop the reader in their tracks.

The varying syntax and sentence lengths pull the reader into the narrative and set up crucial “aha” moments when it’s most important…which is a surefire way to make any college essay stand out.

Renner's essay is very strong, but there are still a few little things that could be improved.

Connecting the research experiences to the theme of “finding the goldbug.” The essay begins and ends with Renner’s connection to the idea of “finding the goldbug.” And while this metaphor is deftly tied into the essay’s intro and conclusion, it isn’t entirely clear what Renner’s big findings were during the research experiences that are described in the middle of the essay. It would be great to add a sentence or two stating what Renner’s big takeaways (or “goldbugs”) were from these experiences, which add more cohesion to the essay as a whole.

Give more details about discovering the world of nanomedicine. It makes sense that Renner wants to get into the details of their big research experiences as quickly as possible. After all, these are the details that show Renner’s dedication to nanomedicine! But a smoother transition from the opening pickle car/goldbug story to Renner’s “real goldbug” of nanoparticles would help the reader understand why nanoparticles became Renner’s goldbug. Finding out why Renner is so motivated to study nanomedicine–and perhaps what put them on to this field of study–would help readers fully understand why Renner chose this path in the first place.

4 Essential Tips for Writing Your Own Essay

How can you use this discussion to better your own college essay? Here are some suggestions for ways to use this resource effectively.

#1: Get Help From the Experts

Getting your college applications together takes a lot of work and can be pretty intimidatin g. Essays are even more important than ever now that admissions processes are changing and schools are going test-optional and removing diversity standards thanks to new Supreme Court rulings . If you want certified expert help that really makes a difference, get started with PrepScholar’s Essay Editing and Coaching program. Our program can help you put together an incredible essay from idea to completion so that your application stands out from the crowd. We've helped students get into the best colleges in the United States, including Harvard, Stanford, and Yale. If you're ready to take the next step and boost your odds of getting into your dream school, connect with our experts today .

#2: Read Other Essays to Get Ideas for Your Own

As you go through the essays we've compiled for you above, ask yourself the following questions:

Can you explain to yourself (or someone else!) why the opening sentence works well?
Look for the essay's detailed personal anecdote. What senses is the author describing? Can you easily picture the scene in your mind's eye?
Find the place where this anecdote bridges into a larger insight about the author. How does the essay connect the two? How does the anecdote work as an example of the author's characteristic, trait, or skill?
Check out the essay's tone. If it's funny, can you find the places where the humor comes from? If it's sad and moving, can you find the imagery and description of feelings that make you moved? If it's serious, can you see how word choice adds to this tone?

Make a note whenever you find an essay or part of an essay that you think was particularly well-written, and think about what you like about it . Is it funny? Does it help you really get to know the writer? Does it show what makes the writer unique? Once you have your list, keep it next to you while writing your essay to remind yourself to try and use those same techniques in your own essay.

#3: Find Your "A-Ha!" Moment

All of these essays rely on connecting with the reader through a heartfelt, highly descriptive scene from the author's life. It can either be very dramatic (did you survive a plane crash?) or it can be completely mundane (did you finally beat your dad at Scrabble?). Either way, it should be personal and revealing about you, your personality, and the way you are now that you are entering the adult world.

Check out essays by authors like John Jeremiah Sullivan , Leslie Jamison , Hanif Abdurraqib , and Esmé Weijun Wang to get more examples of how to craft a compelling personal narrative.

#4: Start Early, Revise Often

Let me level with you: the best writing isn't writing at all. It's rewriting. And in order to have time to rewrite, you have to start way before the application deadline. My advice is to write your first draft at least two months before your applications are due.

Let it sit for a few days untouched. Then come back to it with fresh eyes and think critically about what you've written. What's extra? What's missing? What is in the wrong place? What doesn't make sense? Don't be afraid to take it apart and rearrange sections. Do this several times over, and your essay will be much better for it!

For more editing tips, check out a style guide like Dreyer's English or Eats, Shoots & Leaves .

What's Next?

Still not sure which colleges you want to apply to? Our experts will show you how to make a college list that will help you choose a college that's right for you.

Interested in learning more about college essays? Check out our detailed breakdown of exactly how personal statements work in an application , some suggestions on what to avoid when writing your essay , and our guide to writing about your extracurricular activities .

Working on the rest of your application? Read what admissions officers wish applicants knew before applying .

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download them for free now:

The recommendations in this post are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Anna scored in the 99th percentile on her SATs in high school, and went on to major in English at Princeton and to get her doctorate in English Literature at Columbia. She is passionate about improving student access to higher education.

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Criminal Justice System: Crime Scene Investigation Essay

Introduction.

After receiving an urgent call from the investigators, in around 2-45 am, I reached to the crime scene, which is a gas station and stationary shop around the freeway. It was the crime scene and there was a dead body. This is my report:

The deceased

A white, male person around 45 years of age. Well built and, as reported, the owner of the gas station. He is around 6 feet and well over 75 kg. The bullet was shot from the front, may be from a 2 and 1/2 feet distance and it pierced his body and struck in the back showcase.

A gas store employee, who was present in the time of the event, nodded to be the witness of the crime. Along with the person there are two persons, a Japanese mother and her child who were on their way to another city came to fill up their gas tank saw the event completely. All the three witnesses are really scared to see the killing. The kid needed immediate medical attention and he was provided that by the emergency team in the crime scene.

Witnesses say that the killer was a man in his late thirties and he was medium in height but well built. Though he had a shotgun in his hand but he fired from a black 9 mm semi automatic gun and he has thrown the gun in the gas station. The only one camera of the gas station shows clearly the shooting and the shooter can be identified by this.

Other visible items

The other visible items in the case are the black 9 mm semi automatic gun which was used for shooting. Eye witnesses say that the main fired four bullets but we can recover only one casing by the entry door. There is a blood strained lottery ticket which is probably the victim’s and we believe he was checking the number in paper when the shooter came. A cigarette carton is ripped open in the floor and a pack is missing, which the shooter had taken away. A wooden cigar box full of cash is on the floor, which probably the shooter came to take but failed (Meyer & Reppucci, 2007). Another fresh cigarette butt is on the parking lot which the killer was smoking before entering the store.

Reconstruction of the crime

If we clearly go through the items and the situation we can recreate the crime scene very easily. The shooter before entering the store quickly smoked a cigarette and left it burning on the parking. Then he entered the shop and directly demanded the money from the owner. May be he was high on drugs and when the owner refused he shot him by his pistol, not the shotgun he was carrying in his hand, and then he realizes that there are three other persons in the store too. He than threats them by firing two more rounds, but he was unable to lay his hand on the money. So he was violently disappointed and took a pack of smokes from the curtain and fled the crime scene (Heath, 2009).

A-Process for collecting evidence

We can obtain finger prints from a lot of things. The cigarette butt the gun and the carton of cigarette from which I am certain that I will get the finger print of the shooter. The spent bullet is seen in the counter, it is embedded there, and we can match the bullet from the recovered gun and the bullet casing than it will be easy to charge the killer with homicide (Mann & Vrij 2008). And above all there are three eye witnesses and the footage from the close circuit camera and the footage will be analyzed by the video analyst present in our department (Heath, 2009).

We are collecting the evidences in the evidence bag by wearing plastic gloves so that the finger prints do not get away. The bullet that is embedded in the showcase has to be removed by knife. All the bullets and the gun will be tested in the forensic laboratory to confirm that the killer shot from the gun. Trace evidence will be done in the gas station to find any thing related to the man in question. Other than that impression evidences will be used here to frame the murderer (Tagliaro & Bortolotti, 2006).

B- Witnesses

As per my judgment goes, I believe that the people present in the store while the shooting are not involved with the shooter. For the beginning, here we can see that the shooter was failed to take the money he wanted to take, and only thing he had robbed from the store is nothing but a small pack of cigarettes. Now let us concentrate on the witnesses. The first witness is an employee of the store. As an employee of the store he must have to know that there is a close circuit camera in the store some where. And if he was involved he must have planned to avoid the camera. But the killer did not know about the existence of the camera and hence it is clearly recorded that he is shooting the owner. And the other two, the mother and the child, who is basically based in California can be safely said had no hand in the crime. They were only at the “ wrong place, in the wrong time .” (Dirkmaat, 2008)

But still, here we can say that they were involved during a shooting where a person had lost his life. So every one present at the spot are a suspect and back ground checks on all the three will be done by our team of investigators before we come to any conclusion (Tagliaro & Bortolotti, 2006).

C- Packing of Evidence

All the evidences were taken into evidence bag and they are properly labeled. The photographers took photos from all the possible angles to present the reconstruction of the murder in a court of justice. The DNA analysts were there and they had collected samples of blood and also they believed that if they can examine the smoked cigarette, they can say that if the person who is being alleged as the shooter was on high or not (Dirkmaat, 2008).

In the final analysis, as a forensic investigator, the case looks very clear to me. The killer was in desperate need of money and he decided to rob the store. He had no intention of killing but the gun fired and he got afraid, and fled the crime scene. My experience says that it will be not a tough job to nab the killer and he will get a long punishment in a court of law.

Dirkmaat, D. (2008). Fingerprint and Criminal Justice. New perspectives in forensic anthropology, 137 , 33-52.
Heath, W. (2009). Arresting and convicting the innocent: the potential role. Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 27 , 313-332.
Mann, S., & Vrij, A. (2008). See no lies, hear no lies: differences in discrimination accuracy and response bias when watching or listening to police suspect interviews. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 22 , 1062-1071.
Meyer, J., & Reppucci, D. (2007). Police practices and perceptions regarding juvenile interrogation and interrogative suggestibility. Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 25 , 757-780.
Tagliaro, F., & Bortolotti, F. (2006). Recent advances in the applications of CE to forensic sciences (2001-2004). Electrophoresis, 27 , 231-243.
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2021, December 27). Criminal Justice System: Crime Scene Investigation. https://ivypanda.com/essays/criminal-justice-system-crime-scene-investigation/

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IvyPanda . 2021. "Criminal Justice System: Crime Scene Investigation." December 27, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/criminal-justice-system-crime-scene-investigation/.

1. IvyPanda . "Criminal Justice System: Crime Scene Investigation." December 27, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/criminal-justice-system-crime-scene-investigation/.