Determining when a crime scene should be “released”—that is, when the police should relinquish control over it, is a decision usually made by the officer in charge of the investigation (usually, a detective). In investigations involving a death, in which the scene is under the authority of the coroner, practically speaking, the officer in charge of the investigation is still the one to order police to relinquish the crime scene, but only after he or she has consulted with the investigating coroner and confirmed that it is appropriate to do so. This typically takes place after the post-mortem examination has been completed, and after the officer in charge of the investigation is satisfied that the scene has been thoroughly documented and all potential evidence has been identified, collected, and preserved for later analysis. This determination will usually be made in consultation with the forensic identification specialist.

Releasing the crime scene too early will have impact on the investigation and may cause the lose of potential incriminating evidence. This ‘early release’ may cause contamination of evidence and jeopardize the investigation outcome.