Police warn public against filming crime scenes for social media

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

Sri Lanka Police have warned the public against filming or photographing crime scenes and victims for the purpose of sharing content on social media, stressing that such actions can seriously undermine criminal investigations and violate the dignity of victims.  

Addressing the growing issue of social media interference at crime scenes, IP Chamara Wijerathna, Officer-in-Charge of the Crime Scene Investigation Training College, said that unauthorized recording or photography can compromise the integrity of evidence and obstruct police investigations.  

He further warned that storing or sharing images and videos of crime scenes or victims could result in legal action under the Penal Code, stating that offenders may face serious legal consequences.  

Inspector Wijerathna urged the public to act responsibly and cooperate with law enforcement officers by allowing investigators to carry out their duties without interference.  

In a video, Sri Lanka Police provided a rare glimpse into the sophisticated world of crime scene investigation at the Crime Scene Investigation Training Complex at the Kalutara Police College.  

IP Wijerathna said that the “SOCO” (Scene of Crime Officer) unit, established in 2006 with the assistance of the Swedish Police, has now expanded to 44 units island-wide, with over 360 officers operating 24/7.  

These officers are specially trained to act as independent scientific investigators, bridging the gap between the crime scene and expert analysis from institutions such as the Government Analyst’s Department and Judicial Medical Officers.  

Inspector Wijerathna highlighted a common error in which well-meaning citizens, or even local authorities, clean or tidy up a crime scene before investigators arrive. Using a mock crime scene, he explained how moving a chair, sweeping the floor, or washing clothes can destroy vital microscopic evidence such as hair, fibres, or biological fluids.  

He urged the public to leave everything exactly as it is “messy” and untouched to allow investigators to read the true story of the event.  

The SOCO Training Complex houses an advanced laboratory, described as the largest within the Sri Lanka Police. Equipped with 199 specialised instruments imported from overseas, the facility handles complex forensic tasks ranging from bloodstain pattern analysis to latent fingerprint development. Police also warned that interfering with crime scenes, whether deliberately or through negligence, can result in severe legal consequences under the Penal Code.  

Inspector Wijerathna explained that altering, destroying, or interfering with evidence at a crime scene can significantly obstruct investigations and the administration of justice. He outlined the penalties applicable to such offences based on the severity of the original crime.  

Accordingly, if the original offence is punishable by death, including cases such as murder, individuals found guilty of tampering with evidence face imprisonment of up to seven years. The same maximum sentence applies to cases in which the original offence carries a prison term of 10 years or more.  

For offences punishable by less than 10 years of imprisonment, the penalty for tampering is proportional to the original sentence, often amounting to one-fourth of the maximum term, in addition to possible fines.