Chapter 1008 517: Departing for the Primary Crime Scene... (2)

It should be noted that they had examined this crime scene multiple times, each time striving for completeness, but never had they been clearly required to extract evidence from every square centimeter of area as they were this time.

Just how big is one square centimeter?

It's merely the size of a fingernail, one centimeter long and one centimeter wide, which may sound insignificant, but when added up across the entire scope of the investigation, it becomes a monumental task that makes one gasp.

If previous scene inspections were considered "carpet-like," this investigation required a "microscopic" description—the level of detail and thoroughness far exceeded any previous regular inspections.

Everyone exchanged glances, a heavy and complex mood pervading the air.

Everyone knew that this task was far from easy, even more heavy and demanding of patience and meticulousness than any previous site analysis they had handled.

The young officer Zhang in the team couldn't help but turn to his experienced mentor beside him and whisper, "Master, the more I think about it, the more I feel like we might have underestimated the problem earlier?"

"If the scene needs to be investigated centimeter by centimeter, does it mean we can't overlook every tiny point and need to extract them all? How long will this take..."

The mentor remained calm, checking the tools in his hand while responding, "No matter how detailed and difficult the task is, since the provincial department has given directions, we must strictly execute them, step by step as required."

"But," Zhang whispered, a touch of misunderstanding and complaint in his tone, "we've extracted the bloodstains at the scene so many times before, and never have we been asked to almost 'flip' the ground and walls like this."

"Even if the provincial department has a new investigation approach, isn't this a bit... too radical?"

As he finished speaking, a few colleagues next to him softly agreed, and a mild stir arose within the inspection team.

At this moment, Director Lu turned around, raising his hand to signal everyone to quiet down.

He scanned every face and said, "I know everyone here is very familiar with this scene, some have been here over ten times, and you might think everything that can be investigated has been done. But I always believe that hard work never goes unrewarded."

"We just interrogated the crime suspect Li Tao in the interrogation room and discovered external injuries on his hand."

"Based on Mr. Jiang's initial analysis, these injuries are likely sustained during a violent struggle with the victim during the crime."

"With that in mind, the bloodstains that might have splattered or been wiped off during the fight could be attached to various corners of the scene, especially those subtle, easily overlooked places."

"Such trace bloodstains are difficult to detect with the naked eye but could be the key to cracking the case."

"Therefore, we cannot rely on regular investigation methods; we must adopt a meticulous, grid-style extraction approach, sparing no square centimeter."

"This is not merely about following orders; it's about being responsible for the case, for the truth."

Director Lu's words landed heavily on everyone's hearts.

As he spoke, he turned to Jiang An, and said solemnly, "Next, we've asked Mr. Jiang to provide a detailed explanation of the subsequent work arrangement and to guide everyone through the specific points and considerations for the site re-examination."

Jiang An took the microphone, facing all the participants, "Fellow brothers and sisters, everyone is working hard."

"Director Lu has just elaborated on the importance and urgency of this task, so I won't repeat that."

"Now, I will focus on the operational aspect and outline the key points for our next steps."

"Firstly, it's important to note that this case scene has existed for over a decade."

"As you know, bloodstains undergo a series of color changes over time—from the initial bright red turning to dark red, dark brown, and eventually possibly appearing gray-brown or even more challenging to distinguish."

"This means that when we head to the scene for re-examination today, ample original site photographs must be carried as references, especially those high-quality images clearly recording bloodstain distribution, ensuring everyone has a copy and is cognizant of it."

Jiang An's tone grew more solemn, "During the grid-style bloodstain extraction at the central scene, we must be thorough and yet more thorough."

"Absolutely no small trace should be missed, as any tiny evidence might be the key to solving the case."

"More importantly, each extracted bloodstain sample must be strictly and systematically marked and recorded."

"So that if effective DNA or other evidence information is detected in the future, we can accurately trace the bloodstain to its original location, thereby providing a solid foundation to reconstruct the crime scene and restore the incident process."

He surveyed the room and said earnestly, "Some might feel that our measures this time are overly detailed or even quite 'extreme.'"

"But I want to emphasize, in this case, any trace bloodstain can be the decisive evidence to break the deadlock."

"As Director Lu pointed out, there are external injuries on the suspect's hands, and his account of the time and place where they were formed is vague, perhaps intentionally evasive."

"Therefore, our task today is to find and secure the traces possibly concealed by time through the most rigorous and thorough method and let the evidence speak for itself."

"In short," Jiang An concluded, "I hope everyone maintains high concentration in the upcoming work, practices scientific evidence collection and standard operations. With our joint efforts, let's lay a solid evidence foundation for the progress of the case."

"It can be said that the quality of our work today directly determines whether this case proceeds in the right direction."

"Many site inspections are merely the starting point of investigation work, the initial stage of evidence collection."

"However, today's situation is entirely different."

"This site investigation might be the endpoint of this case."

"As such, I reiterate, everyone must be cautious and detailed."

"Every piece of evidence collected today may determine whether the case is concluded satisfactorily or incomplete."

"This not only concerns the completeness of the evidence chain but also whether justice can eventually be achieved."

After he finished speaking, he turned to look at Director Lu.

Director Lu understood and took over, glancing at Director Hou, "Director Hou, would you like to add a few more words?"

Director Hou waved his hand, "No need, time is pressing; let's proceed promptly."

Director Lu nodded, then faced everyone, speaking steadily and forcefully, "Alright, now let's officially set off."

"Please make sure you have your equipment ready and be alert; today's battle must be fought beautifully and thoroughly!"

"You have been fighting on the front line against crime for years, and today we face a decade-long pending case—it's time for us to conclude it."

"I have confidence, and I ask everyone to have confidence."

With a slight pause, his tone became more solemn, "Here, I solemnly promise everyone: once this case is solved, a collective Second Class Merit is guaranteed;

"For individuals with outstanding performance, a Third Class Merit is definitely on the way."

"If anyone extracts critical bloodstains or other decisive evidence, I promise immediately to apply for a personal Third Class Merit!"

As soon as he finished talking, a resounding and neat response emerged from below, "Good! Good! Good!"

To police officers, merits not only represent honor but are the most direct recognition of their professional dedication.

Upon hearing Director Lu's promise, the atmosphere of the team intensely rose, everyone was invigorated and moved swiftly, quickly organizing their equipment and getting ready.

Soon, seven police cars and an investigation specialized commercial vehicle drove out of the Public Security Bureau's criminal investigation courtyard sequentially.

Such a scale of investigation convoy is rare in the history of the East City Public Security Bureau, one could say it is unprecedented.

Director Hou, Jiang An, Director Lu, and Zhang Biao rode together in the first car.

Zhang Biao glanced at the extended convoy from the rearview mirror and couldn't help but smile, "Director Lu, the criminal investigation force in East City is indeed strong. This convoy rolls out grandly and impressively."

"Seeing this, the citizens of East City will certainly feel quite secure."

Director Lu slightly smiled hearing this, responding, "Director Hou, you flatter us. Our criminal investigation team still has much to learn and improve."

"Honestly, if it weren't for you and Mr. Jiang personally coming to guide this case, it might have still remained archived as an unsolved case."