How many crime scenes are there at minimum in a sexual battery case?

• A. Two.
• B. Three.
• C. Four.
• D. Five.

Answer: (B)

Three crime scenes is the minimum because a sexual battery investigation typically requires securing distinct locations to capture all relevant evidence: the place where the offense occurred to document the environment and any trace evidence; the victim’s person and immediate surroundings (including clothing) to collect biological material and injuries; and a secondary location related to the suspect or the instrument used (such as the suspect’s residence, vehicle, or another site where evidence links to the offense). Securing these three areas ensures a complete and defensible collection of physical evidence and maintains proper chain of custody. While more scenes can exist in complex cases, three is the baseline minimum. Two would risk missing a crucial area, and four or five are possible but not required as the minimum.