Public Awareness of the Importance of Preserving a Crime Scene and Its Associated Factors: An Exploratory Study in the City of Hebron

Abstract

This study aimed to measure public awareness in Hebron, Palestine, regarding the importance of preserving a crime scene and to analyze the factors associated with this awareness. A descriptive, quantitative approach was employed, with data collected from a convenience sample (N=253) via an electronic questionnaire. The results revealed a significant lack of public awareness concerning the most basic procedures for handling a crime scene. Chi-Square analysis showed no statistically significant relationship between participants' responses on most awareness items and their educational level or gender (with one exception). Most importantly, the study found a statistically significant association between reliance on television as an information source and a lack of understanding of several crucial procedures, such as the importance of contacting the police and the sensitivity of physical evidence. The study recommends designing sustainable community awareness campaigns and calls for media outlets, particularly television, to review their content related to the coverage of criminal incidents.