Methods of Crime Scene Documentation

Type of Documentation

Guidelines

Note Taking

It is important that the responding officers note the condition of the scene as it existed upon their arrival. Note taking should be continuously updated during the course of the investigation.

Investigator's notes might include such factors as:

• Victim and witness statements
• Who was present at the scene
• Lighting conditions
• Open doors and windows
• Odors
• Signs of activity such as food preparation
• Date and time indicators such as newspapers or mail
• General descriptions of the scene and surrounding area

Photography and Videography

The primary means of crime scene documentation is still photography. Police officers should have an understanding of the importance of keeping the scene preserved, and not moving anything until it is photographed. The photographer must be able to testify that the photograph is a true and accurate representation of the scene at the time the photograph was taken. Crime scene photographs should reveal a detailed, chronological story of the scene.

Sketching

Photographs may not always depict spatial relationships between objects; sketches are used to supplement photographs. Sketches can more easily depict the overall layout of the scene and the relationships between objects. Investigators usually complete hand-drawn, rough sketches while at the crime scene. These sketches contain all the necessary information for the investigator to subsequently complete a finalized version.