Documentation and notetaking

What are the three primary methods of documenting a crime scene?

Photography/video, contemporaneous notes, and sketches.

What does “contemporaneous” mean in CSI note‑taking?

Recorded at the time (or as close as possible) during the examination.

What three categories must CSI notes clearly separate?

Observations, actions, and information received

What sections make up a Crime Scene Report?

Pre‑attendance info, observations, actions taken, evidence recovered, and decision rationale

What should be recorded during scene attendance?

Timing, environment, and scene conditions.

How should handwritten errors be corrected?

Single line through the error, initialled and dated.

What is the purpose of the initial scene assessment?

To understand the scene, identify potential evidence, and recognise limitations.

What should be recorded during the initial assessment?

Scene condition, disturbances, CCTV, potential evidence, limitations.

What does photography provide in scene documentation?

A visual record of scene condition, evidence location, and examination sequence.

What must be documented when recovering evidence?

What was recovered, where it was recovered, why it was recovered, and the order of recovery

What is exhibit continuity?

Ensuring exhibits are uniquely referenced, accurately described, traceable, and accounted for.

What do sketches show?

Scene layout, evidence locations, measurements, and relative positions.

What seven details must a CJA label contain? (criminal justice act)

Police force, exhibit reference, item description + location found, date/time, address, CSI name, signature.