Flashcards Chapter 1-Introduction: Crime Scene Documentation Flashcards

30 practice flashcards focusing on notes, photography, and documentation principles from the crime scene investigations lecture.

What are the three main components of crime scene documentation discussed in Chapter 1?

Notes, photography, and crime scene sketches.

Are note-taking, photography, and sketches required in every investigation?

No; the techniques vary by case (e.g., domestic calls vs. homicide) and are used to build understanding.

What percentage of a typical law enforcement career is spent on writing and documentation?

About 70%.

What are ‘field notes’?

Notes taken at the scene in the field to document initial observations and evidence.

What item is commonly part of an officer’s uniform to aid field notes?

A notebook and pen.

When should an officer start taking notes at a scene?

After emergencies are under control and the scene is safe.

What basic information should be captured about a person at the scene?

Current location, name, address, phone number; role (witness/suspect); what they saw.

What is the difference between a witness and a suspect in notes?

A witness observed events; a suspect is someone believed to have committed the crime; they are labeled accordingly.

What is a key principle to avoid bias in notes?

Be factual and avoid personal opinions or embellishment; quotes should be accurate.

What does the Christina Hart example illustrate about note-taking?

Notes must avoid misreporting or misinterpreting statements and attributing them inaccurately.

What is one main function of photographs in investigations?

Provide a visual record of the scene and capture details that may be missed in words.

What is the purpose of overlapping photographs?

To ensure scene coverage and preserve spatial relationships for later reconstruction.

Why include long-range, medium, and close-up shots in photography?

To establish context and capture details at different scales.

How can you establish size in photos if a ruler isn’t available?

Use common reference objects like coins, keys, or a cell phone to provide scale.

What other photo types might be used besides crime scene photos?

Surveillance photos, aerial photos, night photographs, etc.

What are the three criteria for admissibility of photographs in court?

Relevance to the case, ability to explain testimony, and accurate representation.

Do investigators typically use a true panoramic photo at a scene?

No; overlapping photos are used to build a composite view.

Why include a reference item next to evidence in photos?

To provide scale and context for size and placement.

Besides notes and photos, what is another documentation method mentioned?

Crime scene sketches.

Why are notes considered ‘discoverable’ in court?

They can be requested during discovery and may support or challenge testimony.

What does the ‘Knife To Mom’ anecdote illustrate about notes?

Well-kept notes can preserve leads that surface years later and aid investigations.

How long do many departments retain investigator notes?

Usually years or forever, depending on policy.

What is the purpose of keeping notes well organized and legible?

To ensure usability, credibility, and admissibility in court.

What does ‘chronological order’ mean in note-taking?

Organizing notes by what happened first, then next, and so on.

Why is legible handwriting emphasized in notes?

To ensure readability under scrutiny and avoid misinterpretation.

What is the ‘emergency-first’ principle at crime scenes?

Prioritize safety and medical emergencies before note-taking.

How can notes aid during cross-examination?

If accurately recorded, they support truthfulness and can counter false claims.

What should be photographed first to preserve accuracy at a scene?

The overall scene and critical items before disturbance by others.

What future challenge to photo/video evidence is discussed in Chapter 8?

AI-generated images/videos may undermine authenticity and reliability of digital evidence.