Crime Scene Documentation Notes
Documenting the Crime Scene
Documentation is essential for proper processing of a crime scene. Inaccurate or incomplete records can lead to cases remaining unsolved or to unsuccessful prosecutions (e.g., the O.J. Simpson case).
Documentation components include notes, sketches, photographs, and sometimes video.
Notes at the Crime Scene
After securing the scene and separating witnesses, investigators begin a preliminary survey (scan of the scene).
During the preliminary survey, transient evidence is noted. Transient conditions include:
Temperature
Odors
Whether lights are on or off
Whether doors and windows are open or closed, locked or unlocked
Weather conditions
After the initial walk-through, investigators continue to take notes as processing proceeds. Notes should include:
Date and time
Description of location
Description of the time (possibly ambiguous in original text, but recorded as the time description)
Location of evidence relative to other key points
Names of all people involved (witnesses, victims, authorized personnel)
Modifications that may occur (e.g., medics entering the scene, a body being moved)
Photographs
Photographs document the scene and the location of evidence within the scene; they, along with sketches, help recreate the crime scene.
Photographs are used to document every physical crime scene, from plane crashes to burglaries.
What should be photographed:
It is better to take more photographs than fewer. Do not focus only on the obvious.
As an example, in Florida an investigator would photograph the inside of a refrigerator and each cabinet in a home. Although not always relevant, a fridge’s contents once linked to a receipt helped identify a suspect (a hitchhiker the victim had taken to a service station).
Photos should be taken from several distances and viewpoints: distance, mid-range, and close-up.
Photography procedure:
Begin with wide-angle shots of the crime scene before anything is moved, from several vantage points.
Take photographs of all entry and exit points, including exterior photos if the crime occurred indoors.
Repeat many of these shots after evidence markers are placed.
Photos establish the relative location of evidence to the room and to the victim.
If a victim is present, photograph the victim’s location, condition, and any injuries.
Photo Details and Angles
Final consideration: photographs should capture each piece of evidence at the location where it was found.
Photographs should be taken from directly above or at a right angle to avoid size or distance distortion.
Each piece of evidence should be photographed with a scale to indicate size.
Lighting may be used to visualize injuries (special lighting to highlight bruising or other details).
If a victim is present, include injuries and condition in the photographic record.
Sketches
A sketch is a simple tool showing the location of evidence within the crime scene.
There are two types of crime scene sketches:
Rough sketch: completed at the scene; pencil-drawn outline showing where evidence and key objects are located. It is usually not drawn to scale but should include distances.
Final, accurately scaled sketch: typically completed away from the crime scene using special software.
For an accurate sketch, many measurements are required, including:
Measurements of the area itself
Measurements indicating the location of evidence
For each piece of evidence on the sketch, triangulation is used to pinpoint its location:
Triangulation measures the distance from the evidence to two fixed or immovable points, creating a triangle.
The sketch should also include:
Directional terms (e.g., north, east, etc.)
A documentation block with case number, date, time, location, and investigators’ names
Final Sketch considerations:
The final sketch is accurate and scaled, produced away from the scene using software.
Triangulation (concept and simple equations)
Triangulation uses two fixed reference points A and B to locate evidence E.
Triangulation helps determine the exact placement of evidence within the scene when drawn to scale on sketches and later in software.
The Crime Scene Report
The lead investigator compiles notes, sketches, photographs, and video (if available) into the crime scene report.
The report must be objective; no opinions or assumptions should be stated.
What is Included on the Final Crime Scene Report?
Location of the scene
Documentation from the responding officer
Documentation from emergency medical personnel at the scene
Time of arrival at the scene
Time of departure from the scene
Description of the scene as it appears
Record of transient evidence or observations (transient evidence is evidence that may dissipate or not be recorded by photo/video, such as smells, weather conditions, sounds, and sights)
Documentation of any deviations from standard procedures
Documentation of evidence collected (including location, date of collection, and who collected it)
Documentation from other responders
Record of any warrants or consent form information
Any technical or forensic reports available
Documentation formats to include: Photographs, Sketches, and Written Reports.
A minimum requirement: at least four items should be taken from each corner of the room across photographs, sketches, or written notes.
The final version should include a standard scale.
Crime scene arrival and departure times are recorded.
Additional Documentation and Coverage
Overlap to show the entire crime scene:
Include directional north and fixed points to orient the viewer.
List the evidence found at the crime scene; keep a log including location, date, description, and evidence quality.
The first copy of notes and sketches is typically done in pencil.
Records warrants and consent forms.
Documentation captures a moment in time and should reflect precise measurements.
Records any deviation from standard procedures.
The documentation process uses three perspectives for photographs: distance, mid-range, and close-up, and applies triangulation for positioning.
Emergency medical personnel’s documentation is included as part of the overall record.