Report Writing

Introduction to Report Writing

• Report writing is an essential skill in crime scene investigation.

• There are no strict rules; guidance is based on agency policies and case requirements.

• Importance of adapting to specific requirements set by individual agencies.

• Acknowledgment of varied approaches to document writing in law enforcement.

Key Elements of Crime Scene Documentation

• Crime scene documentation includes four key elements:

  • Notes

  • Photographs

  • Sketches

  • Reports

• Focus will be on notes and reports, emphasizing their importance in investigations.

Role of a Crime Scene Technician

• Mission of crime scene technician: objectively identify conditions of the crime scene.

• Importance of accurately documenting the scene to lead to an understanding of events that occurred.

Narrative Scene Descriptions

• Narrative descriptions must be:

  • Detailed, capturing all pertinent facts and conditions.

  • Accurate with minimal inferences or subjective evaluations.

  • Logical and organized for clarity and understanding.

• Importance of preparing narratives to address potential questions in court.

• The narrative is crucial for external evaluations of the investigation quality.

• Professionalism is judged based on the content of these reports.

Investigative Notes

• Investigative notes: critical elements collected on scene, distinct from final reports.

• Should begin with initial notification details of the crime, such as:

  • Who called and reported the crime?

  • Information about when and where the events occurred.

• Document all actions taken upon arrival at the scene:

  • Observations made.

  • Techniques used and their effectiveness (e.g., if negative results occurred, this must be noted).

• Importance of thorough documentation, including failed efforts, to provide a complete picture.

Handling Negative Results

• Even if negative results occur, document methods used and outcomes.

• For example, unsuccessful fingerprint collection would still be documented:

  • "Fingerprinting attempted with black powder, no prints recovered."

• Acknowledge observations in areas with no evidence as this can come under scrutiny in court.

• Lawyers may challenge investigative thoroughness, so it’s crucial to document every effort.

• Negative and unremarkable observations should be succinctly acknowledged:

  • Example: "Examination of the north wall did not locate any fingerprints."

Documenting Quality of Notes

• Quality of documentation can vary significantly among investigators.

• Examples provided:

  • One poor quality example showing lack of detail and professionalism.

  • A well-documented example that exemplifies thoroughness and professionalism (23 pages of detailed notes).

• Stress on pride in documentation to reflect professionalism and commitment to quality.

Ensuring Comprehensive Documentation

• Recommendations for extensive documentation include:

  • Detailed crime scene reports should contain no typographical errors or spelling mistakes.

  • Keep all notes, as they are primary evidence and reveal more specific details than final reports.

• Federal legal stipulations require all notes be retained and discoverable.

Structuring the Crime Scene Report

• No single correct format for crime scene reports; it varies by agency.

• Essential attributes of a report:

  • Avoid cursory discussions limited to central themes.

  • Never include subjective opinions or hypotheses.

  • Maintain organization to address all pertinent aspects without excessive rambling.

• Suggested structured format might include:

  • Introduction

  • Scene Characteristics

  • Scene Conditions

  • Environmental Conditions

  • Entry and Exit Factors

  • Documentation Methods

  • Collection of Physical Evidence

  • Evidence Search Efforts

  • Additional Examinations

Detailed Report Sections

• Introduction:

  • Identify who worked the scene, details on notification, time, and reason for examination.

• Characteristics of the Scene:

  • Describe the static conditions (doors, windows, furniture).

• Conditions of the Scene:

  • Identify cleanliness, levels of disarray, and description of evidence.

• Environmental Conditions:

  • Summarize weather conditions at the time of investigation.

  • Notate impacts on the crime scene (e.g., weather interfering with evidence).

• Entry and Exit Factors:

  • Analyze possible approaches to the scene.

  • Include objective characteristics with reasons for assumptions.

• Scene Documentation:

  • Explain photography and sketch techniques used, types of equipment.

• Collection Methods:

  • Describe evidence collection methods: paper vs. plastic bags, etc.

• Search for Latent Prints or DNA:

  • Document fingerprinting and DNA collection attempts.

• Additional Examinations:

  • Include any specialized analyses performed, like blood pattern analysis.

• Conclusions:

  • Differentiate between subjective interpretations and objective observations.

Final Considerations

• Acknowledge that all reports will have errors and omissions; perfection is not expected.

• Emphasize thorough review of reports for details to retain professionalism in communication.

• Remember to avoid subjective interpretations and stick to factual and objective reporting.

• Counsel may manipulate report details, hence maintaining accuracy and clarity in recording observations is vital.