Crime scene documentation: Flashcards
T or F: Documentation starts before arrival
True
What is the order of four tasks:
- Note-taking
- Videography
- Photography
- Sketch
Documentation is done through . . .
“Step by Step actions”
Note taking is important because . . .
- Provides a permanent record (CSI may rely on notes in future)
- Seemingly insignificant info may be significant (everything has to be documented)
Guidelines for note taking:
- Notification (arrival)
- Info surrounding (initial walkthrough)
- Description of scene (conditions)
- Description of scene (all evidence)
T or F: It is ok to erase mistakes in prelim assessment
False
Guidelines at the scene:
- Notification
- Arrival
- Initial walkthrough
- Scene Description
- Victim (if applicable)
Notification follows . . .
- Date and time
- Method of notification
- Info received
- Any info relayed
Arrival:
- Means (transportation)
- Date and time
- Personnel present (scene)
- Name and affiliation
- Name of witness
Initial walkthrough:
Date and time began
- Who performed? Who else was in attendance
- Date and time ended
Scene description:
Description (scene location)
- Surrounding (house/streets)
- Indoor and Outdoor
- Condition/weather
Victim:
What info collected depends on weather the victim (alive/dead)
- Victim’s phys description
- Relevant demographic
- Description (wounds if visible)
- Presence/absence (identification)
Detailed evidence:
- Phy’s description (evidence exhibits)
- Location
- Position
- Evidence collection
- Who (name/affiliation)
- When (date)
What are the guidelines of videography . . .
Must remain objective (no audio)
- Clear photos
What must a scene video include?
Date and time
- Videography
- Location
- Case (number)
Effective scene video. . .
All aspects initial walkthrough
General view scene
- Enters scene moves through scene, shows items of evidence, wide-angle perspective
- Zoom in areas of evidence
- Leave scene (still record after left)
What purpose does photography hold?
- Refresh memory (CSI and witness)
- Demonstrates special relationships (scene and evidence)
- Convey image of the scene (circumstance of crime)
T or F: all photographs must show a photo log
True
Photo log:
Proof of documentation taken at the scene . . .
- Date
- Case number
- Photographers name
- Info of equipment used (take photo)
Information specific to each photo:
- Date and time
- Type of photo
- description
- Listing of each photo
Equipment photography:
Still, photo used (norm)
- 35 mm film single lens reflex (SLR)
- DSLR (48 mm)
Higher megapixel, allows for better close-up photos
Flash:
External flash, often better (flash built into camera)
Camera lens:
Tools to bring up light (focal point)
- Lenses within DSLR (interchangeable)
- Normal 55mm/CSI “macro lens”
- Duplicates what the normal eye perceives.
What do overall photos involve?
Arrival at scene
- Includes locator images
- Demonstrates (location scene)
- Serves (Capture scene condition, before alteration)
- Depicts overall scene context
