Chapter 2 Documenting the Crime Scene: Note Taking, Photographing and Sketching 1-

Introduction Documentation is vital throughout an investigation As much as 70 percent of an investigator’s job is consumed by paperwork and writing Photography plays an important role in documenting evidence and presenting cases in court Often both photographs and sketches must accompany written notes to provide a clear picture of the crime scene 1-

Field Notes: The Basics NOTE TAKING When to take notes What to record Ask yourself specific questions Where to record notes How to take notes Learning Objective: Do you know why notes are important in an investigation? Investigative notes are a permanent written record of the facts of a case to be used in further investigation, in writing reports and in prosecuting the case. Do you know when to take notes? Start taking notes as soon as possible after receiving a call to respond and continue recording information as it is received throughout the investigation. Do you know what to record in investigative notes? Record all information that helps to answer the questions Who? What? Where? When? How? and Why? 1-

Characteristics of Effective Notes Complete Factual Accurate Specific Continued Learning Objective: Do you know what the characteristics of effective notes are? Effective notes are complete, factual, accurate, specific, legible, clear, arranged in chronological order and well-organized. 1-

Characteristics of Effective Notes (Continued) Legible Clear Arranged in chronological order Well-organized Learning Objective: Do you know what the characteristics of effective notes are? Effective notes are complete, factual, accurate, specific, legible, clear, arranged in chronological order and well-organized. 1-

Filing Notes RETAINING NOTES Place them in a secure location Place them under a filing system Make them available months or even years later Policy usually determines where and how notes are filed Many officers retain notes indefinitely Learning Objective: Do you know where to file notes if they are retained? If notes are retained, file them in a secure location readily accessible to investigators. 1-

Admissibility of Notes in Court LEGAL APPLICATIONS Can help discredit a suspect’s or a defense witness’s testimony Support evidence already given Strengthen testimony Defend against false allegations 1-

Investigative Photography: An Overview ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF PHOTOS Advantages Can be taken immediately Accurately represent the crime scene Disadvantages Detail may distract viewers Small nuances or discrete evidence may be missed Continued Learning Objective: Do you know what purposes are served by crime scene photography? Photographs and video recordings reproduce the crime scene in detail for presentation to the prosecution, defense, witnesses, judge and jury in court and are used in investigating, prosecuting and police training. Do you know what the advantages and disadvantages of using photography are? Advantages of photographs: They can be taken immediately, accurately represent the crime scene and evidence, create interest and increase attention to testimony. Disadvantages of photographs: They are not selective, do not show actual distances and may be distorted and damaged by mechanical errors in shooting or processing. 1-

Investigative Photography: An Overview (Continued) ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF VIDEO Advantages Can show distances Audio capability Disadvantages Poor focusing Overusing the zoom Unintentional audio Learning Objective: Do you know what the advantages and disadvantages of using videography are? Advantages of videos: They accurately represent the crime scene and evidence, are able to show distance more clearly than photos and have sound capability to more fully document what is being seen. Disadvantages of videos: Many people mistakenly believe that no training in videotaping is necessary, which leads to poor video quality and a diminished value in the video’s documentation of the crime scene. 1-

Basic Photographic Equipment MINIMUM PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT Instant-print cameras Point-and-shoot cameras Digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras Fingerprint cameras Video cameras Accessories Learning Objective: Do you know what the minimum photographic equipment for an investigator is? At a minimum, have available and be skilled in operating a Polaroid-type instant-print camera, a point-and-shoot camera, a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, a fingerprint camera and video equipment. 1-

Training in and Using Investigative Photography WHAT TO PHOTOGRAPH OR VIDEOTAPE Plan shots that least disturb scene Use overlapping to cover entire scene Long-range shots of the locality Medium-range shots of the immediate crime scene Close-range shots of specific evidence Learning Objective: Do you know what to photograph at a crime scene and in what sequence? First, photograph the general area, then specific areas and finally specific objects of evidence. Take exterior shots first because they are the most subject to alteration by weather and security violations. 1-

Training in and Using Investigative Photography ERRORS TO AVOID Be familiar with your equipment Maintain proper perspective Show the objects in their relative size and position Take pictures from eye level Checklists help eliminate errors Learning Objective: Do you know what errors in technique to avoid? Take photographs and videos before anything is disturbed. Avoid inaccuracies and distortions. 1-

Types of Investigative Photography Crime scene Surveillance Aerial Night Laboratory Mug shots Lineup Learning Objective: Do you know what types of photography are used in criminal investigations? Types of investigative photography include crime scene, surveillance, aerial, night, laboratory, lineup and mug shot. 1-

Identifying, Filing and Maintaining Security of Evidence EVIDENCE MAINTENANCE Identifying Include backing information Filing Cross-reference by case number Follow department policy Maintaining security 1-

Admissibility of Photographs in Court CRITERIA Must meet specific criteria to be admissible in court A material photograph relates to a specific case and subject A relevant photograph helps explain testimony A competent photograph accurately represents what it purports to represent Learning Objective: Do you know what basic rules of evidence photographs must adhere to? Photographs must be material, relevant, competent, accurate, free of distortion and noninflammatory. 1-

Crime Scene Sketches: An Overview SKETCHES AS INVESTIGATIVE AIDS Accurately portrays the physical facts Relates to the sequence of events Precise location and relationship of objects Helps create a mental picture of the scene Permanent record of the scene Usually admissible in court Learning Objective: Do you know what purposes are served by the crime scene sketch? A crime scene sketch assists in (1) interviewing and interrogating people, (2) preparing the investigative report and (3) presenting the case in court. 1-

The Rough Sketch WHAT TO SKETCH Better to include too much rather than too little Do not include irrelevant objects Area to be sketched depends on the crime scene Large scene Small area Original floor plans Continued Learning Objective: Do you know what should be sketched? Sketch all serious crime and crash scenes after photographs are taken and before anything is moved. Sketch the entire scene, the objects and the evidence. 1-

The Rough Sketch (Continued) SKETCHING MATERIALS The first pencil-drawn outline of a scene Paper of any type will do Keep two or three pencils on hand Use a measuring tape for measuring long distances Use a compass to determine true north Learning Objective: Do you know what materials are needed to make a rough sketch? Materials for the rough sketch include paper, pencil, long steel measuring tape, carpenter-type ruler, straightedge, clipboard, eraser, compass, protractor and thumbtacks. 1-

Steps in Sketching the Crime Scene TO SKETCH A SCENE Observe and plan Measure distances Plot objects Take notes Use a legend and scale Reassess the sketch Learning Objective: Do you know what steps to take in making a rough sketch? Observe and plan. Measure distances and outline the area. Plot objects and evidence within the outline. Take notes and record details. Identify the sketch with a legend and a scale. Reassess the sketch. Do you know how plotting methods are used in sketches? Plotting methods are used to locate objects and evidence on the sketch. These methods include the use of rectangular coordinates, a baseline, triangulation and compass points. 1-

File the Sketch FILING OVERVIEW Place rough sketch in a secure file May be used later to question witnesses or suspects Keep the rough sketch in its original form May be needed for testifying later 1-

The Finished Scale Drawing SCALE DRAWING OVERVIEW Done in ink Drawn to scale Materials needed Made at police station Simple or complex 1-

Computer-Assisted Drawing CAD Benefits Accuracy Repeatability Simplicity Speed Portability 1-

Admissibility of Sketches and Drawings in Court ADMISSIBILITY ISSUES Investigator must be prepared to testify about: Information contained in the sketch Conditions under which it was made The process used to construct it Well-prepared sketches and drawings help people visualize crime scenes Learning Objective: Do you know when a sketch or a scale drawing is admissible in court? An admissible sketch is drawn or personally witnessed by an investigator and accurately portrays a crime scene. A scale drawing also is admissible if the investigating officer drew it or approved it after it was drawn and if it accurately represents the rough sketch. The rough sketch must remain available as evidence. 1-

Summary Investigative notes and reports are critical parts of a criminal investigation Record all relevant information concerning the crime Photography has become increasingly important in criminal investigation Videos are now well established as an investigative tool In addition to photographs, crime scene sketches are often used 1-