Overview
This lecture covers chapter 2: documenting crime scenes through note-taking, photography, and sketching, emphasizing the importance of thorough, accurate records for investigations and court proceedings.
Importance of Notes in Investigations
- Notes are essential for documenting facts and details during investigations.
- Effective notes help investigators recall details, support testimony, and are often required in court.
- Notes must include information on what, when, where, who, how, and why aspects of the incident.
Characteristics of Effective Notes
- Notes must be complete, accurate, specific, factual, clear, chronological, legible, and well organized.
- Include all evidence and observations, both inculpatory (suggesting guilt) and exculpatory (suggesting innocence).
- Record details about all persons present, actions taken, and evidence collected.
Note-Taking Techniques & Storage
- Use abbreviated format; omit unnecessary words and use standard abbreviations.
- Cross out errors, correct, and initial—never erase or white out.
- Notes can be taken in loose-leaf or spiral notebooks; each format has pros and cons regarding organization and legal scrutiny.
- Proper storage and filing systems are important for later retrieval.
Investigative Photography
- Purpose is to permanently record the crime scene and evidence for court.
- Advantages: immediacy, accuracy, easy adaptation for court and email, reduced storage needs.
- Disadvantages: not selective, can be distorted, lack distance representation unless marked.
- Photograph most fragile evidence first, then the overall scene, then close-ups.
- Types of photography: instant print, point and shoot, DSLR, fingerprint, video cameras, night, aerial, and laboratory (micro, macro, UV, laser).
- Include details with each photo: date, case number, type of offense, photographer, location, camera details, and scene description.
Video Documentation
- Video captures the crime scene and audio, showing sequence and context effectively.
- Poor video quality or untrained operators can harm a case.
- Adequate training and proper equipment are necessary.
Crime Scene Sketches
- Sketches show physical layout, sequence of events, and exact positions of objects.
- Rough sketches are made after photos, before moving anything; not usually to scale but include accurate measurements.
- Methods: rectangular coordinate, baseline, triangulation, compass point, and cross projection.
- Steps: observe, measure, plot, note details, prepare legend, reassess.
- Finished scale drawings are made with precision for court use; computer software can assist.
Admissibility in Court
- Photos and sketches must be material (related), relevant, and competent (accurate).
- Proper documentation and chain of custody are critical.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Inculpatory evidence — evidence indicating guilt.
- Exculpatory evidence — evidence indicating innocence.
- Photogrammetry — extracting 3D measurements from 2D images.
- Rough sketch — an initial, not-to-scale outline of the crime scene.
- Scale drawing — precise, to-scale version of the rough sketch.
- Chain of custody — documented handling of evidence from collection to court.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review all note-taking, photography, and sketching procedures.
- Practice taking comprehensive case notes.
- Familiarize yourself with crime scene photographic equipment and sketching methods.
- Complete assigned readings for the next class.