Crime Scene Documentation 1 1 Explaining how to

Crime Scene Documentation 1. 1 Explaining how to search, sketch, and record data from a crime scene.

Equipment Used n Cameras (digital and film) n n n n n Different types of film Different lenses Flashes Filters Tripod Sketchpad Graph paper Measuring tape Notepad

Crime Scene Documentation: Occurs during the second walk-through n Follows same path as first walk-through n These jobs can be shared if more than one CSI is present. n

Note-taking at the Scene Uses scientific observation n Make only factual observations. n Make no assumptions; form no opinions. n “blood spreading outward from underside of corpse” vs. “large, brownish-red fluid spreading outward from underside of corpse” n

Photographs Take pics of everything BEFORE anything is touched or moved. n Even the corpse is not touched until it and the surrounding area have been photographed. n 3 types of photos taken: n n Overviews Mid-views Close-ups

Crime Scene Photographs

Overview Shots The widest possible views of the entire scene n Views of ALL rooms with photos from each corner and overhead n Views of the outside of the building, including all entrances and exits n Views of the building in relation to other structures n Photos of any spectators at the scene (? ? ? ) n

Mid-range Photos n To show key pieces of evidence in their original context n n Location in the room Distance from other pieces of evidence

Close-ups Individual pieces of evidence to show details and serial numbers n Second set of evidence pieces with a ruler for scale n n Every photo is included in a photo log.

Photo Log Includes: 1. 2. 3. 4. Photograph number Description of the object or scene in the photograph Location of object or scene Time and date of photo

Sketches Shows exact locations of evidence and how each piece relates to the rest of the scene n Includes details like n n n door heights, room size, distance from door to windows, diameter of hole in wall above victim’s body Angle measurements

Video n Captures entire scene and surrounding area n ****Next: Evidence Collection