Crime Scene Management

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Crime scene management

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Type of documentation that are used at crime scenes include sketches, photographs and note taking. The first thing is to take photographs of the scene and everything before it is touched. The purpose of the documentation is to maintain visual records and recreate the scene accurately in front of the prosecutor. Digital and film cameras are used with various lenses, filters and flashes. A sketchpad and graph paper is used for making observations CITATION Rob123 \l 1033 (Julian, Kelty, & Robertson, 2012). Measuring tape, pencils and rules are common tools used for making recordings. Scene documentation is done as a walk-through of the scene while CSI takes the photos CITATION Ara17 \l 1033 (Saldivar, 2017). Sketches are also made for representing the events as they occurred and when they are untouched. Detailed notes are also taken that include observations about the scene including even minor details. In taking notes the crime officer write everything based on direct experience. No important information is missed in this documentation.

Two methods for documenting the crime scene include videotaping and still photography. For video taping a video camera is used for offering layout on crime scenes. Everything is recorded on the camera that include both visuals and audio. Surrounding area is also captures as it naturally existed. Still photography involve taking pictures of the crime scene. Actual size or one-to-one photographs are taken. Wide-angle photos are taken with a wide angle lens of 28 mm and 55 mm normal lens CITATION Ara17 \l 1033 (Saldivar, 2017). Functions can be used at different angles. Both indoor and outdoor photo-shoots are done for preserving the scenes.

Various documentations are used for different crime scenes because a single document cannot cover all aspects of a crime scene. It is thus important to rely on range of documentation methods such as photography and sketching. Sketching is used when the investigators need to create crime scene based on the information from witnesses. Sketching is used for creating the image of the criminal that cannot be obtained through photography. In the same way sketching is not needed when criminal is present at the crime scene (NRC, 2009). Still photography is more effective for comparing things such as fingerprints and shoeprints. This reflects that different methods serve different purposes. Sketching is also used for different scenes for two and three-dimensional representation.

Requirements for documentation related to admissibility of evidence at trial include photographs and video proof. These documents are used for assuring that the evidence is not over-represented or outweigh by the examiners. Photographs are expected to provide accurate details about the crime scene such as the bodies of the victims, the placement of things or weapons CITATION Ara17 \l 1033 (Saldivar, 2017). Videos are also used for providing actual representation of scene to the court and prosecutors. These methods are effective for admissibility of evidence presented at the time of trial. It can be used for assuring that the proof is free from bias. By relying on these documents it is also possible to avoid unfairly prejudice that could undermine the validity.

References

BIBLIOGRAPHY Julian, R., Kelty, S., & Robertson, J. (2012). “Get it right the first time”: Critical Issues at the Crime Scene. Current Issues in Criminal Justice , 24 (1).

NRC. (2009). Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward.

Saldivar, A. (2017). Minimum Education Requirements for CrimeScene Investigators. Research Journal of Justice Studiesand Forensic Science , 5 (10).