Crime Scene Investigation Essay

A thorough documentation of a crime scene is an important part of any investigation. Several different methods of documentation are use; however, it is the combination of the methods that best aids investigators during the investigations into prosecution and trial. One of the first steps in documenting the scene would begin with the investigators notes. The notes will contain multiple pieces of information that may prove to be useful during the span of the case. The investigator should make notes of everything not only what is observed with his/ her eyes, but also what the other senses pick up as well including sounds and smells. Each page of the investigators notes should be written on loose leaf paper with an ink pen and cataloged in a way
All details that could be needed for recollections of the events should be retrievable in the documents.
Photographs, videotaping, and sketching each are important to the documentation process, as well as establishing corpus delicti. Photographing the crime scene(s) should begin before any objects are touched or moved, based on Gross’s theory that once something is moved it can never be returned to the exact location it originated (Buckles, 2007.) These steps are all important for reference of the scene (e.g. blood splatter, weapon location, and position of evidence to everything else.) The collection of the media is an indispensable tool for the investigators. Especially, a reference to the scene is needed later, or if the materials are needed during the trial for visual reference. Media documentation is a keen step in referencing the way the evidence is