Crime Scene Training

The main purpose for documenting a crime scene is to record and preserve the location and the relationship of discovered evidence as well as the condition of the crime scene as it was when the documenter was observing it (Dutelle, 2010). The four primary methods for documenting crime scenes are as follows: note-taking and or reports, videotaping, photography, and crime scene sketching and mapping. Videotaping can provide a better perspective on the crime scene than sketching and photography, this is especially true when demonstrating the structure of the crime scene and how the evidence relates to the crime (Schiro, 2011). The video camera should have a fully charged battery and the time and day on the recording. The scene tamper free with the exception of the evidence markers and all personnel should be out of the area when filming is in progress. Once the camera is started it should not be stopped till the filming is done. When filming the motions should be slow and steady using the wide angle, and close up feature. If film permits panning an area should be done twice to prevent unnecessary rewinding of the tape. Once filming is complete the footage should be transferred to a high quality master copy (Schiro, 2011). If a video camera is not available photography would be the first step. One advantage photography has over video taping is in direct comparison situations. An example of a direct comparison would be comparing fingerprint and shoe prints at the crime scene with known fingerprint and shoeprint from the suspect. Almost any type of camera with interchangeable lenses and a format of 35mm or larger will do in crime scene photography. The lenses should include a 28mm wide angle lens, a normal 55mm lens, and a lens with macro capabilities (1:4 or better).

The flash unit used with the camera should be one that is not fixed to the camera. It should be able to function at various angles and distances from the camera. This is to allow lighting of certain...