| While processing a crime scene, everything that | | | | added right away. Even when video is used, still |
| occurs is documented in the form of notes, drawings, | | | | pictures need to be taken because they provide |
| photographs, and sometimes digital video. This | | | | much greater resolution to detail. |
| documentation includes not only the scene and the | | | | Pictures are also taken of any injured persons |
| evidence, but also the area around the scene, | | | | including the suspect. Full-body and close-up pictures |
| particularly the offender's possible points of entry and | | | | of any injured are taken. The nature of the injuries |
| exit. | | | | dictates whether photographs are taken at the |
| An assigned note taker keeps an accurate account | | | | scene or at the hospital. Photographs taken at the |
| of all events in and around the crime scene. | | | | scene can include bumps, bruises, and scratches. |
| Sometimes a digital recorder is used, and the verbal | | | | Pictures of injuries from a gunshot or knife will have |
| notes are transcribed at a future time. However they | | | | to be taken at the hospital because treating the |
| are recorded, the notes must describe important | | | | victim's injuries will take priority. |
| details such as an overall description of the scene. | | | | In pictures where the size of the evidence being |
| This includes an accurate list detailing what each piece | | | | documented is important, the photographer includes a |
| of evidence is. It must describe when, where, and by | | | | point of reference. A ruler is the best one to use but |
| whom the evidence was found as well as who | | | | another common object such as a cigar, pencil, or a |
| transported it to the crime lab. The note taker must | | | | house key works just as well. |
| also identify and verbalize a comment on each picture | | | | Drawings are also very important because they show |
| that is taken at the scene. | | | | the position of each piece of evidence relative to |
| Pictures of the scene must be photographed | | | | other pieces or to a corpse. Every piece of evidence |
| immediately so that they show the scene preserved | | | | is drawn on a map showing the distance of each |
| in an untampered condition. Pictures must be taken | | | | piece from two fixed reference points such as a wall, |
| before moving or removing any evidence (such as a | | | | sidewalk, or lamppost. Doing this provides the exact |
| body or a murder weapon). Taking a few overview | | | | graphic coordinates of each piece of evidence. |
| pictures of the scene is a good idea especially if the | | | | Several computer programs are available that help |
| scene occurs outdoors. Photographs of the | | | | produce clearer images. |
| surrounding areas should be taken from different | | | | The next time your watch your favorite CSI TV |
| points of view. Close-up shots of each piece of | | | | show, you will have a clearer understanding of the |
| evidence such as visible cuts and bruises to the | | | | documentation procedure when CSI's work a crime |
| corpse are crucial. Video has its advantages of | | | | scene. |
| including sound so that verbal comments can be | | | | |