Each is discussed in detail below.
Notes
Taking notes serves as a means of recording the pertinent facts and details of a
crime scene. Some of the basic facts that must be recorded are--
o
The time, date, and weather conditions upon arrival at the crime scene.
o
Identification of all personnel
involved
as
well
as
identification
of
victims, witnesses, and suspects.
o
A description of the crime scene.
o
A description of the evidence.
The investigator's notes are his personal and most readily available record of the
crime scene. While you may be inclined to jot abbreviated notes, it is important
to make notes that will remain fully clear even months after the event.
The notes should begin with the investigator's assignment to the case and continue
through the completion of the investigation.
Notes should be supplemented with
photographs, sketches, and scale drawings.
Be sure to sequence your notes in a
logical and systematic manner. Your notes serve to aid in the accurate recall of
events for testimony in court.
Plus, they furnish raw material for your written
report on the case.
Use the following guidelines when taking notes:
o
Print your notes if your handwriting is not easy to read.
o
Use blue or black nonsmudge ink.
o
Number each page.
o
Identify each page with your name, your title or rank, the case number, and
the date.
o
Record the times when an action is taken, when information is received, and
when an event is observed.
o
Do not edit or erase your notes. If you make a mistake, line out the entry,
initial it, and write the correct information.
o
Use a looseleaf notebook rather than a bound notebook.
1-7
MP2004
Previous Page
