right to left, or front to rear.
Such things as marks, scratches, alterations,
damaged parts, worn areas, signs of repair, faded paint, serial number, identifying
marks, and missing parts should be noted in detail.
5.
Describing Places.
In order to present a concise and readily understandable
work picture of the scene, it should contain all the elements and should proceed by
the methods of observation discussed in paragraph 2c.
To help describe it,
sketches and photographs can be made.
6.
Describing Events.
This should present as accurately as possible what
happened.
The description must be as complete as practical.
It should always
contain the time, location, sequence of action, objects and persons involved, and
the results.
To accomplish a thorough and logical description of an event,
consider all information from your own observations, statements made by witnesses
and suspects, and the evaluation of evidence from the scene.
The description
should also have sketches and photographs.
7.
Techniques and Identification. Identification of persons, objects, places, and
events is dependent upon the observations and descriptions made either by you or by
others.
This is the relationship of a person, object, place, or event to a
specific incident, offense, or another event.
Your ability to do so must be
developed through practice and experience.
a. The identification of persons will depend, to a large measure, on the
quality of the description.
In observing for identification, the characteristics
of a person will normally be the primary and critical points.
The general
characteristics may become secondary other than for such basic distinctions as sex,
race, or size.
b. As in the case of persons, the identification of objects known or
suspected to be connected with a crime or an incident will often proceed from an
observation of specific identifying characteristics. Both objects and persons are
subject to change. You must be adept in recognizing such alteration.
c. The places and scenes which you will most frequently identify are those
which were observed and described by witnesses or victims of a crime or incident.
Ease of identification will be largely determined by the quality of the
description.
However, you must identify quickly with reasonable certainty the
landmarks, terrain, and objects described to you.
d. You will not often personally observe the crime or incident.
You must
acquire skill in interpreting the description of such events from others.
Be alert
to associated facts or actions as described in paragraph 2d.
8.
The Observations, Descriptions, and Identifications by Witnesses or Victims.
This is a major source of information. You must acquire a high level of skill in
obtaining, evaluating, and using this information during your investigation.
MP1016
5-26
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