Objects

Objects described are generally limited to those located at the scene of an incident or crime, or other items identified by a witness or victim as pertinent. Due to the great variation in size, conformation, shape, and location of objects that may be described, it is not possible to prescribe a detailed pattern for their observation and description. However, as in the case of persons, the description of objects should begin with general characteristics and proceed to specific characteristics.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS.- The description of general characteristics should define clearly the general category of the particular object and preclude its being confused with objects of other or similar category. The general characteristics should include those aspects of an object that are readily discernible, and may serve to effect quick and conclusive recognition.

SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS.- After describing the general or basic characteristics of an object and establishing its fundamental classification, proceed to describe systematically and in detail its specific characteristics. This part of the description will distinguish the particular object and set it off from all others similar in category. Therefore, it is essential to note and describe accurately all the details of the object of interest.

The pattern of this description will vary according to the type of object, but it should follow a general pattern, such as top to bottom, front to rear, or left to right. Such particulars as distinguishing marks, scratches, alterations, damaged parts, worn areas, signs of repair, faded paint, serial numbers, identifying markings, and missing parts should be indicated in detail.

Examples. The following are some typical descriptions that you may make, including specific characteristics of objects.

Typewriter. Brand name, nonportable, model 17, 11-inch carriage, light gray with ivory keys and black lettering, serial number J17-123456. Letter H key is bent and strikes below the line. Numeral 5 key is bent and sticks in the forward position; when stuck it must be returned manually to the rear position.

Man's suit. Brand name; dark blue; wool worsted; coat size 42 regular; half-lined with dark blue silk; coat lapels of wide width; single-breasted with three black buttons; four small black buttons on each sleeve; small tear in lining on right outside coat pocket; trousers size 33-inch waist, 34-inch length; unlined; not pleated; cuffs, 1 1/2 inches wide; and cleaner's mark JHO stamped in black on inside of the waistband.

Places

To present a concise and readily understandable word picture of the scene, place descriptions should contain all the elements and should proceed by the methods of observation previously discussed. To supplement word description, sketches and photographs should be made whenever appropriate. Some typical examples of place and scene descriptions follow.

Outdoor scene. The incident occurred on board the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, near the intersection of Turner Street and Fisher Avenue. The exact location was the east sidewalk of Fisher Avenue, 10 feet due north of a fire hydrant located on the east side of Fisher Avenue approximately 20 feet north of the comer (curb) of Turner Street and Fisher Avenue.

Indoor Scene. The incident occurred in room 212 in building 624 on Fisher Avenue on board the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida. Room 212 is located on the second floor of the building directly above the Fisher Street entrance. The room is reached using a stairway to the right of the Fisher Street entrance. The door to the room is wooden, with the room number printed on it in 2-inch block letters.

At the time of observation, and to the immediate right of the observer and the entrance door, were three rows of brown cardboard boxes stacked 6-feet high against the wall. Against the left wall and facing the center of the room was a standard size blackboard. In front of the blackboard was a 3-foot high podium with a wastebasket on the right side facing the center of the room.

In the wall facing the entrance door were two double-sash casement windows. The windows were furnished with ivory-colored venetian blinds closely drawn. Between the windows was a built-in three-shelf bookcase totally filled with books.

On the wall of the room to the left of the entrance door 3 feet from the window wall was a door, connecting with room 210, which was locked at the time of observation.

Between the two doors was a dark brown table with a wooden top approximately 2 feet by 2 feet in size. On the table were three plastic drinking cups, each partially full of a light-brown liquid, which appeared to be an intoxicant. In the center of the table was a 9-inch ashtray containing several extinguished brand-name cigarettes.

At a point 10 feet from the entrance door and 7 feet from the table near the left wall was an overturned wooden straight-back chair. The left rear leg of this chair was broken below the seat. The broken leg, which was still attached to the chair, was stained with a substance that appeared to be blood.

In the center of the room was a conference table, 10 feet long by 4 feet wide. There were four wooden straight-back chairs on the window wall side of the table and four chairs on the entrance door side of the table. In the center of the room on the ceiling directly above the table was a four-bulb fluorescent light fixture. The floor of the room was covered with light brown tile.

Events

Your description of an event should present as accurately as possible a reconstruction of the event as it actually happened.

The description must be as complete as time and circumstances make practicable and should always contain the essential facts of time, location, sequence of action, objects and persons involved and the immediate results of the occurrence.

In accomplishing a thorough and logical description of an event, consider all available information resulting from your own observations, statements made by witnesses and suspects, and the evaluation of physical investigative evidence obtained at the scene. Whenever appropriate, the description is supplemented by sketches and photographs.