Investigative Notes

Investigative notes are prepared for use in recalling places, events, incidents, or other pertinent facts. They are filed with the copy of the report retained by the originating office.

The following are basic principles of note-taking:

1. Notes should be printed or made in legible handwriting, preferably in ink. The ink should not smudge easily.

2. Each page of notes should be identified with your name, the case number (when known), and the date.

3. Short phrases should be used-single words or shorthand notes may not be meaningful at a later date or to other persons.

4. The first notes recorded after a complaint is received include the date and time you received the complaint or information, name of the person reporting

Figure 16-18.-Projection drawing.

the information, names of the victim(s) and the accused or suspected person(s), exact location of the incident or crime, a brief account of the details received, and the complaint or report number, if known. A complete identity of each person should be recorded when first mentioned.

5. Notes should be made when an action is taken, when information is received, and when an event is _observed. However, you should not allow your note-taking to adversely affect the questioning of a person who may be distracted by such action and subsequently withhold information.

6. Notes should include a detailed description of any item considered to be pertinent to the investigation. This includes the following:

Unusual or peculiar marks of identification.

l The exact location where the item was found and the relative distances separating various items.

l Trade names, and serial and model numbers.

l The recording of all identifying marks placed on the item.

_7. The notes should indicate action taken by you that may have a bearing on the evidence obtained or that may significantly affect the investigation.

8. Notes should identify each photograph taken of a scene.

9. Notes should be accurate and complete since they will form the basis for the preparation of the formal report of investigation. You may also use the notes to refresh your memory if you appear as a witness in a court.

10. Notes should not be edited or erased. If a mistake is made, the entry should be lined out, initialed, and then rewritten.

CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY

One of the most valuable aids to a criminal investigation is that provided by photographs. When properly taken, photographs supplement notes and sketches, clarify written reports, provide identification of personnel, and provide a permanent record of fragile or perishable evidence.

The most important rule in crime scene photography is to photograph all evidence or possible evidence before anything is moved or touched.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

Maintaining perspective is the most important consideration in crime scene photography. Photographs are most useful when they most nearly duplicate the exact scene as seen by the investigator with respect to scope, position, color, and form.

Time is also an important consideration. Fragile trace evidence that is subject to nature (such as a footprint in the rain and fingerprints) should be photographed before any other processing is done.

There should not be extraneous objects in the photographs such as investigators, their clothing, or equipment.

Notes should be taken of the type of camera lens and film used, photographs taken, and any information necessary for the photographer to be able to answer "Yes" to the question, "Does this photograph represent the scene as you saw it?"

If it has been determined that an explosive was used and there is residue of explosives in the area, a flash attachment should not be used.

When necessary, all objects should be photographed from different angles to ensure complete coverage.

Evidence flags are useful in marking the location of small items of evidence for a photograph An example of an evidence flag can be seen in figure 16-19.

When pertinent, photographs should be made of the general scene, approaches to the crime scene, surrounding areas, and closeups of the entrance and exit locations, or those most likely used.