Documenting the Crime Scene
Virginia M. Maxwell · 2023
There is no specified format for crime scene notes; however, when taking notes, the date and time of all specific actions, such as screening tests or collecting evidence, must always be recorded. Modern crime scene photography is now primarily digital though there are still some photographers who will shoot some film to supplement the digital, but this is increasingly uncommon and is not required. It is important to use some kind of appropriately sized measuring device such as a scale, ruler or tape measure in crime scene photography. Further, when documenting wet stains, care must be taken to avoid smearing. Though video is an integral part of all crime scene investigation, it can play a larger and more important role in animal cruelty cases, providing video and audio documentation of not only the crime scene but also the condition of the animals themselves.