Documentation of the crime scene is the most crucial step in processing the crime scene. It provides a permanent record of the crime scene conditions and physical evidence through various methods including photography, videography, sketching, and note taking. Photography is considered the best preservation method as it provides visual and permanent records. Different types of photography like close-up, mid-range, and overall shots are used to document details, spatial relationships, and overall aspects of the crime scene. Videography also provides a virtual record of the crime scene. Sketching assigns measurements and perspective through methods like coordinate, triangulation, and cross-projection. Note taking provides a written chronological record of all details in a precise and accurate manner.

1. DOCUMENTING THE CRIME SCENE
Vaishnavi Bhedodkar
M.Sc Forensic Science
NFSU LNJN-NICFS

2. Crime Scene
Documentation
❏ Documentation is the most crucial step in
processing the crime scene
❏ It provides the permanent record of condition
of crime scene and its physical evidence
❏ Records what the investigating officer
observed at crime scene explains activities of
investigating officers and defines how did
one start the investigation

3. MAJOR TASK OF
DOCUMENTATION
1. Photography
2. Videography
3. Sketching
4. Note taking

4. Photography - “Best Preservation
Method”
➢ It provides visual & permanent records of crime scene
and related areas
➢ Forensic photography was introduced in Belgium 1851
Judicial Principles of Photography :
➢ Must be performed by a police photographer or person
having a degree / diploma of photography;25 years of
experience
➢ Evidences and crime scene should not be touch or move
before taking the photographs ; 2 photographs of every
PE in undisturbed state must be taken and after that a
photograph should be taken with scale
➢ Quality of CS photograph should me more than general
➢ Clear record of sequence of photographs ,directions
,date / time must be present

5. 1 2 3
Types of Photography
CLOSE UP
They show all sides of the
items & clearly shows any
marking defects or other
identifying features
The image sensor of camera
must not be oriented parallel
to surface being
photographed
MIDRANGE
Items of evidences and their
spatial relationships are shown
typically by depicting a single
item in relation to a fixed object
in scene
This technique will show proper
context , perspective & scale
OVERALL
Captures overall aspects of
crimescene
Photographs are typically
taken in overlapping fashion

6. VIDEOGRAPHY
Video recording of the crime scene has become a routine
procedure for crime scene documentation.
Its acceptance is widespread due to its ability to provide a
virtual image of the scene and the increased availability of
affordable equipment with user-friendly features such as DVD
recording, built-in stability, digital zoom lenses, and compact
size.
● Document the recording by use of a placard that includes
the case number, date and time, location, and
videographer’s name
● Begin with the scene surroundings. Include roads to and
from the scene before taping the general views of the
scene itself; use the four compass points as a guide

7. ● Provide a general orientation of the
scene. Videotape the orientation of
items of evidence in relation to the
overall scene; wide-angle views are
especially useful. Do not jump from
one location to another; instead, use
a smooth transition that encompasses
the overall locations of evidence
● The original videos are evidence and
should not be edited or changed;
make copies when needed.

8. SKETCHING
Sketching the crime scene assigns
units of measurement and provides a
proper perspective of the overall
scene and the relevant physical
evidence identified within the scene
Two basic types of sketches as part of
crime scene investigations are the
rough sketch and the final or
finished sketch

9. Methods of sketching
Coordinate method:
The coordinate method uses the practice of
measuring an object from two fixed points of
reference. One such procedure is the baseline
technique, in which a line is drawn between
two known points. The baseline could also be
a wall or a mathematically derived point
along a designated area where exact
measurements can be determined. The
measurements of a particular item are then
taken from left

10. Triangulation method:
The triangulation method is a
bird’s-eye view of the scene that uses
fixed objects from which to measure.
This is particularly useful for
sketching outdoor crime scenes
where there are no easily identifiable
points of reference. In this procedure,
two or more widely separated points
of reference are required. The item of
interest is then located by measuring
along a straight line from the
reference points.

11. Cross-projection method
The cross-projection method is used in
indoor crime scenes. It is basically a
top-down view of the crime scene, with
the walls of the room “folded down” to
reveal location of bullet holes,
blood-spatter evidence, and so on, which
would not be apparent otherwise.
Measurements are then made from a
designated point on the floor to the area
on the wall in the question.

12. Note Taking
● It’s a written record about each
and everything
● In a chronological order
● Must be conducted in minute
detail step by step
● Specific conditions must be
recorded
● Precised & accurate
● Brief information must be present

13. THANK YOU !!