NOTES  Forces investigators to commit observations to writing  Investigators keep detailed record of everything observed and accomplished

NOTE TAKING  Make notes as events occur and in chronological order  Detail step-by-step all actions  Complete and thorough  Clearly written and legible  Negative or unexpected conditions should be noted

NOTE TAKING  Be as specific as possible (Vague statements should be avoided  Never discard Notes, Sketches, tape recordings, or negatives should be placed in case folder and retained as long as case is by department policy

NOTE TAKING SHOULD INCLUDE Date and Time reported Type of crime Location of scene and description Description of crime and events leading to Who requested investigation Names of officers, witnesses, investigators, other personnel at scene

NOTE TAKING  Names of persons who investigated and specific tasks (sketcher, photographer etc)  Weather and lighting conditions  Description of primary scene  Location of evidence and who collected  Description of location and surrounding

NOTE TAKING  Description of the interior or exterior of the scene including type  Description of outside of scene including terrain, plants, soil, etc  Date and time investigation concluded

NOTE TAKING  Tape recording Easy to take information later transcribed Detailed notes faster than writing Must be transcribed Impromptu remarks can prove embarrassing Video can combine note-taking and photography

NOTE TAKING  Investigating officer responsible  Get statements from first officer  Meticulous note taking key to good police work  Notes are part of a competent crime scene investigation