Documenting

An accurate and methodical technique for documenting bloodstain patterns is invaluable in crime scene analysis.

As the old adage goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” However, in the field of crime scene investigation this saying should be changed to “a properly taken picture is worth a thousand words.” Never is this more true than when documenting bloodstain patterns at a scene. Proper documentation of a crime scene, and bloodstains specifically, verifies the integrity of the scene and the evidence within it; provides quality presentations for subsequent courtroom testimony; and allows for outside analysis by other experts.1 The fundamental goal of documenting bloodstain patterns is to accurately depict the patterns as you found them. This is accomplished through note taking, sketching, and photography. Additionally, videotaping may be helpful depending on the scene, but it should never replace photography.

Let’s first address note taking. Your notes should...