Which combination is included in proper crime scene documentation?

• A. Notes, Photos, and Sketches
• B. Notes, Photos, and Audio Recordings
• C. Notes, Sketches, and Photos
• D. Photos and Sketches only

Answer: (C)

Capturing a crime scene effectively relies on three interlocking components: written notes, sketches, and photographs. Notes record observations, times, conditions, and actions, creating a detailed narrative that can be reviewed long after the scene is gone. Sketches translate the scene into a plan with scale and measurements, showing where evidence items are located and how they relate to one another, which is crucial for understanding the sequence of events. Photos provide precise visual documentation of the scene and the evidence as found, preserving exact appearance and context. Together, these elements form a comprehensive, defensible record that supports later analysis and testimony. Audio recordings can supplement documentation in some cases, but they are not considered essential in the standard set.