What does documentation of a crime scene primarily involve?

Documentation of a crime scene primarily involves sketching the scene and collecting evidence because it ensures a comprehensive and accurate record of the physical and contextual details of the crime. Creating sketches helps to visually capture the layout, relationships, and positions of objects and evidence within the scene, which is crucial for later analysis and presentation in court. Collecting evidence is essential as it includes gathering physical artifacts, biological materials, or any potential forensic evidence that could be analyzed to understand the crime and identify suspects. This systematic approach is vital for maintaining the chain of custody, preserving the integrity of the evidence, and ensuring that it can be effectively used in investigations and legal proceedings.

While interviewing suspects, gathering witness statements, and analyzing CCTV footage are important aspects of a thorough investigation, they do not encompass the foundational process of documenting the physical scene itself, which is the backbone of forensic investigation.