What needs to be properly documented and tagged at a crime scene?

Proper documentation and tagging of evidence at a crime scene is crucial for several reasons. Evidence, which can include physical items, biological samples, digital data, and anything that can be used in the investigation or prosecution of a crime, must be carefully collected, preserved, and recorded to maintain its integrity and chain of custody. This ensures that it can be reliably used in judicial proceedings.

When evidence is tagged, it is typically labeled with relevant information such as the date, time, location, and case number, as well as signatures of the officers involved in the collection process. This helps to establish its origin and prevent any tampering or loss, which could undermine the investigation and lead to challenges in court.

In contrast, while witness statements, officer reports, and sketches are also essential parts of the investigation process and need thorough documentation, they do not hold the same physical characteristics that require tagging for preservation. Instead, they serve to support and provide context for the findings and conclusions drawn from the evidence. Thus, the emphasis on tagging and documenting evidence specifically underscores its critical role in ensuring a successful criminal justice process.