This is a quick-reference checklist that turns best practices into bite-sized prompts, allowing you to verify them before leaving the scene and again before submitting your report. It follows the natural workflow—basic case info → observations → photos/sketch → actions taken → evidence inventory → packaging → chain of custody → pending tasks → authentication—so you won’t miss a step. Use it to keep your narrative clear, concise, complete, and correct, align item numbers across your report/photos/sketch, and document any limitations or unexamined areas. In short, it helps you avoid common pitfalls, protect the admissibility of your report, and make it courtroom-ready. Please note: different agencies have different requirements.

Basic Case Info: case/incident #, offense type, who requested CSI; date/time notified, arrival/departure; full address; CSI(s) and assistants; weather/lighting.

Scene Description & Observations: chronological, objective narrative of initial conditions, boundaries/security, approach path, notable features (lighting, odors, damage, entry/exit), inaccessible areas, and why. No conclusions.

Photographs & Sketch: overalls → midrange → close-ups (with scale); reference key photo numbers; diagram with measurements, legend, north arrow, and evidence markers. Labels/numbers match narrative.

Actions Taken (Processing): walkthrough; search method; PPE/contamination control; techniques used (powder, ALS, swabs, casting, trajectory), who did them, and results; any specialists and roles.

Evidence Inventory: item #, description, exact location, date/time found, collector; condition/identifiers (size, color, serials); cross-reference to photos/sketch; strictly descriptive.

Packaging & Handling: materials used; seals/labels (case #, item #, date/time, initials); special handling (sharps, firearms, electronics, biohazard; drying when needed).

Chain of Custody: initiated at collection; every transfer logged with date/time, from/to, signatures, purpose; temporary releases (ME, detectives) documented.

Pending / Next Steps: items submitted or planned for lab; brief, factual follow-ups (e.g., AFIS, DNA).

Report Authentication: author’s name, ID/badge, signature, date/time; statement of truth/qualifications if policy requires; supervisor review noted.

Want a printable of this checklist plus examples? Download here.

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