What is the primary purpose of field notes at a crime scene?

The primary purpose of field notes at a crime scene is to record the officer's actions. Field notes serve as a crucial tool for law enforcement personnel, allowing them to document observations, steps taken, and critical information collected during an investigation. These notes provide a comprehensive account of the officer's interactions with the scene, individuals present, and any evidence gathered.

Accurate field notes can be vital in later phases of the investigation and court proceedings. They help ensure that all actions are retrievable and that there is a clear record of how the investigation progressed. This is particularly important for maintaining the integrity of the investigation and ensuring that procedures were followed.

While documenting witness statements, creating a timeline of events, and outlining suspects are all important aspects of a criminal investigation, they are secondary to the need for a complete and accurate record of the officer's own actions during the initial response and inquiry at the scene. Field notes thus provide the foundational context for all subsequent investigative steps.