The process of documenting a crime scene starts with which of the following?

The process of documenting a crime scene starts with photography and video because visual documentation is crucial for preserving the original state of the scene. This initial step captures the details of the environment and any evidence present before anything is disturbed or altered. Photographs and video recordings provide a permanent record that can be referenced later during investigations and court proceedings. They help recreate the crime scene for analysis and can support the overall narrative of the events that took place.

By establishing a visual baseline, investigators can later correlate physical evidence found with the images captured. This information is essential for examining the layout of the scene, noting the positions of items, and understanding the context of where evidence was located in relation to other elements within the scene.

The other processes mentioned, such as interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and filing reports, are important as well, but they follow this crucial first step of capturing the scene visually. These activities rely on the documented visuals to ensure accuracy and thoroughness in the investigation.