15.2: Fairness

The forensic technician is only interested in documenting the facts and discovering the truth. The objective forensic technician looks for evidence that will not only prove guilt but also exonerate the innocent. Therefore, it is imperative to avoid the use of words that may produce connotations that cloud the true meaning of the facts. Do not use descriptive terms that tend to exaggerate what was observed or discovered, like a ‘hideous wound’ or ‘the victim writhed in abject agony displaying a grotesque expression’; however, providing a detailed description is required when it is necessary for accurately. If a laceration must include proper terminology to accurately describe the injury, such as being of ‘jagged and uneven appearance with contused abrasions, sub-dermal depressed bone, and bridging, measuring approximately 4” in overall length and exhibiting active bleeding’, although conjuring a visual image in the mind of the reader it is an accurate depiction of the wound. In forensic narrative and analytical reports, all essential facts are to be included so as not to require supplemental reports to clarify concepts or correct omitted information. The facts recorded must be relevant to the report. Do not, however, sacrifice completeness for the sake of being concise. If it is necessary to be wordy in order to have an exact description of an event or analysis, then it is better to be wordy. When writing these types of reports, it is best to write in a manner that would convey the most accurately detailed information as if you were trying to paint a picture of the event or analysis to a person you are talking to over the telephone or is visually impaired. In spite of this, your author is a proponent of using photographs within the body of the report to clarify important information. If you are documenting a bullet defect in the fender of a car, provide a written description of the bullet hole and provide a thumbnail photograph to confirm the description so that there is no confusion like this:

‘Defect AA2 is a perforated bullet hole on the lower left rear taillight lens. Horizontal trajectory was determined by trajectory rod to be 55 degrees traveling right to left with a downward trajectory of approximately 1 degree. The bullet was not recovered.’

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Bullet defect in brake lens - Author's collection

Also, do not be a lazy writer. Never abbreviate law enforcement titles (i.e. Sgt., Lt., Capt., etc.). This is the crutch of the lazy writer. Always use the formal title of law enforcement personnel first and then use the more casual title in the remaining text. Therefore, when first introducing a person to the report, use their formal title, such as Correctional Captain J. Smith. Following that introduction, you may refer to this person subsequently as Captain Smith. Never refer to a person by last name only. This is a journalistic technique that has no place in report writing.