During a crime scene walk-through, muddy footprints discovered on a sidewalk on a rainy night should be documented when?

• A. After the footprints are observed by the investigator
• B. Immediately upon discovery
• C. During the initial assessment
• D. After the scene has been secured

Answer: (B)

Document evidence as soon as you find it. In a rainy night scenario, muddy footprints can be altered or washed away quickly, so capturing them immediately preserves their true condition for later analysis. Recording details right away—photos with scale, notes on location and orientation, size estimates, depth if visible, and any notable features—helps ensure the evidence is accurately documented before weather, movement, or further activity changes it. While securing and assessing the scene are important steps, delaying documentation increases the risk of losing or distorting critical information.