Which statement best reflects a basic guideline for reconstructing a scene?

• A. Determine the original condition of the scene and details of the incident
• B. Collect new information
• C. Create large scale drawings that cover many angles
• D. Support your theory of how the incident occurred

Answer: (A)

Determining the original condition of the scene and the details of the incident is the foundation of a sound reconstruction. Establishing what existed and what happened at the time creates an objective baseline that guides all subsequent analysis. Collecting new information can bias the reconstruction if it isn’t tied to the scene’s state at the moment of the incident, so it should augment rather than replace the original observations. Creating large scale drawings is a useful visualization and documentation tool, but it isn’t the essential guideline—the focus should be on documenting the actual conditions and measurements first. Interpreting or pushing a theory during the reconstruction can distort the process, so objectivity comes from sticking to the observed facts of the scene. That’s why determining the original condition and incident details is the best choice.