Document evidence

Document all evidence found on a crime scene, during an investigation, or when presented in a hearing, in a manner compliant with regulations, to ensure that no piece of evidence is left out of the case and that records are maintained.

document information
document testimony
record testimony
record clues
record witness statements
document clues
record information
document witness statements

skill/competence

cross-sector

Document evidence is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Criminal investigator: Criminal investigators examine and process the scenes of crimes and the evidence found in them. They handle and protect the evidence compliant with rules and regulations, and isolate the scene from outside influence. They photograph the scene, ensure the maintenance of the evidence, and write reports.
Intelligence officer: Intelligence officers develop and execute plans to gather information and intelligence. They investigate the lines of enquiry which would provide them with the necessary intelligence, and contact and interview people who may provide intelligence. They write reports on their results, and perform administrative duties to ensure records maintenance.
Private detective: Private detectives research and analyse information to uncover facts for personal, corporate or legal reasons, depending on their clients. They conduct surveillance activities, which includes taking photos, doing background checks and interviewing individuals. Private detectives may help in criminal and civil cases, child custody, financial fraud, on-line harassment and may search for missing people. They compile all the information into a file and hand it to their clients for further action.

Coroner: Coroners oversee the examination of deceased individuals in order to determine the cause of death in uncommon circumstances. They ensure records are maintained of the deaths within their jurisdiction, and facilitate communication with other officials to ensure the investigation is complete.
Loss adjuster: Loss adjusters treat and evaluate insurance claims by investigating the cases and determining liability and damage, in accordance with the policies of the insurance company. They interview the claimant and witnesses and write reports for the insurer where appropriate recommendations for the settlement are made. Loss adjusters’ tasks include making payments to the insured following his claim, consulting damage experts and providing information via telephone to the clients.

Document evidence is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Criminologist: Criminologists study conditions pertaining to humans such as the social and psychological aspects that could lead them to commit criminal acts. They observe and analyse different factors ranging from behavioural conditions up to social background and environment of suspects in order to advise organisations on the prevention of crime.
Court clerk: Court clerks provide assistance to judges in a court institution. They handle enquiries on court proceedings, and assist judges in various tasks such as performing legal research in preparation of cases or writing opinion pieces. They also contact parties involved in cases and brief judges and other court officials.
Probation officer: Probation officers supervise offenders after their release, or who were sentenced to penalties outside of incarceration. They write reports providing advice on the offender’s sentence and analysis concerning possibilities of reoffense. They aid the offenders during the rehabilitation and reintegration process and ensure the offenders carry out their community service sentence when necessary.
Lawyer: Lawyers provide legal advice to clients and act on their behalf in legal proceedings and in compliance with the law. They research for, interpret and study cases to represent their clients in a variety of settings such as courts and administrative boards. They create arguments on behalf of their clients for lawsuits in different contexts with the aim of finding a legal remedy.
Insurance fraud investigator: Insurance fraud investigators combat fraudulent activities by investigating the circumstances of certain suspicious claims, activities related to new customers, buying insurance products and premium calculations. Insurance fraud investigators refer potential fraud claims to insurance investigators who then undertake research and investigations to support or deny a claimant’s case.
Court administrative officer: Court administrative officers perform administrative and assisting duties for the court and judges. They are designated to accept or reject applications for informal probate and informal appointment of a personal representative. They manage case accounts and handle official documents. Court administrative officers perform assisting duties during a court trial, such as calling out the cases and identification of parties, keeping notes, and recording orders from the judge..
Prosecutor: Prosecutors represent governmental bodies and the general public in court cases against parties accused of illegal activity. They investigate the court cases by examining evidence, interviewing involved parties, and interpreting the law. They use the results of their investigation in order to present the case during court hearings, and to construct persuasive arguments in order to ensure the outcome is the most favourable for the parties they represent.
Case administrator: Case administrators supervise the progress of criminal and civil cases from the point of opening to closing. They review the case files and case progression to ensure proceedings occur compliant with legislation. They also ensure the proceedings occur in a timely manner and that everything has been concluded before closing cases.

References

1. Document evidence – ESCO