What is the purpose of a crime scene log?

The purpose of a crime scene log is primarily to track agency personnel movements. This log serves as an official record detailing who has entered and exited the crime scene, as well as when they did so. Maintaining accurate records of personnel is crucial for several reasons: it helps ensure that only authorized individuals have access to the scene, which preserves the integrity of the investigation, and it allows investigators to reconstruct the events that occurred at the scene.

While documenting evidence discovered, providing a timeline of events, and summarizing witness statements are important aspects of a crime scene investigation, they are not the primary function of the crime scene log itself. The log's focus is specifically on personnel presence and movements to maintain security and chain of custody at the crime scene.