What are the most effective investigative tools at an investigator’s disposal?
The most effective tools are video and/or still cameras. Taking videos and/or still photographs of the methamphetamine lab supports a court case—it is a visual for the jury. Having an expert explain to the jury exactly what they are seeing on the videos and photographs enhances the case. Showing photos or videos of automobiles and license plates at the methamphetamine lab site or picking up chemicals helps “nail” the suspect as a conspirator. Photographing the evidence is excellent documentation since many items found in a methamphetamine lab are contaminated and cannot be stored in an evidence room. They must be disposed of because of the contamination.
• The most effective tools are video and/or still cameras. Taking videos and/or still photographs of the methamphetamine lab supports a court case—it is a visual for the jury. Having an expert explain to the jury exactly what they are seeing on the videos and photographs enhances the case. Showing photos or videos of automobiles and license plates at the methamphetamine lab site or picking up chemicals helps “nail” the suspect as a conspirator. Photographing the evidence is excellent documentation since many items found in a methamphetamine lab are contaminated and cannot be stored in an evidence room. They must be disposed of because of the contamination.
