When should you document the scene before beginning evidence processing?

Documenting the scene during the initial walkthrough is critical because it allows the investigator to capture the layout, state of the crime scene, and any relevant details before any evidence is disturbed or removed. This step involves taking photographs, making sketches, and noting observations that serve as a baseline for understanding the scene.

By documenting at this stage, you preserve a record of the scene's original conditions, which is essential for analysis and may be crucial for court presentation. Any changes made during evidence processing or collection can alter the context of the scene, potentially leading to misinterpretations in investigations or trials.

Conducting the documentation after the scene has been processed or evidence collected would not allow for capturing the original state, making it imperative to do this during the initial walkthrough.