What should generally not be recorded in videotaping a death scene?

In the context of videotaping a death scene, the sounds that are recorded can greatly affect the integrity and clarity of the evidence depicted in the videotape. Recording ambient noise, while potentially useful, should not include any sound unless it is narrated by an investigator. This approach ensures that the focus remains on relevant information provided by the narrator without extraneous noise that could confuse or detract from the analysis of the scene.

Background conversations can introduce hearsay or subjective opinions, which are not appropriate to document in an official investigation. Likewise, although witness interviews are critical for gathering context and information, they are typically conducted separately from the scene documentation to maintain a clear and uncontaminated record of evidence.

By recording only narration, the investigator can ensure that the documentation is professional, focused, and valuable for future reference, thus preserving the integrity of the investigation. This method keeps a clear distinction between factual observations and potentially influencing commentary that might arise from bystanders or witnesses during the scene documentation.