1. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) provides uniform guidelines for the audio-video electronic documentation of crime scenes to ensure accurate documentation, preservation of evidence, transparency in investigation, and admissibility of electronic evidence before the court of law.
Crime scene audio-video electronic documentation supplements photography and written documentation by creating a continuous visual record of the scene in its original condition, thereby assisting investigators, forensic experts, prosecutors, and courts in reconstructing the incident.
In Shafhi Mohammad v. State of Himachal Pradesh (2018) 5 SCC 311, the Supreme Court mandated phased audio-video recording of crime scenes, searches, and seizures to ensure investigative transparency and curb police fabrication. This landmark precedent directly informed the new procedural framework, which now codifies mandatory videography under Sections 105 and 176(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).
2. Legal Provisions
Crime scene audio-video electronic documentation shall be conducted in accordance with the following provisions:
- Section 176(3), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 – Mandatory Forensic Investigation & Videography – Upon receiving information regarding an offence punishable by imprisonment of seven years or more, the officer-in-charge of a police station shall ensure a forensic expert visits the crime scene to collect evidence and that the entire process is videographed using a mobile phone or other electronic device.
This mandate shall take effect from a date notified by the State Government within five years of enactment.
Provided that if local forensic facilities are unavailable, the State Government shall notify and utilize the forensic facilities of another State until its own infrastructure is developed.
- Sections 105 & 185, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 – The process of conducting any search of a place or seizure of property, articles, or things (including preparation of the seizure list/panchnama and signing by witnesses) shall be recorded through audio-video electronic means (preferably using a mobile phone). The recording must be forwarded without delay to the District Magistrate, Sub-divisional Magistrate, or Judicial Magistrate of the first class.
- Section 2 (1) (a), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 – Defines “audio-video electronic means” to include the use of any communication device for video conferencing, recording of processes of identification, search and seizure, evidence collection, transmission of electronic communication, and such other purposes as may be prescribed by the State Government.
- Section 63, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023 – Governs the admissibility of electronic records (including video recordings) as evidence. It provides that electronic records shall be admissible if accompanied by a certificate identifying the record, describing the manner of its production, and addressing the integrity of the device/process (replacing the earlier Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act).
- Recordings should preferably use official or designated devices where available; personal mobile phones may be used, when necessary, with proper chain of custody maintained.
- Non-compliance may attract disciplinary action and could impact the evidentiary value of recovered material.
- All other applicable statutory mandates under the BNSS and BSA, alongside state-specific operational directives and departmental Standing Orders (SOs), should also be followed.
3. Objectives
The objectives of crime scene audio-video electronic documentation are to:
- Accurately document the crime scene in its original condition.
- Preserve the location, condition, and relationship of physical evidence.
- Provide a permanent visual record for investigation and prosecution.
- Assist forensic examination and expert opinion.
- Promote transparency and accountability during investigation.
- Maintain the integrity and admissibility of electronic evidence.
4. Responsibility
The Investigating Officer (IO) shall ensure that:
- Audio-video electronic documentation is conducted wherever legally required.
- The recording is complete, continuous, and objective.
- No evidence is disturbed before documentation.
- Digital evidence is securely preserved.
- Legal formalities relating to electronic evidence are complied with.
- Clear delineation of the roles and responsibilities of the various functionaries involved in crime scene management, including securing the crime scene, collection and seizure of evidence, audio-video documentation of the crime scene, and coordination with forensic experts.
5. Pre-Audio-Video Electronic Documentation Procedure
5.1 Secure the Crime Scene
Before recording begins:
- Establish and maintain a secure perimeter using police tape or barriers.
- Restrict unauthorized entry.
- Maintain an entry-exit register of all persons entering the scene.
- Ensure that no article is disturbed before documentation.
5.2 Preliminary Assessment
Conduct a careful walkthrough to:
- Understand the layout of the scene.
- Identify important evidence.
- Determine camera positions.
- Plan the recording sequence.
The recording should normally proceed from:
- Overall views
- Mid-range views
- Close-up views
5.3 Equipment Check
Ensure availability and proper functioning of:
- High-resolution video camera
- Correct date and time settings
- Tripod or stabilizer
- External lighting (if required)
- Spare batteries
- Memory cards
- Evidence markers
- Measuring scales
- Voice recording facility
6. Crime Scene Audio-Video Electronic Documentation Procedure
6.1 Opening Announcement
Begin the recording by clearly stating:
- Date
- Time
- Police Station
- Case/FIR Number
- Place of occurrence
- Name and designation of videographer
- Investigating Officer
6.2 General Principles
The videographer shall:
- Record the scene before any item is moved.
- Maintain continuous recording as far as practicable.
- Avoid unnecessary interruptions.
- Avoid personal opinions or assumptions.
- Narrate only factual observations.
- Use smooth and slow camera movements.
6.3 Overall (Long-Range) Recording
Record:
- Entire crime scene
- Building or locality
- Roads
- Entry and exit points
- Approach routes
- Weather conditions
- Lighting conditions
- Surrounding environment
Where feasible, perform a continuous 360-degree recording.
6.4 Mid-Range Recording
Record:
- Position of important evidence
- Relationship between different exhibits
- Bloodstains
- Weapons
- Broken objects
- Furniture
- Vehicles
- Footwear impressions
- Other relevant objects
6.5 Close-Up Recording
Record close-up views of each exhibit individually.
Ensure:
- Evidence markers are visible.
- A measuring scale/ruler is included.
- Serial numbers, labels, damages, or identifying marks are clearly shown.
- Fine details are captured without excessive zoom.
6.6 Recording Collection of Evidence
Videograph the complete process of:
- Search
- Discovery
- Seizure
- Collection of samples
- Packaging
- Sealing
- Labelling
- Fingerprint lifting
- Biological sample collection
- Other forensic procedures
- Signature of witnesses
The entire process should be transparent and uninterrupted.
7. Post-Audio-Video Electronic Documentation Procedure
Immediately after recording:
7.1 Secure Storage
- Save the original video in its native format.
- Transfer it to encrypted official storage.
- Maintain backup copies in separate secure locations.
- Prevent unauthorized access.
7.2 Chain of Custody
Maintain complete documentation of:
- Date and time of recording
- File name
- Storage device
- Every transfer or handling
- Names and signatures of responsible officers
The chain of custody must remain unbroken.
7.3 Audio-Video Electronic Documentation Report
Prepare a detailed report mentioning:
- Case particulars
- Equipment used
- Date and time of recording
- Duration of recording
- Sequence of recording
- Important observations
- Any interruption during recording
- Name and signature of videographer
- Name of Investigating Officer
The report shall form part of the case diary.
8. Digital Integrity Verification
Immediately after recording and before any transfer or upload:
- Calculate the cryptographic hash value (preferably SHA-256) of the original video.
- Record the audio-video hash value in:
- electronic documentation report
- Chain of Custody Register
- Use only approved forensic or official software.
The original file shall never be edited, compressed, or modified.
9. Certification Under Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
Prepare the certificate under Section 63 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (Part A & Part B) for the electronic record.
The certificate shall accompany the electronic evidence whenever produced before the court.
10. Submission Before Court
Submit the following to the court:
- Original video recording in a sealed storage device.
- Section 63 Certificate.
- Audio-video electronic documentation report.
- Hash Value Report.
- Relevant chain of custody documents.
Copies supplied for investigation or prosecution should be clearly marked as “True Copy” with separate hash values.
11. Use of Technology
Investigating officers should, wherever available:
- Use e-Sakshya or other approved police applications.
- Upload recordings through secure digital platforms.
- Use encrypted cloud storage approved by the department.
- Employ AI-assisted indexing and tagging, wherever officially authorized. (Indexing means organizing a file with case details like number, date, and officer ID for easy retrieval. Tagging means marking video segments with labels like “entry,” “evidence,” or “sealing.” In short: Indexing identifies the file, while tagging highlights important parts inside it.
12. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Investigating officers shall avoid:
- Failing to secure the crime scene before recording.
- Recording without prior planning.
- Using poor lighting or low-quality equipment.
- Moving evidence before audio-video electronic documentation.
- Omitting narration of important observations.
- Recording without date and time.
- Excessive zooming or rapid camera movement.
- Editing or altering the original recording.
- Failure to create backup copies.
- Failure to record surrounding areas and approach routes.
- Failure to preserve digital integrity or chain of custody.
- Failure to document the presence of witnesses and the process of obtaining their signatures on the search and seizure list.
13. Crime Scene Audio-Video Electronic Documentation Checklist
Before leaving the scene, ensure that:
- ☐ Crime scene secured
- ☐ Preliminary walkthrough completed
- ☐ Equipment checked
- ☐ Date and time verified
- ☐ Overall recording completed
- ☐ Entry and exit points recorded
- ☐ Mid-range recording completed
- ☐ Close-up recording completed
- ☐ Evidence collection recorded
- ☐ Continuous recording maintained
- ☐ Original file securely stored
- ☐ Backup created
- ☐ SHA-256 hash generated
- ☐ Chain of custody updated
- ☐ Audio-video electronic documentation report prepared
- ☐ Section 63 Certificate prepared
- ☐ Court submission documents completed
14. Overcoming Technical and Defense Challenges in Court
In modern trials, defense strategies often target the integrity of electronic recordings under Section 105 BNSS. Anticipating these challenges during investigation is crucial.
| Defense Line of Attack | Investigative Countermeasure & Safeguard |
|---|---|
| Footage edited or spliced | Maintain an absolute chain of custody of the master device; generate a cryptographic hash value immediately upon returning to the police station. |
| Device compromised remotely | Isolate the capturing device from cellular networks, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth throughout the search operation. |
| Witnesses coerced | Ensure audio tracks capture witnesses freely confirming their identity and acknowledging recoveries without leading prompts. |
| Electronic record inadmissible | Attach a flawless, legally compliant certificate under Section 63 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. |
15. Hash Values and Storage: Securing the Digital Chain of Custody
The digital file generated at the scene is vulnerable to tampering claims. To preserve integrity:
- Hash Value Generation: Run the raw video through SHA-256 or a similar algorithm; record the hash in the Case Diary. Any alteration changes the hash permanently.
- Master Media Copy: Transfer the original file to a write-once medium (CD-R/DVD-R), seal and label it as the “Master Copy” for court or forensic lab submission.
16. Digital Integrity Verification
A. Cryptographic Hash Value Calculation
- Immediate calculation before any transfer or sharing ensures chain of custody.
B. Certification & Legal Compliance
- Generate the mandatory Section 63 BSA certificate (Parts A & B), recording the exact hash value.
C. Secure Dispatch to Court
- Transfer the original video to secure physical media and forward it with signed certificates.
- Any delay in hash generation before network or secondary storage interaction risks admissibility.
17. Conclusion
Crime scene audio-video electronic documentation is an indispensable component of modern criminal investigation. A systematic, continuous, and legally compliant video record preserves the original condition of the scene, strengthens forensic examination, enhances transparency, and significantly improves the evidentiary value of electronic records before the court. Strict adherence to this SOP will ensure the authenticity, integrity, and admissibility of crime scene audio-video electronic documentation while promoting professionalism, accountability, and public confidence in criminal investigations.
