What is NOT usually recorded in an investigator's notes?

Investigator's notes are essential for documenting observations and evidence during an investigation. They serve as a factual record that can be referred to later in the process of solving a case. Typically, these notes include concrete details that pertain directly to the case, such as physical evidence, descriptions of victims or suspects, and observations about the scene where an incident took place.

Witness emotional states, while potentially relevant to understanding the context or credibility of a witness’s testimony, are subjective and can vary significantly from person to person. Investigators primarily focus on objective details that can be substantiated later through further evidence or testimony. Therefore, emotional states are less likely to be formally recorded because they do not contribute to the tangible and factual foundation that an investigation builds upon.

In contrast, descriptions of victims' clothing, the presence of medical personnel, and circumstances at the crime scene are all concrete elements that can impact the investigation's direction and findings. These recorded details help create an accurate and comprehensive picture of the events surrounding a case, thus making it easier for law enforcement and legal professionals to conduct thorough investigations and analyses.