Omega Research Foundation DOCUMENTING WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT Recording and identifying weapons and equipment (including improvised, ad hoc, or personal equipment) used by law enforcement officers to commit human rights abuses can provide critical evidence. This evidence can be used to prove such human rights abuses took place, and can help to identify perpetrators. There is, however, a lack of specific information within human rights reporting on how to document the ‘tools’ used to commit these acts. To address this gap, Omega has compiled the following guidance. When documenting equipment, record: Shape and composition Record or photograph the equipment, including any distinguishing or unusual features. Make a note of the material the equipment is made from. These characteristics are very important in determining what a piece of equipment is, what it can be used for, or even who made it. • • Colour and markings Photograph or record the colour of the equipment and any coloured stripes. Photograph or transcribe any logos, writing, or numbers. These can be found on almost any part of a piece of equipment, so look carefully if you have time. If you can see them safely these kinds of markings are essential to document, as they can lead to irrefutable identifications of equipment by providing concrete evidence of the product name, the manufacturer or supplier of the equipment, and can help Omega to determine the date of manufacture. • • • Dimensions and scale • • When taking a photograph of equipment, record its dimensions. The most accurate measure is a forensic ruler, but if one is not available, use a universally recognisable object, such as a pen, for comparison. This information aids identification. Packaging • • 7 Photograph or record any information on any packaging. In certain circumstances, you may be able to see packaging as well as the equipment itself. Equipment may be delivered or stored in its original packaging, which could show vital information about what a piece of equipment is and what it is used for, as well as who made or sold it.