Evidence Collection & Analysis

Solve cases in L.A. Noire by mastering evidence collection. This guide helps Cole Phelps find crucial clues at crime scenes for successful convictions.

Mastering evidence collection and analysis is paramount to Cole Phelps' success in the LAPD. A thorough investigation at every crime scene and location of interest will provide the crucial clues needed to solve cases, identify suspects, and ultimately, secure convictions. Missing key evidence can lead to incorrect deductions during interrogations and even allow the guilty to walk free. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to become a meticulous detective, ensuring no crucial clue goes unnoticed.

Crime Scene Investigation Protocol

Upon arriving at any crime scene or location of interest, immediately engage your detective senses. The game will often provide an audio cue (a distinct musical flourish) and a controller vibration when you are near an interactable piece of evidence. Always sweep the area meticulously, leaving no stone unturned.

• Visual Scan: Slowly pan your camera across the entire environment. Look for anything out of place, unusual textures, or glints of light that might indicate an item. Pay particular attention to areas highlighted by the game's subtle visual cues, such as slightly brighter textures or objects that stand out from the background.
• Audio Cues: Pay close attention to the subtle musical sting that plays when you are in proximity to a hidden clue. This is your primary indicator for concealed evidence. The sound typically becomes more pronounced as you get closer to the item.
• Controller Vibration: If playing with a controller, a gentle vibration will also signify nearby evidence. The intensity of the vibration often increases as you get closer, providing tactile feedback that complements the audio cue.
• Partner Assistance: Your partner will occasionally point out obvious pieces of evidence or direct your attention to a specific area. While helpful, do not rely solely on them; many crucial clues require your direct interaction and keen observation. Your partner often highlights items that are necessary to progress, but not always every single piece of evidence.
• Thoroughness is Key: Before leaving any crime scene, ensure the musical cue for evidence discovery has ceased playing, indicating that all immediate clues have been found. If the music continues, there's still something to uncover.

Interacting with Evidence: Manipulation and Detail Extraction

Once you've located a piece of evidence, approach it and the interaction prompt (usually 'A' on Xbox, 'X' on PlayStation, 'E' on PC) will appear. Pressing the button will allow Cole to pick up and examine the item. The camera will zoom in, and you'll be able to manipulate the object to uncover its secrets.

• Rotate and Examine: Use the right analog stick (or mouse on PC) to rotate the item and inspect it from all angles. Look for distinguishing marks, serial numbers, bloodstains, smudges, inscriptions, or any other anomalies. Many items have multiple interactive points.
• Zoom In: Some items allow for a closer inspection. An additional prompt will appear (e.g., 'Y' on Xbox, Triangle on PlayStation, 'F' on PC) to zoom in on specific details. This is often necessary to find hidden information or trigger a revelation. For example:
  • Documents: Zoom in to read letters, notes, newspaper clippings, or official reports. Look for names, dates, addresses, threats, or inconsistencies.
  • Weapons: Examine firearms for serial numbers, manufacturer markings, or unique modifications. Knives might have blood types or engravings.
  • Personal Items: Watches, rings, lockets, or wallets often contain inscriptions, photos, or identification that can link them to a person or provide motive.
  • Containers: Boxes, bottles, or cases might have labels, contents, or hidden compartments.
• Notebook Entry: Once all relevant information has been extracted from an item, Cole will make an entry in his Notebook. A distinct sound effect confirms the evidence has been fully processed. If the sound doesn't play, you haven't found everything on that item and need to continue rotating and zooming. Sometimes, finding one detail on an item will reveal another hidden detail on the same item.
• Evidence Manipulation Examples:
  • Newspaper Clippings: Always zoom in and read the entire article. They often contain background information, introduce new characters, or hint at future cases.
  • Wallets/Purses: Open them fully. Check for identification (driver's licenses, ID cards), money, photographs, and any small notes or receipts tucked inside.
  • Firearms: Rotate to find the serial number. Sometimes, a specific manufacturer or model can be a clue. Check the chamber for spent casings.
  • Letters/Notes: Read every word. Pay attention to handwriting, specific phrasing, and any postscripts or dates.
  • Photographs: Examine the subjects, background details, and any writing on the back.

Key Evidence Examples & Locations (Patrol Desk - "Upon Reflection")

To illustrate the process, let's look at the first case, "Upon Reflection," and the evidence you'll encounter. This case serves as an excellent tutorial for the core mechanics of evidence collection.

• Crime Scene: Alleyway (Corner of 3rd and Broadway)
  • Victim's Body (Everett Hammond):
    • Victim's Wallet: Found on the ground next to the victim's body. Pick it up and open it. Examine the driver's license for the victim's name (Everett Hammond) and address (128 N. Kingsley Dr.). Also, note the cash inside ($200). This confirms the victim's identity.
    • Victim's Watch: Also near the body. Rotate it to find the inscription "To Everett, My Love." This suggests a romantic relationship and provides a potential lead for questioning.
  • Bloody Pipe: The murder weapon, located a few feet from the body, often slightly obscured by debris. Inspect it thoroughly for fingerprints (though Cole won't process them directly, the game registers your discovery for case progression). Note the bloodstains and the pipe's construction.
  • Shoe Print: Near the bloody pipe, look for a distinct shoe print in the dirt or mud. This will be a size 11. This is a crucial physical clue for identifying a suspect.
  • Newspaper: A crumpled newspaper might be found near the body. While not direct evidence for this case, it often contains background lore or hints at future events. Always check them.
• Location: Hammond Residence (128 N. Kingsley Dr.)
  • Inside the House (Living Room/Entryway):
    • Note from Wife (Margie Hammond): On a small table or counter near the entrance. This note will provide context about the victim's relationship with his wife and her potential whereabouts or state of mind. Read it carefully.
    • Photograph: A framed photograph of Everett and Margie Hammond, often on a mantelpiece or table. While not direct evidence, it helps establish their relationship.
  • Bathroom:
    • Bloody Shirt: In the laundry basket in the bathroom. This is crucial evidence linking a suspect to the crime. Examine it for bloodstains and the shirt's size (size 11). This matches the shoe print found at the crime scene, creating a strong connection.
    • Bloody Shoes: Often found near the bloody shirt in the laundry basket or on the floor. Examine them for bloodstains and confirm the size (size 11). This further solidifies the link to the suspect.
• Location: Richard's Apartment (303 S. Bonnie Brae St.)
  • Inside the Apartment (Living Room/Bedroom):
    • Bloody Knife: Found in a drawer or on a table. This is a secondary weapon, and its presence is suspicious. Examine it for blood and any identifying marks.
    • Note from Wife (Margie Hammond): Another note, often on a bedside table or dresser, indicating Margie's presence or relationship with Richard. Read it for details.
    • Richard's Wallet: Check for identification and any other contents. This confirms Richard's identity and residence.
    • Newspaper Clipping: A specific newspaper clipping related to a past event, often found on a coffee table or desk. This can provide motive or background for Richard's actions. Read the entire article.

The Notebook: Your Detective's Companion

The Notebook (accessible via the Back/Select button on controllers, or 'Tab' on PC) is your central hub for all collected evidence, persons of interest, and locations. It automatically updates as you discover new clues. Regularly consult your Notebook, especially before interrogations or when feeling stuck, as it organizes all the information you've gathered.

• Review Evidence: Re-examine descriptions of items to connect dots or recall details for interrogations. Each piece of evidence has a brief description and often a visual representation.
• Check Persons of Interest: Keep track of who you need to interview and what they might know. Each person will have a brief bio and a list of questions you can ask them during interrogations.
• Track Locations: New locations will be added as you uncover leads, guiding your investigation. The Notebook often provides a brief description of why a location is relevant.
• Unused Clues: Pay attention to any evidence that hasn't yet been used in an interrogation or to advance the case. These are often the keys to unlocking new leads or exposing a lie. The game will sometimes highlight these as "Unused Clues" in the Notebook.
• Case Objectives: The Notebook also tracks your current objectives, helping you stay focused on the next step of the investigation.

Remember, every piece of evidence tells a story. Your job is to make sure Cole Phelps hears it all, understands its implications, and uses it effectively to bring justice to the streets of Los Angeles. Thoroughness in evidence collection is the foundation of a successful detective career in L.A. Noire.