The Crime Scene Sketch

The Crime Scene Sketch

A crime scene sketch assists in: 1) Interviewing and interrogating persons 2) Preparing an investigative report 3) Presenting the case in court The sketch supplements photographs, notes, plaster casts and other investigative techniques. Two types of sketches Rough sketch Finished or scale sketch

Accurately portrays the physical facts Relates the sequence of events at the scene Establishes the precise location and relationship of objects and evidence at the scene Creates a mental picture of the scene for those not present Is a permanent record of the scene!

The rough sketch is the first pencil-drawn outline of the scene and the location of all objects and evidence within this outline. Not drawn to scale Distances are measured and indicated in the sketch Sketch after photographs are taken and before anything is moved. Use geometric shapes and letters and numbers to indicate items of interest Measurements need to be made quickly but without disturbing evidence or contaminating the scene

Observe and plan Measure distances Outline the area Locate objects and evidence within the outline Record details (make notes) Identify the sketch with a legend and a scale You will NOT be able to return after today!

Use conventional units of measurement Determine North, South, East, and West Determine Scale Take the longest measurement at the scene and divide it by the longest measurement of the paper used for sketching. Measure from fixed locations

Presents floors and walls as the were on one surface.

Where do I start? Step 1: Draw a rough outline of the area- include windows (represented by the rectangles) and doors (represented by openings in the outline)

Step 2: Measure the room or space in which the crime occurred. Label the dimensions on the sketch

Step 3: Sketch in the furniture and location of evidence using basic shapes

Step 4: Label each item in the diagram with a number or letter, then write the name in a key.

Step 5: Make a legend (key) Label the diagram Location (crime scene information) Investigator(s) Direction of North (compass rose) Identifying information in sketch Scale Victims name (if known)