Crime Scene Sketching Basics Notes 1.5

Introduction: The crime scene 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

Overview 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

Sketching the Crime Scene Crime scene sketches Clearly show the layout of a crime scene Illustrate the relationship in space of all significant items and features Clarify objects and features already described in notes or shown in photographs Show measurements over long distances and topography of outdoor scenes Depict possible paths of entry, exit, and movement through the scene Demonstrate whether the account of a victim, suspect, or witness is feasible. Crime scene sketches Clearly show the layout of a crime scene Illustrate the relationship in space of all significant items and features Clarify objects and features already described in notes or shown in photographs Show measurements over long distances and topography of outdoor scenes Depict possible paths of entry, exit, and movement through the scene Demonstrate whether the account of a victim, suspect, or witness is feasible.

The Rough Crime Scene Sketch A rough sketch is created at the crime scene and contains an accurate depiction of the dimensions of the scene and shows the location of all pertinent objects and features. All rough sketches include: Title with information on the case, crime scene, and person creating the sketch Legend with identity and dimensions of objects in the sketch Compass showing the North direction the sketch itself Points of reference for objects can be shown by the rectangular, triangulation, baseline, or polar coordinates method. A rough sketch is created at the crime scene and contains an accurate depiction of the dimensions of the scene and shows the location of all pertinent objects and features. All rough sketches include Title block with information on the case, crime scene, and person creating the sketch Legend with identity and dimensions of objects in the sketch Compass showing the North direction Body containing the sketch itself Points of reference for objects can be shown by the rectangular, triangulation, baseline, or polar coordinates method.

Steps in Sketching the Crime 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

The Rough Sketch The rough sketch is the first pencil-drawn outline of the scene and the location of objects and evidence within this outline. Usually not drawn to scale Although distances are measured and indicated in the sketch Sketch after photographs are taken and before anything is moved. Sketch as much as possible.

Sketches Should Include: Bodies Furniture (tables, chairs, desks, lamps, couches, etc.) Key objects on or near furniture Windows, doors Weapons or other evidence (bullets, broken glass, drugs, etc.) Blood spatter or prints Distances

Sketching Materials Paper Pencils Measuring tape Ruler Clipboard Eraser Compass Templates

The Finished Crime Scene Sketch The finished sketch is created from the information in rough sketch, but it is drawn to scale with care and concern for appearance. It is done back at the crime lab under controlled conditions. The current standard method utilizes Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) programs to create the finished sketch. CAD programs also allow for the creation of three-dimensional finished sketches. The finished sketch is created from the information in rough sketch, but it is drawn to scale with care and concern for appearance. The current standard method utilizes Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) programs to create the finished sketch. CAD programs also allow for the creation of three-dimensional finished sketches

Measure and Outline Area A steel tape is best, because it doesn’t stretch Use conventional units of measurement Inches Feet Centimeters Meters

Measure and Outline Area North should be at the top of the paper. Determine Scale Take the longest measurement at the scene and divide it by the longest measurement of the paper used for sketching. ½”= 1’small rooms ¼”= 1’large rooms 1/8”= 1’very large rooms ½”= 10’large buildings 1/8”= 10’large land area

Measure and Outline Area Measure from fixed locations, including Walls Trees Telephone poles Corners Curbs Outlets Or any other Immovable Object

Plotting Evidence Location Plotting methods are used to locate objects and evidence on the sketch. They include the use of: Rectangular coordinates A baseline Triangulation Compass points. GPS

Triangulation Uses straight-line measurements from two fixed objects to the evidence to create a triangle with evidence in the angle formed by two straight lines.

Cross-Projection Method Presents floors and walls as the were on one surface.

Include in your Legend: Case number Type of crime Investigator Persons assisting Direction of North Identifying information in sketch -Key Scale Used

Sample Sketch (Which components are missing?)

Murder Scene #1

Rough Sketch of Crime Scene #2 The rough sketch of a crime scene is drawn up by an investigator after all initial photography has been completed at the scene of a crime. A rough sketch is the first outline of the scene which records the location of any and all evidence collected. Though it is not always drawn to scale, a rough sketch should include important measurements in relation to the location of evidence and the victim.

Final Sketch of Crime Scene #2 The final sketch of a crime scene helps the jury understand and correctly locate the original location of any evidence that was discovered at the crime scene.

Crime Scene #3 It is important to include the location of the crime scene, the date the scene was sketched, the name of the victim and the investigator who drew the scene in the final sketch.

Crime Scene #4 Investigators number the evidence and include a legend of what evidence the number represents. This is helpful for a jury to refer back to the location of any important evidence collected at the scene of the crime.

Crime Scene #5 Lastly, the final sketch should include the location of the murder weapon, (if present) and the victim’s body with the location of the entry wound.

The Assignment Now it’s your turn! You will visit a Crime Scene. You will need to complete a rough sketch and finished sketch of all rooms at the crime scene. Be sure to explore all rooms floor to ceiling and wall to wall. Remember to include a legend I will provide you with the necessary measurements to include in your sketches.