Sketching a Crime Scene

The crime scene sketch: Introduction The crime scene sketch: Accurately portrays the physical facts Establishes the precise location and relationship of objects and evidence at the scene Creates a mental picture of the scene

A crime scene sketch assists in: Overview A crime scene sketch assists in: Interviewing and interrogating person Preparing an investigative report Presenting the case in court The sketch supplements photographs Two types of sketches: Rough sketch Finished or scale sketch

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 scale

Determine the scale Take the longest measurement at the scene and divide it by the longest measurement of the paper used for sketching. 1/2” = 1’ for small rooms 1/4” = 1’ for large rooms 1/8” = 1’ very large rooms 1/2” = 10’ for large buildings 1/8” = 10’ large land area

Measure from fixed locations Walls Trees Telephone poles Corners Curbs Outlets Any Immovable Object

Illustrating the Sketch Do not attempt to draw an object as it appears. Use symbols instead. Use lettered or numbered squares, circles, figure, or points to represent various objects in the sketch. Explain in the diagram key what these objects represent.

Label all doors and windows Label all doors and windows. Show with a curved line which way the door swings. Use an arrow to show the direction of the stairway. Unnecessary height or length may be cut off with jagged lines.

Sketching Techniques and Hints Immediately following the photographing of the scene, the investigator should begin his or her sketch. The best starting point is usually to record room dimensions. Next, figure out the POE (point of entry). Begin the sketch from the investigator’s left, and fill in details in a clockwise fashion. Place all the windows and doors, then place the position of the furniture.

The final task is to record the location of the physical evidence and assign each piece with a letter or number that is keyed to the legend. If the investigators, victims, or witnesses have moved anything, ensure that these objects are returned to their original position before placing them in the sketch. Never add or delete anything on the sketch once leaving the scene and place only important items on the sketch. Don’t trust your memory because it will fail with time.

Examples