Crime Scene Documentation Evidence Collection: Crime Scene Documentation

Methods of Documentation The purpose is to record and preserve the location and relationship of discovered evidence & the condition of the crime scene . 4 methods Reports and note-taking (sometimes audio) Photographs Vidography Crime Scene Sketching

Crime Scene Sketching Is a permanent record of the size and distance relationship of the crime scene and the physical evidence within it. Usually drawn from an overhead perspective 2 types are produced Rough sketch Final sketch

Rough vs Final Rough: Developed while at the scene Not done to scale Used to record size measurements of items and structures Also record distance measurements between items and structures Final: Polished version of the rough sketch Drawn to scale Completed in the office Only items and structures deemed significant to the case will be included Must include all proper documentation in labeling

Labeling of Final Sketch Title – ex: ABC Bank Robbery Legend – “key” depicting what each symbol in the sketch means Case information – date, time, place, case # Name – name of person who drew the sketch Indication of direction (N-S-E-W) Scale – ex: 1 inch = 1 foot

5 Basic Sketch Techniques Triagulation Mapping Polar Coordinate Mapping Baseline Mapping Rectangular Coordinate Mapping Advanced Mapping Techniques

Triagulation Mapping Based on the measurements of the three sides of a triangle. Most accurate method that does not use advanced technology. Laborious and time consuming

Polar Coordinate Mapping Provides angle distance measurements from a fixed or known point Best for large outdoor areas with few landmarks

Baseline Mapping Most basic Least accurate All measurements are made in reference to one straight line within the crime scene Error comes from measurements not being taken at exactly 90º angle from the reference line

Rectangular Coordinate Mapping *Method we will use in class* Uses two baselines for which to reference every object to More accurate than single Baseline Technique

Advanced Mapping Techniques Uses modern technology such as global positioning systems (GPS) Helpful for mapping large-scale scenes