1. Crime Scene Sketching Basics Notes 1.5

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. Sketching Materials Paper Pencils Measuring tape Ruler Clipboard
Eraser
Compass
Templates

10. 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

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

12. 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

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

14. 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

15. 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.

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

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

18. Sample Sketch (Which components are missing?)

19. Murder Scene #1

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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.

31. 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.