1. Crime Scene Documentation
August

2. Crime Scene search patterns
Investigators often use geometric search patterns while searching for evidence to ensure that no evidence is missed. The type of search pattern depends on the scene.

3. Crime Scene search patterns

4. Crime Scene search patterns
Grid search patterns are very effective, but very time consuming

5. Crime Scene search patterns
Rarely used Doesn’t work well with physical barriers. Sometimes used when only investigator present.

6. Crime Scene search patterns
Works well in large, outdoor areas. Often involves volunteers.

7. Crime Scene search patterns
Works well in buildings and with warrants searches.

8. Crime Scene search patterns
Think about the following, but DON’T say the answer out loud. When I ask, show me the correct answer with your fingers.
Investigators believe a body may have been dumped in a large field. What search pattern be used?
Spiral
Grid
Parallel
Zone

9. Crime Scene search patterns
Think about the following, but DON’T say the answer out loud. When I ask, show me the correct answer with your fingers.
Investigators believe a body may have been dumped in a large field. What search pattern be used?
Spiral
Grid
Parallel
Zone
How do you know?

10. Crime Scene search patterns
Think about the following, but DON’T say the answer out loud. When I ask, show me the correct answer with your fingers.
A very high profile crime has been committed, and the police has been given a lot of resources and manpower to solve it. Which pattern is appropriate?
Spiral
Grid
Parallel
Zone

11. Crime Scene search patterns
Think about the following, but DON’T say the answer out loud. When I ask, show me the correct answer with your fingers.
A very high profile crime has been committed, and the police has been given a lot of resources and manpower to solve it. Which pattern is appropriate?
Spiral
Grid
Parallel
Zone
How do you know?

12. Crime Scene search patterns
Think about the following, but DON’T say the answer out loud. When I ask, show me the correct answer with your fingers.
Police have a warrant to search a suspect’s car. Which pattern is appropriate?
Spiral
Grid
Parallel
Zone

13. Crime Scene search patterns
Think about the following, but DON”T say the answer out loud. When I ask, show me the correct answer with your fingers.
Police have a warrant to search a suspect’s car. Which pattern is appropriate?
Spiral
Grid
Parallel
Zone
How do you know?

14. Crime Scene Notes
Investigators take detailed notes on all of the following:
Step-by-step description of every action taken by investigators.
Date, time, location, weather, environmental conditions
Description of crime
Location of evidence with reference to other fixed points
Names of all people on the scene, including authorized personnel, witnesses, victims

15. Example Note 1
What types of info do you see?

16. Example Note 2
What types of info do you see?

17. Crime Scene PHotos The scene should be thoroughly photographed before
evidence collection.
Types of photos:
overall scene (exterior and interior)
midrange photos
close up
Use scales and placards with photos
Start with the larger, exterior scene, and move interior and towards finer detail.

18. Photo Example 1 What type of photo is this?
What other photos should be taken?

19. Photo Example 2 What type of photo is this?
What else would be useful in this photo?

20. Crime Scene Videos
Crime scenes should be videotaped starting outside and moving in, all around the crime scene. Important details (time, place, and objective descriptions should be included, Other narration should be avoided. Should not include members of the investigative team.
Watch me!

21. Crime Scene Sketches
Rough sketches are done on the scene, and finished sketches are completed later.
Crime scene sketches should be labeled with:
A title
A legend with letters, etc., for key pieces of evidence
Compass direction
Whether to scale, and if so, what scale
Case number
Offense type
Location

22. Discuss with a partner: How do These differ?

23. Crime Scene Sketches
There are 3 basic methods for taking measurements:
Triangulation
Baseline
Polar Coordinates

24. Crime Scene Sketches
There are 3 basic methods for taking measurements:
Triangulation
Baseline
Polar Coordinates
In triangulation,
you measure the distance of
each piece of evidence from
2 fixed points

25. Crime Scene Sketches
There are 3 basic methods for taking measurements:
Triangulation
Baseline
Polar Coordinates
In triangulation,
you measure the distance of
each piece of evidence from
2 fixed points
Evidence
Fixed point Y
Fixed point X

26. Crime Scene Sketches
There are 3 basic methods for taking measurements:
Triangulation
Baseline
Polar Coordinates
With baseline, you create a
line between two fixed points
and measure the distance of the
evidence from a right angle to the line
Evidence
Fixed point Y
Fixed point X

27. Crime Scene Sketches
There are 3 basic methods for taking measurements:
Triangulation
Baseline
Polar Coordinates
With polar coordinates, you measure
the distance and compass direction
of evidence away from a wall
Evidence
48o NE
Wall X

28. Sketches – WE Do & You DO
We will make a rough, to-scale sketch of the room using graph paper.
Be sure to leave room for a legend, title, etc.
Measure room and create scale
Place boundaries & fixed points on sketch
Use each method to sketch one piece of evidence
You Do – Use each method to add in 3 more pieces of evidence
You Do – Complete legend

29. Homework – Enjoy your weekend!
Closure - How did Exit Ticket – Be sure your LEGEND is complete and turn in your sketch