1. Crime Scenes – Sketching the Scene
By the end of this lesson you will be able to:
1. Explain the use of a sketch
2. Identify key elements of a sketch
3. Produce a professional crime scene sketch

2. Step 1 Identify the perimeter of the scene
Expand or contract the scene…when would you do either?
Be sure that Patrol has setup a perimeter and possibly begun a crime scene log
Identify items of evidence

3. Step 2 Measure and Outline the Area
If another officer assists, make sure to reverse the tape so that both officers measure….WHY?
Measure from FIXED objects….WHY?

4. Step 2 - Continued
Determine the scale by taking the longest measurement at the scene and dividing the it by the longest measurement on the graph paper
IE – Paper is 10 inches and scene is 100 ft, make 1 inch = 10 feet

5. Step 3 Plot objects and evidence within the sketch
Use one of the following methods to plot

6. Rectangular Coordinate Method
Uses 2 adjacent walls as fixed points from which right angles are drawn to a point of evidence within the room or area.
Measure from adjacent walls at right angles
Use this only when in a square or rectangular area

7. Triangulation Method
Using two fixed points in the scene, record the compass angle from the fixed point using a compass or protractor
Best used in outdoor settings

8. Compass Point Method Also useful in outdoor settings
Select one fixed point to measure from and record the distance and the angle from the point

9. Step 4 Record field notes
Include in your notes things not sketchable such as weather, temperature, people present, lighting conditions, time of day, etc.

10. Step 5 Identify the Scene Construct a legend on the sketch
In the legend, include case number, date, time, you name and title, others assisting, scale of the sketch and notate the northern direction

11. Step 6 Reassess the sketch Check for accuracy Check for legibility
Once you leave, you cannot change anything on the sketch
File sketch in your Case File