1. The Crime Scene Sketch

2. 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

3. 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!

4. The Rough Sketch
The rough sketch is the first pencil-drawn outline of the scene and the location of all objects and evidence within this outline.
Not drawn to scale
Distances are measured and indicated in the sketch
Sketch after photographs are taken and before anything is moved.
Use geometric shapes and letters and numbers to indicate items of interest
Measurements need to be made quickly but without disturbing evidence or contaminating the scene

5. 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
You will NOT be able to return after today!

6. Measure and Outline Area
Use conventional units of measurement
Determine North, South, East, and West
Determine Scale
Take the longest measurement at the scene and divide it by the longest measurement of the paper used for sketching.
Measure from fixed locations

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

8. Where do I start?
Step 1: Draw a rough outline of the area- include windows (represented by the rectangles) and doors (represented by openings in the outline)

9. Step 2: Measure the room or space in which the crime occurred
Step 2: Measure the room or space in which the crime occurred. Label the dimensions on the sketch

10. Step 3: Sketch in the furniture and location of evidence using basic shapes

11. Step 4: Label each item in the diagram with a number or letter, then write the name in a key.

12. Make a legend (key) Label the diagram Step 5: Investigator(s)
Location (crime scene information)
Investigator(s)
Direction of North (compass rose)
Identifying information in sketch
Scale
Victims name (if known)

13. Rough Sketch vs Finished Sketch

14. Finished Sketch (multi-room)

15. Finished Sketch – Hand Drawn