Crime Scene Sketching Basics
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Questions and Answers

What type of crime scene sketch provides a bird’s-eye view or floor plan?

  • Triangulated sketch
  • Elevation sketch
  • Overview sketch (correct)
  • Exploded view sketch

Which of the following tools is NOT needed when creating a crime scene sketch?

  • Camera (correct)
  • Ruler
  • Tape measure
  • Compass

What is the purpose of triangulation in crime scene sketches?

  • To outline the perimeter of the scene
  • To create a digital representation of the scene
  • To determine distances between evidence and fixed points (correct)
  • To measure the size of the crime scene

What should be labeled on a crime scene sketch for orientation?

<p>True North (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sketch combines both overview and elevation views?

<p>Exploded view or cross-projection sketch (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential characteristic of an overview sketch in crime scene documentation?

<p>It offers a bird’s-eye view or floor plan. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in a crime scene sketch to enhance clarity?

<p>A scale of distance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the triangulation process in crime scene sketching, what is measured?

<p>The distance from the evidence to two fixed points (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using graph paper when creating a crime scene sketch?

<p>To ensure the sketch is drawn to scale (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done first when creating a crime scene sketch?

<p>Draw an outline of the area on graph paper (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of sketches best represents vertical aspects of a crime scene?

<p>Elevation sketch (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required for creating an exploded view sketch?

<p>Both overview and elevation details (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these items is NOT considered essential equipment for sketching a crime scene?

<p>Digital camera (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the crime scene sketch aids in distance measurement besides the actual sketching?

<p>The triangulation of evidence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When sketching a crime scene, evidence should be represented using complex shapes.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

It is necessary to note the victim's name on a crime scene sketch only if the victim is known.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The true North indication on a crime scene sketch helps in orienting the scene accurately.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Triangulation of evidence requires measurements from movable points for accuracy.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An exploded view sketch presents walls laid out flat while showing objects in their relative positions.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Triangulation refers to the process of measuring the distance between two fixed points to help locate evidence.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A rough sketch must always be drawn to scale before it can be used in formal documentation.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Graph paper is necessary for sketching to ensure that the scale of the sketch is accurate.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An elevation sketch is primarily used to depict overhead views of the crime scene.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important prerequisite for photographing a crime scene?

<p>The crime scene must be unaltered. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes overview photographs taken at a crime scene?

<p>They capture the entire scene and its surrounding area. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must be true for photographs to be admissible as evidence in the Justice System?

<p>They must accurately reflect the true condition of the scene. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What area should be photographed in addition to the main crime scene?

<p>Nearby areas that could provide context. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding points of entry and exit in crime scene photographs?

<p>They should clearly show any marks of force. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary significance of overview photographs taken at a crime scene?

<p>They capture the first images from various angles, showing the entire scene and surroundings. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is essential for a crime scene to be photographed properly?

<p>The crime scene must be completely unaltered. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the photographs taken at a crime scene?

<p>Points of entry and exit along with adjacent areas and evidence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must be true for photographs to maintain their credibility as evidence in court?

<p>They must accurately reflect the scene without alterations and be relevant to the case. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice when photographing a crime scene?

<p>Moving objects before photographing them to enhance the view. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must be documented if any manipulations of crime scene photographs occur?

<p>The type of manipulation performed (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which technique enhances the ability to visualize the relationship between evidence and the crime scene in forensic photography?

<p>Overview photography (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is critical for ensuring photographs accurately reflect the unaltered crime scene?

<p>Photographing from multiple angles (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of digital photography that makes it preferred for crime scene documentation?

<p>It allows for instant capturing and viewing of images (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following crime scene sketch types with their descriptions:

<p>Elevation Sketch = Sketch drawn as if the viewer is looking straight ahead at the scene; also known as a side-view sketch Exploded Sketch = Sketch drawn with the floor in the middle and the walls drawn flat surrounding the floor; also known as a cross-sectional sketch Overhead Sketch = Sketch drawn as if the viewer is looking down from above the scene; also known as a bird’s eye view sketch Three-Dimensional Sketch = Sketch showing the scene in three dimensions; typically created using a computer program</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following mapping techniques with their primary characteristics:

<p>Baseline Mapping = Most basic, easiest and least accurate measuring technique where evidence is measured off a baseline Triangulation Mapping = Most accurate, laborious and time-consuming measuring technique requiring advanced technology Rectangular Coordinate Mapping = Measuring technique where two baselines are identified and evidence is measured off each Polar/Grid Mapping = Measuring technique useful in large outdoor scenes with few landmarks</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following sketches with their intended uses:

<p>Final Sketch = Finished, polished rendition of rough sketch; drawn to scale for courtroom presentation Rough Sketch = First, pencil-drawn outline of a crime scene; drawn at the scene and not usually to scale Total Station = Electronic surveying instrument that measures distances and angles in three dimensions Global Positioning System (GPS) = Satellite-based navigation system that transmits signals and calculates location</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following sketch types with their alternative names:

<p>Elevation Sketch = Side-view sketch Exploded Sketch = Cross-sectional sketch Overhead Sketch = Bird’s eye view sketch Final Sketch = Courtroom presentation sketch</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following sketch types with their order of creation in crime scene investigation:

<p>Rough Sketch = First sketch drawn at the crime scene Final Sketch = Polished rendition meant for presentation Exploded Sketch = Detailed representation showing walls and floor Overhead Sketch = View from above the scene</p> Signup and view all the answers

Each piece of evidence must be photographed at 4 different angles.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Oblique lighting is effective for highlighting details on flat surfaces without shadows.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Photographs of evidence should be taken at 3 distances: close, mid-range, and long-range.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Using a light source positioned directly above an item is beneficial when photographing fingerprints.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Photographs must include items of scale, such as rulers or coins, for accurate evidence representation.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Digital photography is currently the least preferred method of crime scene documentation.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Overview photographs in crime scene documentation should only include the body and not the surrounding area.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Photographs must reflect the true condition of the crime scene without alteration to be admissible in the Justice System.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Objects at a crime scene should be moved immediately for better visual clarity before photographing.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Points of entry and exit in crime scene photographs should be depicted clearly, including any marks of force.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Crime scene sketch

A diagram of a crime scene, showing layout, evidence, and measurements, crucial for investigation and record-keeping.

Crime scene sketch types

Different views of the crime scene including overview (floor plan), elevation (vertical surfaces like walls), and exploded view/cross-projection (combining overview and elevation).

Triangulation

A method for accurately measuring the distance of evidence to fixed points using measurements between the evidence and 2 fixed points.

Crime scene sketch materials

Essential tools needed for sketching; graph paper, pencils, measuring devices (tape measures, laser rangefinder), compass, ruler, and clipboard.

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Sketching procedure

First, outline the area, include windows/doors. Then, measure the perimeter and label dimensions on the sketch. Lastly, include a key and scale.

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Overview Sketch

A crime scene sketch that shows a bird's-eye view or floor plan of the area, giving a comprehensive layout of the location.

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Elevation Sketch

A crime scene sketch that portrays a vertical plane, like walls, allowing visualization of evidence on those surfaces.

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Exploded View Sketch

A crime scene sketch combining an overview and elevation, showing walls laid flat with objects and their relative positions.

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Why use graph paper?

Graph paper helps ensure accurate measurements and scaling in crime scene sketches, making them more reliable for investigations.

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Triangulation in Sketching

A technique to precisely measure distances between evidence and fixed points by measuring distances to two known points.

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What are the types of crime scene sketches?

There are three main types of crime scene sketches: overview (bird's-eye view), elevation (vertical plane), and exploded view (combining overview and elevation).

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What is an overview sketch?

An overview sketch is a bird's-eye view or floor plan of a scene, showing the overall layout and positioning of objects.

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Why is a crime scene sketch crucial?

A crime scene sketch helps document the scene and record information for investigation, providing a visual representation of the location and evidence.

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What is triangulation?

Triangulation is a technique used to measure the distance of evidence to fixed points in a crime scene.

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What are the essential materials for creating a crime scene sketch?

Essential materials include graph paper, pencils, measuring devices (tape measures, laser rangefinder), compass, ruler, and a clipboard.

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What's the first step in sketching a crime scene?

The initial step involves outlining the overall scene, including doors and windows, using basic shapes on your sketch.

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How do you mark evidence on a sketch?

Use simple shapes to represent evidence found at the scene, ensuring each item is clearly labeled with a marker or number.

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What information should be included in a sketch label?

The sketch should be labeled with the date, time, location, victim's name, and if applicable, the agency involved in the investigation.

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What does triangulating evidence mean?

Triangulation involves measuring the distance from each piece of evidence to two fixed points in the scene for accurate location placement.

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Why is true north indicated on a sketch?

Indicating true north on a sketch provides a directional reference, crucial for accurate orientation and positioning of evidence.

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Crime scene photography purpose

Documenting and preserving the original crime scene for future investigation, using photographs as evidence in conjunction with notes and sketches.

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Crime scene photography criteria

Photographs must accurately reflect the scene without alterations, be relevant to the case, and any manipulations must be documented.

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Digital photography in forensics

The preferred method for crime scene photography due to its ability to capture images digitally for easy storage, editing, and analysis.

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Overview photographs

The first images taken, showing the entire crime scene and surrounding area from various distances and angles, starting wide and zooming in.

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Points of entry/exit photography

Photographs capturing entry and exit points, emphasizing any signs of forced entry or disturbance.

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Unaltered Crime Scene

A crime scene that remains untouched and in its original state before any evidence is moved or disturbed. This is crucial for photography because it ensures the photographs accurately reflect the scene as it was found.

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Forensic Photography Purpose

The primary goal of forensic photography is to document and preserve the crime scene as it was found. This includes capturing the layout, evidence, and the relationship between objects within the scene.

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Admissible Crime Scene Photos

For photographs to be accepted as evidence in a legal case, they must meet specific criteria. These include accurately depicting the scene without alterations, showing relevance to the case, and documenting any manipulations made.

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Baseline Mapping

The simplest method to measure evidence in a crime scene, where you identify a baseline and measure distances to evidence points from that line.

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Exploded Sketch

A sketch where the floor is in the center and the walls are laid out flat around it, like a cross-section.

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Rough Sketch

The first, quick drawing done at the crime scene. It's usually drawn in pencil and doesn't need to be perfect.

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Final Sketch

The finished sketch created after the rough sketch. It's detailed, accurate, to scale, and ready for court.

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Forensic Photography

The practice of capturing images at a crime scene to document its condition, evidence, and layout for future investigations. These photos act as a permanent record alongside notes and sketches.

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Evidence Photography Angle

Each piece of evidence must be photographed from at least three different angles (minimum): close-up, mid-range, and long-range.

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Evidence Photography Distance

Each angle of evidence photography requires a minimum of three distances: close-up, mid-range, and long-range, resulting in at least nine photos per piece of evidence.

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What is a scale item?

A reference item of known size, such as a ruler or a quarter, placed within the photograph to provide scale and help determine the actual size of the evidence.

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Oblique Lighting

A technique that uses a light source positioned at a low angle to create shadows and enhance the visibility of subtle details, especially on impressions and tool marks.

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Why use oblique lighting?

Oblique lighting can help make difficult-to-see evidence visible for photography. It creates shadows that can make details like fingerprints or tool marks more apparent.

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Study Notes

Crime Scene Sketching

  • A crime scene sketch is a crucial tool for documenting investigative data.
  • Sketches are created after the scene has been photographed, or while photography is in progress.
  • Sketches help record the overall layout of the scene.

Types of Crime Scene Sketches

  • Overview (Bird's-eye-view/Floor plan): This is the most common type, showing a bird's-eye view or floor plan of the area.
  • Elevation: Depicts a vertical plane, often used to show blood spatter patterns or other vertical evidence.
  • Exploded view or cross-projection: A combination of overview and elevation. This type displays walls laid flat, and objects in their relative positions on those walls.

Creating a Crime Scene Sketch

  • Measurements: Measurements should be taken without disturbing the crime scene.
  • Graph paper: Use graph paper to ensure the sketch is drawn to scale.
  • Rough sketches: A rough, non-scaled sketch can be created at the scene and later redrawn to scale, clearly labeled "Not to Scale".
  • Equipment: Needed materials include graph paper, pencils, measuring devices (tape measures, survey wheels, rangefinders, total station), a compass, a ruler, and a clipboard.
  • Evidence markers: Evidence should be noted using evidence markers (numbers or letters).
  • Triangulation: Use triangulation to measure distances from fixed points to evidence like a body.
  • Labeling: Clearly label the sketch with date, time, location, victim's name (if known), and true North.
  • Legend/key: The sketch should include a clear legend/key to explain symbols used for different pieces of evidence.

Digital Representation

  • Rough sketches can be converted into a digital representation for use in crime scene reports.

Where to Start Sketching the Scene

  • Step 1: Outline the perimeter of the crime scene area on graph paper, including windows and doors.
  • Step 2: Measure the perimeter of the room or area and label dimensions on the sketch.
  • Step 3: Add furniture and locations of evidence.
  • Step 4: Label the sketch with date, time, location, and the victim's name.
  • Step 5: "Triangulate" evidence by measuring from fixed points to specific pieces of evidence.
  • Step 6: Indicate true North on the sketch.

Assignment Considerations

  • Students often receive a "reference card", providing samples of evidence used to prepare their sketches.
  • Some crime scene exercises utilize playing cards to represent the evidence.
  • Students are responsible for locating the specific evidence and placing them appropriately on the sketch they're creating.

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Related Documents

Crime Scene Photography PDF
Sketching the Crime Scene Lesson PDF
Crime Scene Sketching Vocabulary Handout PDF

Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of crime scene sketching, including the importance of sketches in documenting investigative data. You'll learn about different types of sketches, such as overview and elevation, and the process of creating accurate and scaled representations of a crime scene.

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