Sketching the Crime Scene Lesson PDF

Sketching the Scene ❑Once a crime scene has been photographed (or while it’s being photographed), investigators will need to sketch the scene. ❑The crime scene sketch is an invaluable aid in recording investigative data. ❑A crime scene sketch depicts the overall layout Sketching the...

Sketching the Scene ❑Once a crime scene has been photographed (or while it’s being photographed), investigators will need to sketch the scene. ❑The crime scene sketch is an invaluable aid in recording investigative data. ❑A crime scene sketch depicts the overall layout Sketching the Scene ❑There are different types of crime scene sketches: ○ overview: a bird’s-eye- view or floor plan This is the most common type of Sketching the Scene ❑There are different types of crime scene sketches: ○ elevation: portrays a vertical plane ex. blood stain patterns on vertical surfaces (like walls) Sketching the Scene ❑There are different types of crime scene sketches: ○ exploded view or cross- projection: consists of a combination of overview & elevation similar to a floor plan except the walls have been laid out flat and objects on them have been shown in their relative positions Sketching the Scene ❑Measurements should be made without disturbing the crime scene. ❏ Graph paper should be used when creating a sketch to ensure that the sketch is drawn to scale. ❏ Note: a rough sketch (not drawn to scale can be created on the scene and later drawn to scale). However, such diagrams should be clearly Sketching the Scene ❏ Equipment needed: ❏ graph paper ❏ pencils ❏ measuring devices (tape measures, surveyor’s wheel, laser rangefinder, Total Station) ❏ compass ❏ ruler ❏ clipboard Sketching the Scene ❏ Some evidence (like a body) will need to be triangulated.  Triangulation: measuring the distance between the evidence and two fixed points Sketching the Scene ❑On the sketch, true North should be labeled, and a scale of distance should be provided. ❑The sketch should also include a legend or key. Sketching the Scene ❑The rough sketch can be converted into a digital representati on of the crime scene. Sketching the Scene ❑Where to start: ○ Step 1: Draw an outline/perimeter of the area on graph paper - include windows (represented by the rectangles) and doors (represented by openings in the outline). Sketching the Scene ❑Where to start: ○ Step 2: Measure the perimeter of the room or space in which the crime occurred. Label the dimensions on the sketch. Sketching the Scene ❑Where to start: ○ Step 3: Sketch in the furniture and location of evidence using basic shapes. 32 feet 26 feet Sketching the Scene ❑Where to start: ○ Sketch evidence marked with evidence markers. *Be sure that evidence numbers/letters are indicated on the 32 feet sketch. 26 feet Sketching the Scene ❑Where to start: Sedona County Crime Scene Team ○ Step 4: Label the Location: 1956 Oak Street diagram with the Lithonia, Az 43256 Date: September 5, 2021 date, time, Time Start: 1:45 pm location, and Time End: 5:17 pm victim’s name (if Victim: John Doe 32 feet known). ○ Note: An 26 feet unknown victim is commonly given the name Sketching the Scene ❑Where to start: ○ Step 5: A. Triangulate evidence: Make two measurements from fixed (not moveable) points to each piece of evidence. B. These measurements can be noted on a separate document or on the actual Sketching the Scene ❑Where to start: Sedona County Crime Scene Team ○ Step 6: Location: 1956 Oak Street Lithonia, Az 43256 Indicate true Date: September 5, 2021 North on the Time Start: 1:45 pm Time End: 5:17 pm sketch. Victim: John Doe 32 feet 26 feet Sketching the Scene ❑Today, you will practice completing a rough sketch of a crime scene. ❑You will receive an “assignment card.” This assignment card lists 8 playing cards that will represent Each person will have a different set of “evidence.” Sketching the Scene ❑Your job is to search the scene to locate this evidence AND depict this evidence on a crime scene sketch. Sketching the Scene ❑ You will also receive a “reference card.” ❑ The purpose of this reference card is to provide you with a sample of the cards that you will be looking for. ❑ For example: If your reference card has “Disney Princesses” on it, then you will be looking for your assignment cards Sketching the Scene ❑Be sure that you sketch the perimeter of your “crime scene” and record lengths/distances of each wall on the sketch. ❑Sketch immovable objects. ❑Identify where you found your evidence by using symbols. Create a legend/key to indicate which symbols you are using for your assignment cards. ❑Be sure to record North on the sketch. Sketching the Scene