Crimescenesketch
Crimescenesketch
Crimescenesketch
The crime scene sketch is an invaluable aid in recording investigative data. It is a permanent record that
provides supplemental information that is not easily accomplished with the exclusive use of crime scene
photographs and notes. A crime scene sketch depicts the overall layout of a location and the relationship of
evidentiary items to the surroundings.
It can show the path a suspect or victim took and the distances involved. It can be used when questioning
suspects and witnesses. During trial, the crime scene diagram correlates the testimony of witnesses and
serves as a tool for relaying reference and orientation points to the prosecutor, judge and jury.
Procedure:
Decide who in your team will do the
following:
1. Sketch
2. Take notes
3. Measure (2 members)
4. Observe for details
5. Photograph
You will turn in the original notes of the scene (photocopied if necessary), the original sketch
(photocopied if necessary), and the finished-sketch diagram, and photos of the scene.
Make sure the final sketch is properly labeled with all necessary items. I'll be looking for compass
direction, measurements, illustration key, neatness, clarity, accuracy, team member names, date,
and scale (e.g. 5 lines = 1 foot)