Crime scene sketch

Introduction
 A crime scene sketch is a permanent record of the size
and distance relationship of the object and physical
evidence at the crime scene. Crime scene sketch
preparation requires some planning and organizational
skills by the crime scene investigator. The sketch must
correlate and supplement the still photographs taken at
the crime scene. A crime scene sketch depict the overall
layout of a location and relation of evidentiary item to
the surroundings.
 There are two basic types of crime
scene sketches that are part of a
crime scene investigation.

Rough sketch – is made at crime scene

before evidence collection. The officer's work
drawn at the crime scene All measurements,
locations, directions and indications should be
accurate, with no deletions or additions made
after leaving the scene.
ROUGH SKETCH EXAMPLE
Final Sketch – Is normally prepared for courtroom
presentation. It will show the relevant structure within
the crime scene and all items of evidence It should never
show any measurements. It will show the relevant
structures within the crime scene and all items of
evidence.
There are three measuring techniques for
sketching the crime scene and evidence.

 Triangulation – Absent the availability of a transit

and the trained personnel to used it, triangulation is
generally considered the most accurate method for
measuring the relative position of an object within a
scene.
-By drawing a line that connects the two reference points
and extending a line form each of the reference point to the
object being measured, a triangle is formed. Ideally, the
distance between both reference point and the object being
measured would be same. this, however, is rarely the case.
TRIANGULATION METHOD
 Polar coordinates – Utilizing polar coordinates is the
fourth method of the crime scene mapping used to
document evidence location at crime scene. Like those
previously mention, this is a two- dimensional system that
indicates the location of the object by proving the angle
and distance from fixed known point. Obviously, in order
to conduct measurements by this method a transit or
compass is necessary to measure the angles and polar
direction. This method is best utilized in large outdoors
scenes with very few land marks.
Example:
A plane crash in forest or large field
Polar coordinates Method
 Linear coordinate or baseline method
– The baseline is one of the most common method used to
measure a crime scene is known as the baseline measurement
system. The baseline method is generally the simplest
method to set up, but it is also the last accurate method. A
tape measure is then extended ( Parallel to the scene) from
the reference point and end point.
- This method is only recommended when the distance
between the baseline and object to be measured is less that
30 feet. Measurement are always made at 90- degree angle to
the tape . Switching from one method to another and even
back again is perfectly acceptable as long as the reference
point utilized and method employed is clearly documented
as part of the measurement.
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