Sketches

A crime scene sketch is a visual representation of a crime scene, including its layout and the location of evidence. It serves as a communication tool for investigators, prosecutors, and others involved in the case. Sketches can also aid in the investigation by identifying patterns and connections between evidence. In this exercise, you will practice sketching a crime scene using the materials listed below.

Objectives

Develop sketching skills to document a crime scene

Measure crime scenes

Materials

White paper (computer/notebook)

Pencil

Measuring tape

Objects to create a mock crime scene (e.g., fake blood, props, overturned furniture)

Procedure

1. Set up the Mock Crime Scene: Choose an area of your home to set up a mock crime scene. Arrange the objects in the room to simulate that a crime has occurred. Consider including various elements like overturned furniture, scattered items, and fake blood stains to represent different aspects of a crime scene.

2. Observe the Crime Scene: Carefully examine the crime scene, taking mental note of the layout, objects present, and any potential evidence.

3. Sketch the Crime Scene: Using a pencil, draw a rough outline of the overall layout of the crime scene. Somewhere on the page, but not within the outline of the crime scene, note the directions of “north” and “south” using an arrow or compass symbol on the sketch. This establishes the orientation of the scene.

4. Location of Objects: Draw the location of objects in the sketch, based on their location within the actual crime scene. This includes:

   • Doors and Windows: Indicate the positions of doors and windows, noting whether they are open, closed, or damaged.

   • Fixed Objects: Document the locations of fixed objects such as furniture, appliances, and fixtures, as they provide reference points for other evidence.

   • Other Objects: Mark the positions of other objects in the scene that may be of interest to investigating the crime.

   • Damage and Disturbances: Document any signs of damage or disturbances, such as broken objects, tool marks, or disturbed areas.

5. Location of Evidence: Draw the location of evidence in the sketch, based on their location within the actual crime scene. Precisely mark the locations of all evidence such as bloodstains, fingerprints, weapons, impressions, and other items of interest.

6. Dimensions of Details: Using a measuring tape, measure and record the detailed dimensions of the crime scene in the sketch.

   • Fixed Aspects: Record the lengths of walls, doors, and windows.

   • Bloodstains: Accurately record the sizes and shapes of bloodstains, using measurements and reference points. Note the positioning and any apparent patterns.

   • Footprints: If present, draw their location in the sketch. On another page, carefully sketch the characteristics of footprints including their size, pattern, and direction of travel.

   • Triangulation: To precisely establish the location of a piece of evidence, perform triangulation.

     • Choose reference points: Select two fixed, stable objects in the scene, like corners or doorways, or furniture legs.

     • Measure distances: Carefully measure the distance from each reference point to the center of the evidence. Record the measurements accurately.

     • Mark the Triangle: Mark the path from the reference points to the location of the evidence; it should form a triangle.

7. Label and Annotate: Add a key to the graph to identify the objects in the sketch. Include annotations to provide additional information, observations, and measurements.

Notes

Avoid Contamination: Be mindful of not touching or altering the crime scene or evidence items while sketching.

Maintain Objectivity: Capture the scene as it is, without introducing personal interpretations or opinions.