how do you diagram a crime scene

What are the 7 steps in sketching a crime scene?

7 Steps of a Crime Scene InvestigationIdentify Scene Dimensions. Locate the focal point of the scene. ... Establish Security. Tape around the perimeter. ... Create a Plan & Communicate. Determine the type of crime that occurred. ... Conduct Primary Survey. ... Document and Process Scene. ... Conduct Secondary Survey. ... Record and Preserve Evidence.

What is a scene diagram?

In most cases, the crime scene diagram consists of a sketch depicting a room or a section of the street where the crime occurred. Various measurement methods are used to record the location of each piece of evidence. The baseline method involves establishing a line stretched between two reference points.

What is the method that is used when sketching a crime scene?

The Forensic Services Section currently utilizes two different methods for measuring crime scenes; the Linear Coordinate (or Baseline Method) and Triangulation. A variation of the Baseline Method, which is known as the 90 Degree Method, is typically used for indoor scenes.

What are 4 methods of documenting a crime scene?

There are several methods of documentation: Notes, photography, sketches, and video are all important. Note taking is one of the most important parts of processing the crime scene.

What are the two main tools for documenting a crime scene?

Documenting the Crime SceneVideotaping the Crime Scene. If available, a video camera is the first step to documenting a crime scene. ... Still Photography. Whether a video camera is available or not, it is absolutely essential that still photographs be taken to document the crime scene. ... Crime Scene Sketching.

What is the first step in processing a crime scene?

Interview is the first step in processing a crime scene. The crime scene technician must interview the first officer at the scene or the victim to ascertain the "theory" of the case. Basically what allegedly happened, what crime took place, and how was the crime committed.

What are the five essential elements of the crime scene sketch?

Terms in this set (11)Heading: notation that indicates why the sketch was created. ... Diagram area: the drawing itself. ... Legend: tells the viewer what the various labels used in the diagram depict.Title block: provides important info relevant to the location of the scene and the creator of the sketch.More items...

How many methods of crime scene sketching are there?

two typesThere are generally two types of crime scene sketches: a rough sketch and a finished sketch. The rough sketch is the one drawn by police officers. It is not drawn to scale but should portray accurate distances and dimensions. The finished sketch is simply a completed sketch drawn to scale.

What are the 5 methods of crime scene search?

There are several methods used by law enforcement agencies throughout the world that follow six basic crime scene search patterns.Strip method.Wheel method.Spiral method.Zone method.Grid method.Line method. ... After the entire scene has been photographed, the gathering of evidence can begin.More items...

What should be included in crime scene notes?

Names of officers photograph, shooting with the camera, make sketch, take fingerprints, seek and obtain clues and material evidence; • atmospheric and lighting conditions at the time of inspection; • The first description of the scene, including the condition of the victim at the time the investigation team has arrived ...

How do you write a crime scene analysis?

Include information about all involved officers or law enforcement agents, and who said and did what at the crime scene. Note any emergency personnel who responded and their reports of any injuries. Also discuss your impression of any injuries. Describe what you saw at the scene in great detail.

Why is sketching an important way to document a crime scene?

Crime scene sketching helps investigator to recall details of the crime scene. They are also easy to present in court as it is very easy to understand by even judges. Drawing can be used to question suspects and witness of crime. Sketches along with photographs makes better knowledge.

What is the triangulation sketch method?

In triangulation, you compare the angles of the sides of a triangle formed by three points on your drawing with the same triangle on the subject. This results in accurate proportions. It is the single most important drawing technique to learn.

What is sketching in forensic science?

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.

What is the method by which a photographer takes photographs at a crime scene?

Photographer should capture the scene with and without the evidence markers. Use of special imaging techniques: Alternate light sources such as lasers, blue or green lights, and colored filters should to be used to detect fingerprints, bite marks, and footprints.

What is the baseline method?

The baseline method of documenting the location of evidence and clues is another simple procedure used by investigators all over the world and is mainly used for documenting land evidence. You simply start with two outside reference points that have all your clues and evidence somewhere in between or to one side.

Guidelines for Creating Easy Crime Scene Diagrams

CAD Pro is the first drawing/design software application that lets users insert pop-up images or photos, pop-up text notes and precise verbal comments or audio sound files. When incorporating these features in your crime scene layout diagrams, it eliminates any discrepancy’s that may arise when presenting your crime scene evidence.

Easy Crime Scene Diagrams with Interactive Features

CAD Pro is the first drawing/design software application that lets users insert pop-up images or photos, pop-up text notes and precise verbal comments or audio sound files. When incorporating these features in your crime scene layout diagrams, it eliminates any discrepancy’s that may arise when presenting your crime scene evidence.

How to add a symbol to a crime scene?

Add a symbol to your Crime Scene by dragging and dropping (or clicking and stamping) it from the library in the SmartPanel.

How to move symbols around a visual?

Move symbols around your visual by dragging and dropping.

What is a crime scene diagram?

A crime scene diagram will be made for homicide and suspicious death scenes. At the direction of a Forensic Services Supervisor or Detective, a diagram may be required for other types of investigations. Diagrams are normally requested by Internal Affairs for Use of Deadly Force Review Boards.

How to measure crime scene?

One of the most common methods used to measure a crime scene is known as the baseline measurement system. The baseline method generally begins by the establishment of a single reference point. A tape measure is then extended (parallel to the scene) from the reference point to an end point, which then becomes a second reference point. A baseline is most often established along a curb or sidewalk in order to simplify the measurement process. Measurements are then made from a point on the tape to an object in the scene. Measurements are always made at a 90-degree angle to the tape (see Figure 2 on next page). Measurements are then recorded according to their geographic location, relative to the tape. To better illustrate the measurement process; we have positioned a car in the center of a crime scene. A baseline has been established in the center of the crime scene with the zero point of the tape set at a reference point on the north end of the scene (reference point 1). The other end of the tape has been set to a reference point at the south end of the scene (reference point 2, 100 feet away). To locate the front tire of the car we move south along the tape to a position directly east of the front tire. The reading on the tape is 34 feet 4 inches. We then measure to the west of the baseline until we reach the front tire, 12 feet 6 inches away. This last measurement must be taken with the tape held at a 90 degree (perpendicular) to the baseline. Figure 2 shows the potential for error if the tape is not held perpendicular to the baseline. In this example, the relative position of the front tire to reference point 1 is 34 feet 4 inches south, and 12 feet 6 inches west.

How to open Visual Cadd?

To open Visual Cadd, find the Visual Cadd icon (either version 3 or 4) on the Windows desktop and double click with the left mouse button.

How accurate is the baseline method?

The baseline method is generally the simplest method to set up, but it is also the least accurate method. As the distance between the baseline and the objects being measured increases, so does the potential for error. This method is only recommended when the distance between the baseline and the objects to be measured is less than 30 feet. As distances increase and the complexity of an outdoor scene increases, consideration should be given to switching to the Triangulation Method. Switching from one method to another and even back again is perfectly acceptable as long as the reference point utilized and the method employed is clearly documented as part of the measurements.

What is the 90 degree method used for crime scene?

The Forensic Services Section currently utilizes two different methods for measuring crime scenes; the Linear Coordinate (or Baseline Method) and Triangulation. A variation of the Baseline Method, which is known as the 90 Degree Method, is typically used for indoor scenes.

What is PO point in a diagram?

PO Point – Allows the user to insert a point (+) at a specific location in the diagram.

Why is it important to use layers in a diagram?

When creating a diagram, it is very important to utilize layers to organize objects within the drawing. Layers can be analogized to tracing paper placed over the base drawing. Anything drawn on a tracing paper layer can be taken away or changed without affecting the underlying drawing. To put this into practice within this section, the following guidelines should be used: