CS Sketch/ Measuring/ Exhibits

Question 1

what is the purpose of a crime scene sketch

Answer 1

• a record of the size and distance relationship of the CS and evidence found within in
• clarifies info from photos and video (allows viewer to easily gauge distances and dimensions)
• the easiest way to present the CS layout and associated measurements

Question 2

what is a rough sketch

Answer 2

• drawn at the scene, after photos, before anything is moved
• not the final version (the final version is based on the rough sketch)
• typically done in pencil
• not to scale
• measurements must be accurate

Question 3

where should meaurements be taken from in a rough sketch

Answer 3

a fixed point of reference (wall, corner of building etc)

Question 4

what info should be included in a rough sketch

Answer 4

• date
• address/location
• name of person who drew sketch
• direction (N/S/E/W)
• scale

Question 5

can you use exhibit number instead of writing out the name in a sketch

Answer 5

yes

Question 6

can you use letters or numbers on a sketch

Answer 6

yes (as long as you have a legend referencing the letters/numbers)

Question 7

what are the 3 measurement methods

Answer 7

1. triangulation method
2. rectangular co-ordinate method
3. baseline method

Question 8

describe the triangulation method

Answer 8

• uses 2 fixed, permanent objects within the CS
• measurements are taken from each fixed point to each piece of evidence

Question 9

describe the rectangular co-ordinate method

Answer 9

• used when measuring the distance to an object from 2 mutually perpendicular objects
• useful for indoor scenes

Question 10

describe the baseline method

Answer 10

• used to measure items of evidence when there are various objects in the CS
• lay a tape measure in the scene (baseline)
• measure items off baseline at right angles
• useful for outdoor scenes

Question 11

is a scene diagram evidence

Answer 11

no

Question 12

what is a scene diagram

Answer 12

• demonstrative aid
• used primarily for court purposes
• helps to visualize CS

Question 13

what dictates the type of search technique to be utilized

Answer 13

size and type of scene

Question 14

can you use multiple search methods in one scene

Answer 14

yes

Question 15

what must be established prior to searching the CS

Answer 15

• what type of search technique to use
• parameters and boundaris (when, where, how long)
• roles (who is running the search)

Question 16

describe the case of Andrea Atkinson

Answer 16

• she was abducted, SA’d, and murdered
• 9 days later her body was found in a boiler room by a janitor
• PO had searched the building, but there was no record of when/who had searched that room (if at all)
• DNA evidence helped convict another janitor of the crime

Question 17

what are the 4 main search techniques

Answer 17

• line
• grid
• zone
• spiral

Question 18

describe a line search

Answer 18

• searchers move in parallel, defined lanes in the same direction
• each lane is about 1 metre wide

Question 19

when would you use a line search

Answer 19

• outdoor areas
• large indoor areas
• looking for bigger items

Question 20

describe a grid search

Answer 20

• completing a line search in one direction, and then in the opposite direction
• very thorough
• time consuming
• resource intensive

Question 21

describe a zone search

Answer 21

dividing an area to be searched into several adjacent zones

Question 22

when would you use a zone search

Answer 22

• when looking for small objects
• can be done by 1 or more searchers

Question 23

describe a spiral search

Answer 23

searcher walks in a circular direction from the inside/outside to the outside/inside of area to be searched

Question 24

when would you use a spiral search

Answer 24

when looking for evidence that is expected to be found within a specific distance of another piece of evidence (ex. looking for casing ejected from gun)

Question 25

what is key to do when seizing a vehicle to process

Answer 25

photo insitu before moving

Question 26

what is usually conducted prior to releasing a CS to the lead investigator

Answer 26

a final walk through

Question 27

what happens during a final walk through

Answer 27

• last check for photos or videos to be taken
• make sure all evidence has been collected
• no equipement has been left behind
• any issues (damage/ dangerous conditions) have been reported
• ensure that scene examination has been complete and thorough

Question 28

what is included in the follow-up processing of exhibits

Answer 28

• drying and packaging
• further photos if needed
• submit to labs

Question 29

what needs to be considered regarding exhibit storage after trial and appeal period

Answer 29

what can be returned and what has to be retained