A crime scene diagram depicts the scene of a crime as it appeared at the time it was discovered. It often includes a layout of the surroundings, the position of the victim(s), blood splatter, potential items of interest like as weapons, footprints, dirt, and clothing, as well as textual descriptions and pictorial evidence.
Forensic sketch artists draw a diagram or make a field sketch of the crime scene to be used as documentation. Either of these options can be used to depict the crime scene’s specific measurements and distinguishing features. The field sketch, as hinted by the name, is a fast rough representation of the event, which distinguishes it from the crime scene diagram. The field sketch acts as a memory aid, much like notes in an investigator’s notebook. The crime scene diagram, which uses measurements and the field sketch to help it be created to scale, is a more formal depiction of the same information. Similar essential details will be depicted in both of these sketches of the crime scene.
Also Read: What is Crime Scene Investigation
These diagrams are always made according to established conventions, with North at the top and all writing on the diagram facing in one direction only—east to west.
When constructing a crime scene sketch, following items of information need to be included, but are not limited to:
- A sketch legend or key to identify key items of evidence
- Case number
- Name of victim
- Name of officer who drew the sketch
- Date and time sketch was made
- Scale, if required, and measurements between items on the sketch
- Directional reference points, (i.e., N, S, E, W)
Question: Following are the essential points in a proper sketch of Crime scene:
(A) North direction
(B) Scale
(C) Legend
(D) All of the above
Answer: (D) All of the above
