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TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Sketches and Detailed Drawings of the Crime Scene
TB100

The purpose of this manual is to discuss the

importance of crime scene sketches as opposed
to crime scene photographs. A finished sketch
gives a precise and permanent record of the facts
found at the scene. Photographs, on the other
hand, are ordinarily two-dimensional views that
don’t provide accurate information concerning
distances between objects present at the scene
and cannot be clearly understood unless measured
distances between these points are known. A
finished drawing or rough sketch of the scene is
the simplest and most effective way of showing
actual measurements and of identifying important
items of evidence at the location of the scene.

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Rough Sketch
The rough sketch is prepared by the investigator at the scene—but not until
all photography has been completed and before any evidence has been
collected. The rough sketch does not have to be drawn to scale, but should
include exact measurements of the surroundings and the location of evi-
dence in relation to the victim’s location, or other important evidence.

Necessary Materials for a Rough Sketch

The only materials necessary for the rough sketch are a lead pencil, a straightedge, and a pad of paper. Graph paper
is recommended since it will provide a scale and a guide for the line to be drawn. A magnetic compass is also a use-
ful device in establishing a permanent directional reference. NOTE: The most convenient scale for sketches produced
on 8.5" x 11" paper is 1/4" = 1 ft. as this is the scale used on drawing templates.

Measurements for a Rough Sketch

All measurements recorded at the scene must be accurate. If the scene is a large area, a sufficient degree of accuracy
may be obtained by the use of yards or tenths of a mile, whereas, it may be necessary to measure smaller areas to
within one sixteenth of an inch. It is always preferable to work with an assistant when possible and have them verify
all measurements before they are recorded. Note: Measurements of the loca-
tion of moveable objects should refer to at least two fixed objects such as
doors and windows. In doing so, the moveable objects can be relocated in
their original position at a later time.
Two methods are generally employed for locating objects within an area.
First is the coordinate method: distances are shown by two mutually perpen-
dicular lines. It the scene is a room, the objects of interest are mapped with
lines drawn to the nearest wall as shown in the illustration to the right.
The second method of measurement is triangulation which is most often
applied to scenes within large buildings such as a warehouse or factory as
Coordinate Method

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well as to outdoor scenes. To triangulate, select two fixed objects such as

structural supports, doorways, windows, stairways, trees or nearby buildings.
In an outdoor scene, utility poles and/or traffic signs should be used as a last
resort for reference points as they are frequently targets of motorists.

Development and Use of a Legend

To reduce the amount of artistic skill and produce a simple rough sketch, a
system of symbols should be employed to identify various objects. These
symbols are then defined in the legend. In sketches of relatively large areas, TRIANGULATION Method
conventional signs and symbols may be used. If it is necessary to depict
considerable detail within a small area, these various objects maybe indicated with letters and/or numbers and keyed
to the legend.

Preparing the Rough Sketch

The best starting point for filling in the details of the crime scene is an entrance-way. Begin the sketch from the
investigator's left and fill in the details in a clockwise fashion. Place all windows and doors, then plot the positions
of furniture. The final task is to record the location of all physical evidence and assign each piece a letter or number
that is keyed to the legend. If anything has been moved by the investigators, victims, or witnesses, ensure the items
are returned to their original position before placing them on the sketch.
1. Record the dimensions of the room or area in questions.
2. Locate all fixed objects such as doors, windows, light fixtures, shelves, etc.
3. Finally, locate all moveable objects starting with furniture and ending with items to be used as evidence.
With the completion of the rough sketch, the investigator is now free to collect and secure the evidence. Never
add or delete anything on the sketch after leaving the scene and place only important items on it—never trust your
recollection. When this task is complete, the next step is to return to headquarters and prepare the finished sketch as
shown to the left.

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Rough Sketch Finished Sketch

The purpose of the finished sketch is to give the inves-
tigator a clear picture of the crime scene. The finished
sketch is a duplicate of the rough sketch prepared to
scale by using layout templates and exact distances.
Reminder: The most convenient scale for sketches
produced on 8.5" x 11" paper is 1/4" = 1 ft. as this is
the scale used on drawing templates such as No. 714
Home Furnishings shown below. Due to page size, a
scale of 1/8" = 1 ft. was used in the finished drawing
to the right. When the finished sketch is completed,
it should immediately be duplicated and forwarded to
the proper authorities for safekeeping until the case is
resolved. As is often the case, a year or more can pass
before the matter ever reaches the court and the sketch

No. 714 (shown 25% of actual size)

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Finished Sketch Case 10-789-96

301 N. Centre St.
Oct. 6, 1996; 11:40 pm
Homicide
Victim: Lester W. Brown
Investigator:
Sgt. L.A. Duffy
Ass't By:
Ptlm. R.W. Hicks

LEGEND:
A. Cocktail Glass
B. Telephone
C. Victim
D. Bullet Hole
E. Blood Stains
F. Shell Casing
Camera Locations
D* = 3 ft. 4.75 inches
from the floor

SCALE: 1/8" = 1 foot

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will serve to refresh the investigator's memory as well Additional Sketches

as to preserve the scene so that if it became necessary, (Interior View)
the scene could be reconstructed perfectly.

Necessary Materials for a Finished Sketch

Few police agencies have a draftsman at their disposal.
Therefore, the investigator usually has to complete
the finished sketched. The basic tools required are a
transparent ruler, pencils, paper, triangles (30, 60 and
45 degree), architect's template and building interior
template.

Requirement of Additional Sketches

Sketches of the scene depict the area in which the crime
occurred. It is often beneficial to prepare additional
(Exterior View)
sketches showing the entire building and even the ex-
terior (shown to the left). These additional sketches are
useful in showing the probable course of the perpetrator
through the building and may also indicate the point of
entry and/or exit. These sketches should also be drawn
to scale, but it is not necessary to show detail.

Surveying Methods
In order to portray large exterior areas accurately, some
basic surveying methods may be required. Should the
investigator lack the necessary training and equipment,
the assistance of a surveyor employed by the city or
state may be required. However, it is only on the rar-

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est of occasions that such measures need to be taken since the triangulation method discussed earlier will generally
produce satisfactory results.

Duplication of Sketches
Since the finished sketch will be handled by a number of people, such as other investigators, lawyers, witnesses and
the like, copies should be made and the original preserved by covering it in clear plastic. When making duplicates
with a copier, caution should be taken as certain copier machines produce slightly reduced or enlarged copies. There-
fore, it is important to include the scale employed on the original.
Another method of duplication is photographic copying such as with a digital or film camera in order to produce
prints or slides. The benefit of using a slide is that the sketch can be projected on a screen in the courtroom.

Entitling Crime Scene Sketches

Each crime scene sketch must be identified in such a way as to preclude confusion and misrepresentation. Establish a
format and use it consistently on all sketches. The title should include the case identification number, location of the
incident, type of offense, date, time, and the name of the investigator and the assistants at the scene.
All of this data serves to authenticate the sketch and further establishes the credibility of the investigator. The crime
scene sketch is just as important as the evidence collected at the scene. After all, without it, much of the evidence
will have little relevancy if it cannot be pinpointed to a particular position within the crime scene.

Inclusion of Field Notes

The finished sketch offers an accurate illustration of the crime scene, but it is merely a black and white representa-
tion of the scene. For this reason, the investigator needs to make notations of such details as the color of the walls
and furniture, paintings and photographs in the room, as well as unusual items such as statuettes, antiques and the
like. These items were noted by the perpetrator of the crime, and should the situation arise where a suspect con-
fesses, these details will be essential in linking them to crime in question.

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Scaled Drawing
A scaled drawing is used primarily for courtroom presentation. It
may be drawn to any scale chosen. The drawing should include all
measurements of the rooms, furniture, walls, etc., but not the location
of the evidence that has been recovered. When the drawing has been
completed, a clear plastic overlay should be attached showing the
location of the evidence in the room where it was found.
The scaled drawing (final sketch), like the rough and finished
sketches, should be done in pencil since even the most skilled drafts-
men make mistakes and the end result must be as nearly perfect as
possible. Reminder: The most convenient scale for sketches produced
on 8.5" x 11" paper is 1/4" = 1 ft. as this is the scale used on draw-
ing templates such as No. CST1 Crime Scene Template shown to the
left. Due to page size, a scale of 1/8" = 1 ft. was used in the finished
drawing to the right.

No. CST1 (50% actual size)

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Scaled Drawing

SCALE: 1/8" = 1 foot

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SK0001 Squad Car Sketch Kit

This compact kit contains the basic tools necessary for rough
and finished sketches—the perfect tool for accident and
crime scene investigation.

SK3000 Professional Crime Scene Sketch Kit

This kit is designed and outfitted with all the components for
quick and professional crime scene sketching. A versatile draw-
ing board enables on-the-spot sketching, diagramming and
drafting up to 11" x 17" (27.9cm x 43.2cm) sheet size.

SK1000 Master Crime Scene Sketch Kit

This is a complete crime scene sketch kit used by the most
progressive police departments worldwide. All the necessary
components for quick and professional crime scene sketches
are housed in a fold-out briefcase for use in the field or
squad room.

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1- KCP131 12" (30cm) Plastic Ruler 1- SK900 100 ft. (30m) Steel Rule
SK800/SK900 Precision 1- 712 Store Layout Template 1- KCP136 Set of Prof. Drawing
1- 710 Office Plan Template Instruments
Steel Tape Measures 1- KCP132 30O/60O/90O Clear Plastic 1- TB100 “Sketches and Detailed
These quality tape measures are Triangle Drawings of the Crime Scene”
housed in an impact-resistant, 1- KCP133 45O/45O/90O Clear Plastic 1- SK3001 Vinyl Carrying Case w/
Triangle Handle;
fluorescent orange ABS case.
1- 1190i Lavatory Planning Template Dimensions: 20.5" x 17.25" x 2.375"
The 3/8" wide flexible steel 1- 714 House Furnishings Template (52.1cm x 43.8cm x 6cm); Weight:
blades feature black and red 1- KCP134 Mechanical Sketch Pencil 5.91 lbs. (2.7kg)
markings on a yellow back- 1- TT1 Traffic Template
1- TB100 “Sketches and Detailed SK1000 CONTENTS:
ground. Each is covered with Drawings of the Crime Scene” 1- KCP130 Pad of Graph Paper,
polycoat for longer life. Tape 1- SK0001C Vinyl, Leather-Finish 50 Sheets
measures come with a fold- Clipboard Folder; Dimensions: 9.5" 1- KCP131 12" (30cm) Plastic Ruler
ing steel hook designed to fit x 12.75" x .5" (24.1cm x 32.4cm x 1- KCP134 Mechanical Sketch Pencil
1.3cm); Weight: 1.52 lbs. (689g) 1- 1190i Lavatory Planning Template
the hand while allowing rapid 1- 714 House Furnishings Template
deployment and manual re- SK3000 CONTENTS: 1- 712 Store Layout Template
winding. 1- SK3002 Portable Drawing Board 1- 710 Office Plan Template
1- SK3003 Graduated Removable 1- KCP135 Universal Compass
Straight Edge 1- SK800 50 ft. (15m) Steel Rule
1- SK3004 Protractor Drafting Head 1- KCP136 Set of Professional Draw-
1- SK3005 Reversible Feet (Set) ing Instruments
1- SK3006 Supplies Storage Pouch 1- KCP132 30O/60O/90O Clear Plastic
10- SK3007 Sketching Paper, 11" x 17" Triangle
(27.9cm x 43.2cm) 1- KCP133 45O/45O/90O Clear Plastic
1- SK3008 Neck Strap Triangle
1- CST1 Crime Scene Template 1- TB100 “Sketches and Detailed
1- TT1 Traffic Template Drawings of the Crime Scene”
1- 1190i Lavatory Planning Template 1- SK1000C Vinyl, Leather-Finish,
1- 714 House Furnishings Template Briefcase-Type Carrying Case:
SK0001 CONTENTS: 1- 712 Store Layout Template Dimensions: 13.5" x 12.5" x 2.25"
1- KCP130 Pad of Graph Paper, 50 1- 710 Office Plan Template (34.3cm x 31.8cm x 5.7cm);
Sheets 1- KCP135 Universal Compass Weight: 3.56 lbs. (1.6kg)

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No. 710 Office Plan Template No. 712 Store Layout Template
(shown 20% of actual size) (shown 20% of actual size)

No. LPET1 Latent Print Evidence Template

(shown 20% of actual size)

No. 1190i Lavatory Planning Template

No. HFT1 Human Figure Template (shown 20% of actual size) (shown 20% of actual size)

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