Lecture 5: CSI: Notetaking, Measuring, and Diagramming

Why is note-taking critical at a crime scene?

Ensures accuracy and allows recall of actions even years later for testimony

Requirements for good notes

In ink, contemporaneous, corrections with single strike + initials, ongoing throughout scene

Information to include in notes

Notification, arrival/departure, scene description, victim description, crime scene team, evidence actions

Purpose of sketches

Shows layout and spatial relationships of the scene/evidence; helps jury visualize

Rough sketch

Created on scene; includes boundaries, measurements, reference points, evidence locations

Final diagram

Polished version created later from rough sketch; used in court

Required elements of a sketch

Title block, legend, compass (north), “Not to Scale” label

Sketch types

• Floor plan (bird’s eye view).

• Perspective (artist’s view).

• Cross-projection (fold-down view).

• Cutaway view

Measuring evidence placement

Measure items to at least 2 reference points; ensure consistency

Methods of measurement

Rectangular, triangulation, baseline, polar coordinates, X-Y coordinates

Measuring victims

Reference head, hands, feet, and torso

Measuring vehicles

X-Y-Z coordinates for accuracy