Chapter 5 Crime Sketechs And Report Writing

What are the Value of Crime Scene Sketches?

1. Presents an overview (2 dimensional - bird’s eye) of the scene.

2. Accurately depicts location and relationships between objects and evidence.

3. Can be used to illustrate the testimony of a witness (therefore must be neat).

4. Can be used for crime scene reconstruction.

5. Complement the investigator’s notes and photographs.

What system do we use for measurements?

Metric

Why do headings show in Crime Scene Sketch?

• Why the sketch was created

• Informs the viewer of the purpose of the sketch

• Often the type of crime being investigated; Aggravated Assault, Homicide, etc.

• In a larger scene, smaller scenes can be sketched separately to show more detail; i.e., furniture & exhibits, a bedroom containing bloodstains

What is the Diagram Area?

the drawing itself and should graphically depict the scene and the relevant primary evidence

What is the Legend Block?

• Tells the viewer what the various labels used in the diagram depict

• Allows inclusion of more information without creating clutter and confusion

What is in the information block?

• Location Address (10910 104 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB ) and room # (e.g. 9-311)

• Date of the investigation

• File and your name (as the creator of the diagram).

• also a not-to-scale on the bottom

Five Essential Sketch Elements

(1) Heading/Title Block

(2) Diagram area

(3) Legend Block

(4) Information Block - (part of the Legend Block)

(5) Directional & scale notations – (Not to Scale)

What are the two types of Investigative Reports

Operational and Administrative

What are Operational Reports?

• General Occurrence are Operational reports that are used for all calls for service that do not result in charges followed by Supplementary reports usually a arrest report that use use to report to crown counsel

What are Administrative Reports?

1. Internal memos (e.g., 1490’s)

2. Special Project Reports

3. Organizational reports related to human resource issues, changes, movements, etc.

4. Specialized forms – e.g., use of force report

5. Agency specific

What are the Three C’s of Reports

Clear, Concise, Correct

What are the Four C’s of Notes

Clear, Consistent, Complete, Concise

Steps in Report Writing?

1. Collect information about the crime scene, information from witnesses, victims, suspects, and informants.

2. Take NOTES while you collect this information.

3. Organize the information.

4. Prepare the report.

5. Proof-read the report. Consider having someone not familiar with the investigation proof-read your report.

The General Occurrence Report - When is it used, how is it structured, what should/should

not be in it

• General Occurrence reports are used for all calls of service that DO NOT result in charges

• Reports should be factual

• Try not to use opinions but if you have too use them sparingly

  • I formed an opinion that his ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alchohol

• Write what you were thinking

• Conclusions may be based on facts

• Reports should be well organized

  • Chronological order

  • Timelines

  • Include both inculpatory & exculpatory evidence

  • Concise

  • Readable

The General Occurrence Report - How is it structured what are the headings

1. Introduction

2. General Description (two paragraphs)

   1. General Description

   2. Crime Scene Description

3. Evidence

4. Conclusion

5. Recommendations (what needs to be done from this point)

6. Attachments

What are the Five Rules of Narrative Writing?

• First Person

• Past Tense

• Active Voice

  • Shows who is doing the action

• Chronological Order

• Use short, simple, concise, and concrete words.