Crime Scene Sketch, Measuring and Exhibits.

Record Keeping: Provides a record of the size and distance relationships within the crime scene and the evidence found.
Clarification Aid: Enhances understanding beyond photographs and videos, allowing viewers to gauge distances and dimensions accurately.
Presentation: Serves as an accessible method to present the crime scene layout and associated measurements.

Timing: Created after photographic evidence is captured but before any items are moved or altered.
Measurement Accuracy: It is crucial that the measurements taken are accurate; however, the sketch itself does not need to be to scale.
Inclusions: Should include measurements for:
- Rooms
- Furniture
- Doors and windows
- Distances between various objects
- Vehicles
- Roadways

Usage: Measurements must always be taken from a fixed point of reference, which can include:
- Wall of a room
- Corner of a building
- Sidewalk
Essential Information: Each sketch should include:
- Date
- Address/location
- Name of the person who drew the sketch
- Direction (heading)
- Scale

Exhibit Numbers: Instead of writing out the name of items, use exhibit numbers.
Labeling: Use letters (e.g., a, b, c) or numbers on the sketch for clarity.
Measurement Table: Have a measurement table or legend referencing letters/numbers for clear communication.

Triangulation Method:
- Involves using two fixed, permanent objects within the crime scene as reference points.
Rectangular Co-ordinate Method:
- Appropriate for measuring distances to an object using two mutually perpendicular reference points, often found indoors.
Baseline Method:
- Used in environments with numerous objects, involving laying a tape measure as a baseline and measuring items off it at right angles, particularly useful outdoors.

Functionality: This technique uses two fixed objects, measuring distances from them to specific pieces of evidence to ascertain the exact locations of those pieces.

Best Use Case: Ideal for measuring from two perpendicular fixed points, particularly within indoor environments like rooms.

Implementation: Lay down a tape measure across the scene (the baseline) and measure evidence items off this line at right angles, facilitating accurate gathering of evidence, especially outdoors.

Example Diagram:
- Date: August 14, 2001
- Time: 11:35
- Key Elements:
- A. Couch/Sofa
- B. Female Body
- C. Knife
- D. Overturned Lamp
- E. Chairs
- F. Table
- G. Fireplace
- Criminalist Name: Ann Wilson
- Location: 4358 Rockledge Dr, St. Louis, Mo.

Function: Acts as a demonstrative aid used primarily for court purposes; it is not evidence itself.
Utility: Assists with visualization during court proceedings.

Search Technique Determination: The size and type of crime scene inform the appropriate search technique.
Multi-Method Use: Some scenes may require the application of more than one searching method.
Pre-Search Setup:
- Establish parameters and boundaries for the search, determining when, where, and how long the search will occur.
- Assign roles; designate who will run the search.

Organization and Thoroughness: Searches must be conducted systematically to ensure thoroughness.
Factors to Consider:
- Size of the search area (e.g., house vs. field or barn)
- Nature of what’s being sought (e.g., fibers vs. a body)
- Available resources (e.g., K9 units, Unmanned Aerial Systems)
- Consideration of time and weather conditions
- Accessibility of the area (closed vs. open access)
Documentation: Document all areas searched and outcomes.

Incident: The abduction and murder of Andrea Atkinson, a 6-year-old girl, in Toronto, 1990.
Circumstances: After being abducted, her body was found in the building's boiler room.
Investigation Issues: Despite the building being searched, there was no documented record of who had searched which areas, raising concerns about the thoroughness of the investigation.
Outcome: DNA evidence later linked the crime to another janitor, an 18-year-old male.

Line Search:
- Conducted by searchers moving in defined lanes, parallel to one another.
- Lane width is approximately 1 meter.
- Suitable for larger outdoor areas or indoor scenes seeking larger items.
Grid Search:
- A thorough method requiring searchers to conduct line searches in two perpendicular directions.
- Time-consuming and resource-intensive.
Zone Search:
- The area is divided into several adjacent zones, ideal for searching for small objects.
- Can involve multiple searchers.
Spiral Search:
- Conducting a circular search pattern, inward or outward, methodically scanning for evidence located near another specific piece of evidence (e.g., spent casing near a fired gun).

Scenario: Airplane crash investigation using combined methods.
Process:
- Large debris field divided into zones, followed by line searches within each.
- Evidence flagging (e.g., red for suspected human remains, blue for possible identifiers, yellow for plane parts).
- Documentation and tagging of all relevant items.

Authority: Lawful authority is required to search or seize vehicles.
Methodology: A systematic process should be employed for searching and processing vehicles.
Documentation: Photos should be taken of the scene before altering or moving any items.

Final Walkthrough: Before releasing the crime scene, a final walkthrough is conducted with investigators to ensure transition from forensic to non-forensic search.
Co-ordination: Requires coordination among involved parties to confirm completeness of evidence collection and note any existing issues like damage or hazardous conditions.