Measurements. Measurements of the scene must be made so that reconstruction of the
scene can be performed if necessary. Measurements should include the following:
o
Openings.
o
o
Exits.
o
Furniture.
o
Pertinent items of interest.
o
Evidence and traces of evidence which might be present.
There are various methods of measuring. The triangulation method is used for all
indoor sketches.
Objects are located and depicted by creating a triangle of
measurement from two or more fixed points to a single point on the object being
fixed.
Ideally, each object is fixed by two separate triangles related to two
different points on the same object.
When movable items are to be used as reference points, they must first be fixed.
Figure 2-1 shows how the position of a crowbar is depicted by using the
triangulation method.
Other methods of measuring are cross-projection and intersection-resection. For a
discussion of the cross-projection method, see Lesson 1, Part B and Figure 1-7.
For a discussion of the intersection-resection method, see FM 21-26.
Searching for Evidence
A general survey of the crime scene is always made.
The investigator looks for
obvious traces of the action that occurred during the crime.
Traces of evidence
include the following:
o
Location and size of area.
o
Entry or exit points.
o
Stains or spots.
o
Pools of liquid.
o
Peculiar odors.
MP2004
2-6
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