Policy Text
Identification Bur eau Page 1 of 1 4 /04.2 (REV 1/07)
Crime Scene Diagram
The purpose of this Order is to d efine when a diagram is to be made and what data
should be included. I. General
A diagram is used to complim ent photographs and reports made of a crime
scene, and are a tool for detec tives and for use in court. The re are several
techniques that may be used to e stablish the location of eviden ce and other
important items on a diagram.
II. Information Collection
Measurements should be made a fter all photography has been comp leted and
detectives have cleared the scene , but prior to the collection of any items of
evidence. Measurements can be m ade using any form of measureme nt tool
provided the measurements are consistent throughout. A crime s cene diagram
should include the following:
A. All marked items of evidence and critical features of a crim e scene.
B. Any measurement and reference points. C. A scale, if the diagram is made to scale. D. A compass showing direction. E. The date, crime type, address or location an d report number.
F. The Crime Scene Investi gator’s name and badge number
G. A legend explaining any symbol s and/or numbered items of evi dence
III. Diagram Completion
All information gathered to creat e a crime scene diagram should be transferred
onto the diagram using a Computer-Aided Desi gn program (i.e. CA D Zone).
Diagrams should be completed as s oon as possible and placed in the report tray
in the C.S.I. Office.