Crime Scene Survey
Crime Scene Survey
General Information
We provide technical support for the following:
- Crime Scene Survey
- Crime Scene Documentation
- Demonstrative Court Presentation as related to bombings, plane crashes, bullet trajectory, etc.
Contact (Crime Scene Survey and Documentation)
Special Projects Unit
FBI Laboratory703-632-8193
Crime Scene Survey and Documentation Training
We provide training to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Students must be employed by a law enforcement agency or a public crime laboratory to be eligible for this training.
Course Title
Crime Scene Survey, Documentation, and Reconstruction
This course is designed to provide training for the manual survey, documentation, and reconstruction of crime scenes. The items produced as a result of this type of endeavor are used for investigative aids, for demonstrative evidence for use in court, and for administrative presentations and briefings. Features of this course include: instruction on the preparation of basic crime scene diagrams; review of equipment required to provide these services; overview of tools and equipment available to aid in the documentation of the scene; the four basic methods used to survey and document crime scenes; crime scene math; how to read and use a architectural scale; and how to prepare a rough sketch and subsequent finished "scale" drawing of a crime scene. This course includes practical exercises for each attendee.
Target Population
This course is designed to provide basic crime scene documentation training for law enforcement personnel who are tasked with the documentation and reconstruction of crime, shooting, or accident scenes. Once completed, this course will better equip each student to meet the related requirements of their respective departments. For those personnel who are aware of the methodologies and techniques provided in this course it will serve as a proficiency tool.
- Training in the basic preparation of crime scene drawings;
- Comprehensive review of the basic tools and equipment available to conduct a manual crime scene survey;
- An overview of a site evaluation and the steps required prior to physically conducting a scene survey;
- Training in the four most commonly used manual methods of measuring and documenting a crime scene;
- Instruction in the use of basic mathematics for crime scene documentation;
- Training in the collection of scene measurements;
- Training in the measurment and documentation of bullet impacts and trajectories in vehicles and structures;
- Training in the preparation of a rough sketch of a scene;
- Training in the use of a architectural scale;
- Training in the preparation of a "to scale" finished drawing of a scene; and
- Training in the capture and plotting of 3D data in 2D space.
Students are expected to participate in both classroom and practical exercises. The classroom exercises will involve the application of existing technical skills, and new techniques and methodologies are introduced during the class. Each student will conduct a minimum of three crime scene practical exercises and will prepare a minimum of two finished drawings that accurately depict two of the scenes surveyed. Students will work in teams while participating in practical exercises. Additionally, a final exam will be given that will encompass the techniques, methodologies, processes, and materials introduced or reviewed during the class.
