Explain why it is necessary to use fixed points (objects or features) when documenting (measuring & sketching) a crime scene. In other words, why would you use a curb or a fire hydrant as opposed to a car or pile of debris (assuming none of these items were involved in the incident)?
Of the four methods used to measure a crime scene (rectangular/ coordinate system, baseline/ station line, triangulation, and azimuth/ polar coordinates), which would you use for the following? You may use the same method more than once, but please explain the reason for your choice.
a. A shooting outside of a bank with numerous cartridge casings and currency.
b. A suicide in a corn field with one giant oak tree located within 50' of the decedent. You must document the victim, a gun, and a piece of paper.
c. A body found in a ravine running parallel to the guard rail for a highway. In addition to the victim, there are several bottles, a hat, and a pair of glasses to document.
d. A homicide in the living room of a single family home. You must document one possible gunshot hole in a wall, one possible gunshot hole in the ceiling, the location of the victim, the furniture and the location of a revolver.