Kentucky Private Investigator Practice Test

What is one of the three methods of sketching used in investigations?

1. Line drawing method

2. Coordinate method

3. Shadow method

4. Digital mapping method

The correct answer is: Coordinate method

The coordinate method is one of the three established methods of sketching used in investigations. This technique involves creating a detailed diagram of the crime scene by defining specific, measurable points within the area and using a grid format to accurately represent the relationships between those points. This method ensures that the sketch can be referenced to the actual scene with a clear understanding of the location of evidence, objects, and areas of interest. The precision associated with the coordinate method is particularly valuable in legal contexts, where the accuracy of representation can aid in court proceedings. This method typically incorporates dimensions to assist in conveying the spatial layout of the scene. By establishing reference points and using a measured scale, investigators can create precise sketches that provide an objective representation of the scene. Other methods, while valuable, do not utilize the same structured measuring system that the coordinate method relies on. Line drawing may focus on a more artistic representation without specific measurements, while shadow method could involve a less formal approach, and digital mapping, although modern and useful, is not one of the traditional hand-drawn sketching methods typically taught in early investigative training.