Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

In a crime scene sketch, which direction is indicated by the arrow?

1. East

2. West

3. South

4. North

The correct answer is: North

In a crime scene sketch, the arrow is used to indicate the direction of north. This is crucial because establishing a consistent orientation helps to accurately document the location of evidence, the layout of the scene, and the positions of any relevant objects or features. By identifying north, investigators can provide context for the spatial relationships between different elements in the scene, which is essential for reconstructing events and understanding how the crime unfolded. Additionally, a well-oriented sketch can facilitate communication among law enforcement, legal teams, and other stakeholders involved in the investigation or prosecution of the case, ensuring clarity and consistency in the documentation.