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The Structural Design
Unit is responsible for the planning, design, and development
of demonstrative evidence to support expert testimony during
trial. Three-dimensional scale models, exhibits, and displays
are created to reconstruct crime scenes and clarify to the jury
the location and spatial relationships of evidence, witnesses,
victims, perpetrators, and building structures.
Physical scale models
may represent modes of transportation, such as vehicles used
in a "chop shop" operation or trains, boats, and aircraft
that were part of a crime scene. Building structures and terrain
where crimes were committed are developed from onsite measurements,
aerial photography, maps, photographs, witness interviews, CAD
(computer-aided design) files, and blueprints. Bomb devices are
replicated from remnants of crime scene evidence to depict the
explosive housing, wiring configuration, and detonation mechanisms
of these devices. Mannequins are also created to illustrate the
findings of medical examiners with regard to the location of
wounds inflicted on a body.
Scale surveillance
models are also created to aid state and federal law enforcement
personnel in the extrication of hostages during crisis response
scenarios. These three-dimensional models provide realistic and accurate depictions of
building layouts, including elevations, entryways, stairs, and
obstructions. This ensures that crisis response planning strategies
are based on the most detailed information possible.
The Unit also prepares
exhibit displays that describe how law enforcement initiatives
are developed to promote good relations and understanding between
domestic and foreign law enforcement. These exhibits support
special event ceremonies, such as joint leadership programs at
international law enforcement conferences.
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Scale model of the cabin used by the Unabomber in Montana |
Interior view of the Unabomber cabin showing the location of
evidence |
Scale model of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City showing
preblast (top) and postblast (bottom) views |
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