SMARTDRAW IN LAW ENFORCEMENT:

Creating Police Accident and Crime Scene Diagrams Using SmartDraw

Under The Gun
Pulling double duty as Police Supervisor and Training Officer for an agency serving 38,000 residents is no easy task. Just ask Officer Rob Crespy. In addition to overseeing day-to-day operations and police work, Crespy was responsible for creating numerous diagrams for accidents and crime scenes.

"I usually just ended up creating these diagrams by hand," said Crespy. "Since I had drafting and design experience, I could get the job done, but it still took me a really long time."

It wasn't long before Officer Crespy decided to consider some time-saving alternatives. What if there was a diagramming program that would allow him to map out these accidents on his computer?

"I decided to look for an accident-diagramming program that was easy to use and relatively inexpensive," said Crespy.

What he found wasn't encouraging. Not only were the programs costly, they were very difficult to use.

"These programs were so complicated and expensive," said Officer Crespy. "They defeated the idea of using a computer to save time."

Many of these programs also lacked the basic tools to diagram both crime scenes and accident scenes. Each component had to be purchased separately, or they weren't available at all. In addition, these programs featured unnecessary and complicated calculation tools.

"I wanted a quick and easy way to make diagrams that didn't have complicated calculation features," said Officer Crespy. "I already have a calculator!"

A Promising Lead
Finally, Officer Crespy found SmartDraw on the Internet. He downloaded the free trial, and he liked what he saw.

"I knew right away that this was the solution," said Crespy. "SmartDraw is so easy to use! I used a couple of the tutorials and I was on my way."

SmartDraw's "Business and Charting" collection features hundreds of crime & accident symbols for easy drag-and-drop diagramming. Included are symbols for vehicles, debris, roadways, traffic signs, and weapons. SmartDraw even includes example templates for auto collisions, crime scenes, timelines, evidence flow charts, and more.

SmartDraw also allows users to create and save their own custom images and templates.

"I love the fact that I can make my own templates," said Officer Crespy. "I've made templates representing all of the major intersections and interstate freeway accident areas in the township. It's a great way to save time!"

Professional results are easy because users simply drag-and-drop the ready-made symbols into their drawings or into SmartDraw's built-in templates.

"This program has all the features I was looking for," said Officer Crespy.

Case Closed
These days, Officer Crespy uses SmartDraw several times a week. The biggest benefit? Time-savings.

"Typically, I can complete a difficult accident scene diagram in 45 minutes or less," said Officer Crespy. "Diagramming used to take me hours!"

SmartDraw is saving time for his co-workers as well. Other officers in his department have begun using Officer Crespy's printed templates to create their accident diagrams. SmartDraw allows them to spend less time diagramming, and more time being police officers.

"They really love how much time it's saving them on a day-to-day basis," says Crespy.

SmartDraw's professional-looking templates are also winning praise and recognition from his superiors.

"My boss loves the templates and encourages me to use them," said Officer Crespy. "We're even talking about purchasing the program for the entire department."

Officer Crespy has even discovered that he can use SmartDraw for more than just accident and crime diagrams.

"I use SmartDraw for everything from simplifying difficult township ordinances to creating inter-departmental memos and charity benefit flyers," he said. "I can even create diagrams and export them into PowerPoint for a presentation."

The bottom line: SmartDraw allows Officer Crespy to create professional-looking diagrams for a variety of law enforcement needs, while saving lots of time.

"Am I happy with the results? Absolutely," said Officer Crespy. "Not only is SmartDraw easy and inexpensive, but it's a really effective tool. It greatly enhances my productivity and professionalism, and has benefited me immensely."