To Draw for the Law

An American police officer, tactical medic and artist tells of his work as a crime scene artist and his mediums of preference – including the innovative Australian product Derivan Liquid Pencil.

- Alfredo Saenz Jr

Now in my mid-30s, I have lived in Texas all my life. I have served as a police officer and a medic, for well over a decade in each case. I completed high school in 1992, in an advanced study program. For a time, I lived with my sister and her husband who was a federal law enforcement officer … he taught me right from wrong, and because of his influence, I wanted to get into law enforcement.

I began my law enforcement career in 1994, working in the jail system. I attended local college and became licensed as a Texas police officer in 1996. I worked as a patrol officer for a few years, and then I had a chance to get licensed as an advanced life support medic in 1999. Subsequently, I began working in investigation and became certified in crime scene processing.

One day, while working on a case, our crime scene artist could not come in. My supervisor asked me to just do a quick drawing of the crime scene, and try to get a basic drawing of the suspect for the patrol unit to use (later, we could get a better one).

I did both of the drawings, and when our regular artist saw my work he liked it; and he showed me a few ways to enhance it.

Now I work in crime scene processing. I also work as a translator; and field and SWAT medic; along with working as a crime scene investigator. I am involved in investigating crimes against children; in SWAT/tactical work; and I am also State certified by the State of Texas in mental health crisis intervention and recovery.

I use art and drawing to help in the recovery of victims of violent crime, along with helping other emergency personnel with recovery after violent events.

I began drawing seriously after that first crime scene and I found it very helpful for me.