Chalk outline

[1] Chalk outlines in practice were typically rough shapes of the body's position and did not include specific arms and leg orientation.

[2] While chalk outlines were occasionally used in the past, they were often drawn by the police for press photographers, as opposed to investigative purposes.

[citation needed] Some sources indicate that, while not part of official procedure, some uninformed investigators may occasionally draw chalk outlines, particularly in non-homicide accidents.

[1] While the use of chalk is uncommon, investigators may make smaller marks, or use removable flags, index cards, or markers, to indicate important positions, particularly if other references are not available.

They are often used in humorous ways, depicting awkward positioning or meticulous precision, or portending a character's impending death by having them prematurely fall into a drawn outline.