Search Patterns

Lane or Line (strip) search

when investigators line up shoulder to shoulder in a straight line and stays in a straight line when moving. The line must stay put until everyone in the line has finished with their area. This is used for outdoors and the most used.

What are the different types of search patterns?

1. Lane or Line 2. Spiral or Circle 3. Pie or Wheel/ Radial or Rose Azimuth 4. Grid 5. Zone or Quadrant

What is the purpose of a crime scene search

*Develop the facts of the crime *Identify collect and preserve evidence *Identify the victim/criminal

Sequence of conducting a crime scene search

1. Survey the scene 2. Record the scene (take notes) 3. Locate and Document all physical evidence 4. Search patterns

Crime Scene Search Patterns?

A systematic search of the crime scene is important. *avoid mislabeling of evidence *avoid chaos *to make sure all evidence is found *to demonstrate professionalism

Crime Scene Search

a planned and coordinated legal search of a crime scene to locate physical evidence relevant to the investigation.

Grid search

when investigators set up a perimeter of the crime scene where bones and other evidence are located.

Pie/Wheel or Radial/Rose Azimuth search

when investigators stand back to back at the center point and walk outwards in different directions looking for numerous visible objects. *a compass square is used to determine the degrees each piece of evidence is from the center point. (0-360 degrees).

Spiral or Circle search

when the investigator starts at the center point and walks in a circular motion making the circle bigger causing a spiral design. best used for outdoor crime scenes.

Zone or Quadrant search

when the scene can be divided into sections and so the team can split up so each member can search their zone for evidence in an orderly fashion. it makes larger areas into smaller areas.