Crime Scene Search Patterns

Question 1

Searchers must examine all surfaces that come into their swath (view) for evidence
Examples: underside of cabinets; ceilings;table legs; trees; shrubs;etc.

Answer 1

Three dimensional process

Question 2

Considerations:

nature of the ground being searched, lighting conditions, environmental conditions, size of potential item(s)/ evidence

Answer 2

Selecting a search pattern

Question 3

Involves selecting a starting point and moving inwards or outwards in a circular pattern. Primarily a single person technique. Useful in most interior or confined exterior scenes

Answer 3

spiral search

Question 4

Involves multiple searchers following a single strip in one direction, while in-line with the each other

Answer 4

Line Search

Question 5

Involves a single searcher who follows a single strip across a crime scene, and then turns around and does the same in the opposite direction

Answer 5

Strip Search

Question 6

Multiple searchers follow strips in one direction across a crime scene, and then repeat with another set of strips oriented at 90 degrees angle to the first. Similar to line search. Provides searchers with multiple views, different perspectives of the same ground

Answer 6

Grid search

Question 7

Can be used in two different ways. Works in small spaces where no other search patterns work.
Can be used to break up larger scenes into smaller functional areas that can then be searched using a another pattern

Answer 7

Zone Search