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Let’s assume if there are no set protocols for searching, there might be a chance
that potential evidence could be missed that hampered the investigation.
Here are some key elements that state why a crime scene search pattern is
needed.
● Understanding the crime scene and what needed to focus on. For
example, in a single center point in a confined area, wheel search is
preferred.
● Defines where to look for evidence and what any anomalies or
inconsistencies in a crime scene indicate. It helps in reconstruction.
● Using proper crime scene recording, the location of evidence can
be established even if the evidence is located far from the crime
site.
● An efficient and effective way to save time without compromising
the investigation process.
● Help in the learning process for new crime scene examiners
(CSE) or investigators.
There are mainly 10 types of crime scene searches and patterns. These are listed
below in tables with examples:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Intensive searches have a level of intrusiveness; Move from least intrusive to more intrusive to
avoid damaging evidence. Here are examples of various levels of intrusiveness:
a. Least Intrusive Search Method: It includes searching the crime scene with
the naked eye or lighting tool (ALS), without touching any items and then
documenting and collecting.
Note: Make sure you document and photograph before and after each level of
intrusive search and damages to the crime scene.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
In this method, the search begins from the first point of interest such as the front
door or evidence, and processes to the next point of interest. This continues
sequentially until all interest points get covered.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Investigators needed: One (in strip method), while more than one (in lane
search method).
Strip Vs Lane Search Method: Know the difference between strip and lane
search methods. Check article Strip (Lane) Search Pattern: Procedure, When to
Use? With Examples
Appropriate Crime Scene Situation to Use In:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
The line search method is a variation of the strip/lane search. There is only one
main difference between the two i.e. in line search methods, multiple
searchers are walking across the crime scene in straight lines and don’t turn
back.
They continued their path to the other side of the crime scene. While in strip or
lane methods, searches turn around and continue to search in the adjacent strip
or lane.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
As the name suggests, the crime scene is searched in circular motion either from
the center of the scene (outward spiral) or from the outer perimeter to the center
of the scene (inward spiral).
With each turn, the searcher either has to move outward or inward while
searching for evidence. If the searcher feels dizziness due to circular movement,
make sure to take rest.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
The grid search method is a variation of the strip search method, where the area
is searched twice in two perpendicular directions, ensuring a more thorough
examination of the crime scene.
● This method is well-suited for large, open areas and outdoor crime
scenes.
● Where evidence may be scattered over a definitive wide area, such
as fields or parking lots.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
The zone search pattern method divides an extensive crime scene into smaller
sections or quadrants. Each investigator is assigned to search a specific quadrant
or zone, ensuring a comprehensive search.
● Other Names: Map Grid or Quadrant searching
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
The wheel or ray search method is used in crime scenes with a central point of
interest. From the central points, searches have to move in a straight ray looking
for evidence.
You can understand the wheel/ray search method as a wheel whose center axis
represents the central point of interest and each spoke represents the ray that
needs to be followed by the searcher.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
There are three main parts of vehicle searches: preliminary, exterior, and
interior searches.
This is quite a good option but it leads to many other problems. These are:
So, it is better, whenever possible, not to involve any citizen in crime scene
searches. All citizens or reporters should be bound behind the yellow crime
scene tapes.