To create an effective and successful investigation, investigators and officers must use a proper search pattern technique when processing a crime scene.
“The frequency of employing one search pattern over another depends on whether the scene is interior or exterior, the size of the scene, and the resources available at the time,” said Sergeant Aaron Frost of the Ruidoso (N.M.) Police Department.
For interior scenes, elevation zone searches are often a good choice, especially when blood spatter is involved. The investigator begins this search pattern from the floor up. When this type of search pattern is used, an investigator is able to comb the area for blood spatter origins and directionality patterns. This particular type of pattern is also suitable for crime scenes where a firearm has been used.
Exterior scenes require more personnel and additional resources.
“Exterior searches can cover anywhere from small areas to vast areas such as fields,” Frost said. “If sufficient personnel are available, grid, lane or strip-search methods work well.”
Strip-search crime scene patterns are ideal for investigating large areas. This technique is executed by the investigators beginning at one end of the search area and continuing forward in the same direction.
Spiral searches are often used to find a particular object at a crime scene. For example, if the scene includes a gunshot wound, a spiral search may be used to find the shell casing. For this search, a main point is decided and the search continues outward in a circular manner around the main point.
A grid search is an effective way to search an exterior scene or an intricate interior one. This is due to the fact that this type of search pattern covers almost every inch of the crime scene. Investigators will begin in one direction, then search from another direction – crossing over some of the area already searched.
No matter which specific search pattern is used, the goal remains the same: to remain systematic, organized and thorough.
“The successful search will locate, identify and preserve all evidence present at a crime scene. Protecting the integrity of the scene and evidence through professional services is the utmost importance,” Frost said.
