Crime Scene Search Law Enforcement I

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Why Conduct a Crime Scene Search? To gather and process further evidence from the area in which the crime occurred. We frequently think about fingerprints, but CSI and other shows have demonstrated that fingerprints are but a small part of the evidence obtained.

Steps in Processing the Scene Survey of the scene Photographs and sketches Measurements and mapping Recording the locations of evidence and documenting Searching for fingerprints and other evidence

Indoor vs. Outdoor Search Greater coverage More than one searcher Evidence may be more fragile Don’t forget to look up! Don’t bring evidence with you Night and day considerations

Strip Method Useful in larger, outdoor areas but also inside. Quick to implement and simple to use – can be done by a single person.

Spiral Method This circular method is most effective in an indoor or small area, since, as the circle gets bigger, evidence may be overlooked.

Wheel Method Rarely used anymore, where searchers begin at the center and move outward. The number of people searching at the beginning can cause evidence to be ruined.

Grid Method This is one of the best methods for detailed searching of large areas. This method can be modified depending on the number of searchers and the area covered. When done correctly, each area will be searched twice.

Zone Method Most often used indoors, this method divides the search area into sections, or squares, and a separate officer is designated to search each section.

Considerations When Searching Evidence can be found near/in The crime scene Points of entry or exit The route of escape Clothing Where weapons are found Vehicles

Evidence Removal Be sure and document any evidence location, through either diagram or photograph or both. Handle evidence appropriately (you may be asked who picked it up and what was done with it).

Evidence Tampering When another officer or outside person leaves items at the scene or damages evidence. This can occur intentionally, or more often than not, unintentionally. Regardless of who the person is, they need to be removed from the scene. If it is a superior officer, you need to report this to the crime scene commander.

Resources 0942728750, Practical Criminal Investigation, Manuel S. Peña 084931691X, Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation, Barry A. J. Fisher 0849333032, Practical Homicide Investigation, Vernon J. Geberth Manual for Police of New York State