Crime Scene Searching

Crime Scene Processing

Basic Goal of Scene Processing

  • Collect maximum evidence in pristine condition.

  • Consider actions' effects on scene integrity.

  • Multiple individuals will navigate the scene, necessitating organized resource management.

  • Establish access routes for team members and manage contamination risks.

Scene Isolation

  • Initial Perimeter:

    • Typically established by the first responding officer.

    • Provides basic access control but insufficient for long-term integrity.

    • Requires additional barriers to prevent crowd interference.

  • Multi-Level Isolation and Containment:

    • At minimum, establish two perimeters:

    • Inner Perimeter: Encloses the actual crime scene, restricted access to processing personnel only.

    • Outer Perimeter: Serves as a buffer from onlookers and media, facilitating equipment staging.

    • Useful storage for crime scene kits, protective gear, and trash collection.

    • Evidence is consolidated at designated points before removal from the scene, maintaining integrity.

    • Additional perimeters may be created based on scene requirements.

Contingency for Access

  • Access to perimeters should be strictly controlled and managed with designated personnel.

  • Carefully assess distance between each barrier depending on case significance (i.e., media control).

  • Avoid creating unnecessary perimeters to maintain effective organization.

Access Points and Scene Logs

  • Minimize access points to maintain control.

  • Assess potential exposure to media and public scrutiny when selecting access routes.

  • Report on the following in access control logs:

    • Individuals entering and exiting.

    • Purpose of entry.

    • Time of entry and exit.

  • Logs must be linked for continuity of access records (e.g., attach responding officer’s logs).

Search Methodology

  • Utilize methodical, systematic search techniques.

  • Swath Definition:

    • Width of area a searcher can effectively evaluate, influenced by:

    • Ground nature (e.g., cluttered rooms vs. industrial floors).

    • Lighting conditions (consider waiting for daylight if visibility is poor).

    • Environmental factors (e.g., weather impact).

    • Item size being searched (e.g., large weapons vs. minute trace evidence).

Search Patterns

  • Types of Search Patterns:

    • Circle/Spiral Search:

    • Effective for interiors, starting outside and spiraling inward or vice-versa.

    • Pace must be managed carefully throughout the search.

    • Strip and Line Search:

    • Strip Search: Suitable for exterior scenes, searchers move in designated strips.

    • Line Search: Involves multiple searchers in formation, maintaining teamwork and pace.

    • Grid Search:

    • Overlapping strips oriented at 90 degrees for thorough coverage.

    • Zone Search:

    • Divides area into zones for detailed searching, especially useful for vehicles and small spaces.

    • Point to Point Search: Rarely utilized in U.S., focuses on prioritized evidence and requires cleared paths to focal points in sequential order.

Conclusion

  • Proper search methods are vital for thorough evidence collection and scene integrity.

  • Continuous evaluation of environmental conditions and ground nature is essential for effective search swath adjustments.