Download Crime Scene Search

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.
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Steps in Processing the Scene
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Survey of the scene
Photographs and sketches
Measurements and mapping
Recording the locations of evidence and
documenting
• Searching for fingerprints and other evidence
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Indoor vs. Outdoor Search
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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
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Strip Method
Useful in larger,
outdoor areas but also
inside. Quick to
implement and simple
to use – can be done
by a single person.
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Spiral Method
This circular method is most
effective in an indoor or
small area, since, as the circle
gets bigger, evidence may be
overlooked.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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).
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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.
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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
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Images and other multimedia content used with permission.
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