Intro to Criminalistics DB2

Criminalistics DB3

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Criminalistics DB3

Crime scenes contain all types of evidence that can be located anywhere in the scene. In order to locate the evidence a crime scene search is conducted. Because each crime scene is different the type of search that is conducted will be dependent on the type of pattern needed. Crime scenes are searched based on their location and how the evidence is positioned. Many crime scenes are inside which makes it easier to search while others are located outside. In this crime scene the scene is located in a small field, around three acres in size, and located behind an abandoned warehouse.

The different crime scene patterns that can be utilized provide an organized approach to locating evidence. The different type of crime scene pattern searches includes the zone, spiral, and strip and grid search. The outside crime scene could be searched using a grid, spiral, or strip, spiral search. The zone search refers to a search pattern where evidence may be located on walls, floors, or in a ceiling (TAPE, 2010). This type of search is best for the inside crime scene. The strip search consists of officers walking side by side over a large area in order to locate any evidence that could be dispersed throughout the area.

The grid search requires a crime scene be broken down into different sections and then each section will be search systematically. Stakes and strings are used to create lines that will create the girds needed to search. The spiral search involves the criminal investigator starting from the outside and working their way in so all evidence can be located (Miller, 2011). In the event of an outside crime scene the gird search would be best. When a crime is committed in a field finding evidence will be far more difficult than if the crime scene was located inside. The grid search will ensure not evidence is missed during the search.

The cons of using the grid search is it will be time consuming and evidence could be potentially destroyed or lost when the girds are being established. The secondary choice for the search would be the strip search. The strip search requires police or criminal investigators to stand side by side and walk. This ensures no evidence is missed but similar to the grid search evidence could accidentally be destroyed or lost during the search especially if the evidence is small or hard to identify.

References

Miller, M. (2011). Crime Scene Investigation. Retrieved September 3, 2014 from

http://www.cbsd.org/cms/lib07/PA01916442/Centricity/Domain/1908/CSI%20Text

Texas Association of Police Explorers. (2010).Crime Scene Search and Processing. Retrieved

September 3, 2014 from

http://www.co.wise.tx.us/constable/Downloads/Crime%20Scene%20Search