Forensics
Melissa Mulkey
Introduction to Forensics-3
Individual Work
Week 2
7/27/13
There are many types of search patterns and they vary on how they are completed and when they are most effective. The different types of search patterns are: Line/Strip Search Pattern, Grid Search Pattern, Spiral Search Pattern, Wheel/Ray Search Pattern, Quadrant/Zone Search Pattern, and Vehicle Searches.
Line Strip Search Patterns is where investigators begin at the boundary at one end of the crime scene and walk straight across to the other side. They go a little farther along the border and walk straight back to the other side. This method is most effective in scenes where the boundaries are well established because they dictate the start and ending of the search lines. If it’s incorrectly chosen, the evidence could remain unseen. (Saferstein, 2009).
Grid Search Patterns employs two people performing line searches that originate from adjacent corners and form perpendicular lines. They are very thorough, but the boundaries must be well established. This pattern would be most effective when searching large areas such as a field. (Saferstein, 2009).
Spiral Search Patterns employ one person. The investigator moves either in an inward spiral from the boundary to the center of the scene or in an outward spiral from the center to boundary. This search pattern can be difficult because it is hard for an investigator to do a perfect spiral, and evidence can be missed. This pattern is most effective when there is only one investigator on the scene. (Saferstein, 2009).
Wheel/Ray Search Patterns employs several people moving from the boundary straight toward the center of the scene or from the center straight to the boundary. This method is not preferred because of the space between the rays are not searched. This method is most effective on small circular crime scenes. (Saferstein, 2009).
Quadrant/Zone Search Patterns involves dividing the scene into zones or quadrants, and team members
Introduction to Forensics-3
Individual Work
Week 2
7/27/13
There are many types of search patterns and they vary on how they are completed and when they are most effective. The different types of search patterns are: Line/Strip Search Pattern, Grid Search Pattern, Spiral Search Pattern, Wheel/Ray Search Pattern, Quadrant/Zone Search Pattern, and Vehicle Searches.
Line Strip Search Patterns is where investigators begin at the boundary at one end of the crime scene and walk straight across to the other side. They go a little farther along the border and walk straight back to the other side. This method is most effective in scenes where the boundaries are well established because they dictate the start and ending of the search lines. If it’s incorrectly chosen, the evidence could remain unseen. (Saferstein, 2009).
Grid Search Patterns employs two people performing line searches that originate from adjacent corners and form perpendicular lines. They are very thorough, but the boundaries must be well established. This pattern would be most effective when searching large areas such as a field. (Saferstein, 2009).
Spiral Search Patterns employ one person. The investigator moves either in an inward spiral from the boundary to the center of the scene or in an outward spiral from the center to boundary. This search pattern can be difficult because it is hard for an investigator to do a perfect spiral, and evidence can be missed. This pattern is most effective when there is only one investigator on the scene. (Saferstein, 2009).
Wheel/Ray Search Patterns employs several people moving from the boundary straight toward the center of the scene or from the center straight to the boundary. This method is not preferred because of the space between the rays are not searched. This method is most effective on small circular crime scenes. (Saferstein, 2009).
Quadrant/Zone Search Patterns involves dividing the scene into zones or quadrants, and team members
Citations: & References Saferstein, R. (2009). Forensic Science: From the Crime Scene to the Crime Lab. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. |