CRIME S

CENE

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CRIME SCENE SEARCH PATTERNSInvestigators often use geometric search

patterns while

searching for evidence to ensure that no evidence is missed.

The type of search pattern depends on the scene.

CRIME SCENE SEARCH PATTERNS

CRIME SCENE SEARCH PATTERNS

Grid search patterns are very effective, but very time consuming

CRIME SCENE SEARCH PATTERNS

Rarely used

Doesn’t work well with

physical barriers.

Sometimes used when only

investigator present.

CRIME SCENE SEARCH PATTERNS

Works well in large, outdoor areas.

Often involves volunteers.

CRIME SCENE SEARCH PATTERNS

Works well in buildings and with warrants searches.

CRIME SCENE SEARCH PATTERNSThink about the following, but DON’T say the answer out

loud. When I ask, show me the correct answer with your fingers.

Investigators believe a body may have been dumped in a large field. What search pattern be used?

1) Spiral

2) Grid

3) Parallel

4) Zone

CRIME SCENE SEARCH PATTERNSThink about the following, but DON’T say the answer out

loud. When I ask, show me the correct answer with your fingers.

Investigators believe a body may have been dumped in a large field. What search pattern be used?

1) Spiral

2) Grid

3) Parallel

4) Zone

How do you know?

CRIME SCENE SEARCH PATTERNSThink about the following, but DON’T say the answer out

loud. When I ask, show me the correct answer with your fingers.

A very high profile crime has been committed, and the police has been given a lot of resources and manpower to solve it. Which pattern is appropriate?

1) Spiral

2) Grid

3) Parallel

4) Zone

CRIME SCENE SEARCH PATTERNSThink about the following, but DON’T say the answer out

loud. When I ask, show me the correct answer with your fingers.

A very high profile crime has been committed, and the police has been given a lot of resources and manpower to solve it. Which pattern is appropriate?

1) Spiral

2) Grid

3) Parallel

4) Zone

How do you know?

CRIME SCENE SEARCH PATTERNSThink about the following, but DON’T say the answer

out loud. When I ask, show me the correct answer with your fingers.

Police have a warrant to search a suspect’s car. Which pattern is appropriate?

1) Spiral

2) Grid

3) Parallel

4) Zone

CRIME SCENE SEARCH PATTERNSThink about the following, but DON”T say the answer

out loud. When I ask, show me the correct answer with your fingers.

Police have a warrant to search a suspect’s car. Which pattern is appropriate?

1) Spiral

2) Grid

3) Parallel

4) Zone

How do you know?

CRIME SCENE NOTESInvestigators take detailed notes on all of the

following:Step-by-step description of every action taken by investigators.

Date, time, location, weather, environmental conditionsDescription of crimeLocation of evidence with reference to other fixed pointsNames of all people on the scene, including authorized personnel, witnesses, victims

Click icon to add picture

EXAMPL

E NOTE

1

What

types

of

info

do

you s

ee?

EXAMPLE N

OTE 2

What

types

of

info

do

you s

ee?

CRIME SCENE PHOTOSThe scene should be thoroughly photographed beforeevidence collection.

Types of photos: • overall scene (exterior and interior)• midrange photos• close up

Use scales and placards with photos

Start with the larger, exterior scene, and move interior and towards finer detail.

PHOTO

EXAMPL

E 1

WH

AT TYPE O

F PH

OTO

I S T

HI S

?

WH

AT OTH

ER PH

OTO

S

SHO

ULD

BE T

AKEN?

PHOTO

EXAMPL

E 2

WH

AT TYPE O

F PH

OTO

I S T

HI S

?

WH

AT ELSE W

OU

LD B

E

USEFU

L IN

TH

I S

PHO

TO?

CRIME SCENE VIDEOSCrime scenes should be videotaped starting

outside and moving in, all around the crime scene.

Important details (time, place, and objective descriptions should be included,

Other narration should be avoided.

Should not include members of the investigative team.

Watch me!

CRIME SCENE SKETCHESRough sketches are done on the scene, and

finished sketches are completed later.

Crime scene sketches should be labeled with: A titleA legend with letters, etc., for key pieces of evidenceCompass directionWhether to scale, and if so, what scaleCase numberOffense type Location

DISCUSS WITH A PARTNER:HOW DO THESE DIFFER?

CRIME SCENE SKETCHESThere are 3 basic methods for taking

measurements:

1. Triangulation

2. Baseline

3. Polar Coordinates

CRIME SCENE SKETCHESThere are 3 basic methods for taking

measurements:

1. Triangulation

2. Baseline

3. Polar Coordinates

In triangulation,

you measure the distance of

each piece of evidence from

2 fixed points

CRIME SCENE SKETCHESThere are 3 basic methods for taking

measurements:

1. Triangulation

2. Baseline

3. Polar Coordinates

In triangulation,

you measure the distance of

each piece of evidence from

2 fixed points

Evidence

Fixed point YFixed

point X

CRIME SCENE SKETCHESThere are 3 basic methods for taking

measurements:

1. Triangulation

2. Baseline

3. Polar Coordinates

With baseline, you create a

line between two fixed points

and measure the distance of the

evidence from a right angle to the line

Evidence Fixed

point Y

Fixed point X

CRIME SCENE SKETCHESThere are 3 basic methods for taking

measurements:

1. Triangulation

2. Baseline

3. Polar Coordinates

With polar coordinates, you measure

the distance and compass direction

of evidence away from a wall

EvidenceWall X

48o NE

SKETCHES – WE DO & YOU DOWe will make a rough, to-scale sketch of the room

using graph paper.

1) Be sure to leave room for a legend, title, etc.

2) Measure room and create scale

3) Place boundaries & fixed points on sketch

4) Use each method to sketch one piece of evidence

5) You Do – Use each method to add in 3 more pieces of evidence

6) You Do – Complete legend

HOMEWORK – ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!

Closure - How did Exit Ticket – Be sure your LEGEND is

complete and turn in your sketch