1. CSI Module Three

2. Search Methods Circle/SpiralPoint – to- Point Strip/LineZone – Small Line/StripZone-Large

3. Circle/Spiral search method is typically used for interior scenes, although can be useful in large outdoor areas as well. A smaller, confined space allows for application of this method in order to search for evidence and points of interest. To apply this method of search, an investigator starts at the center of an area of interest and slowly spirals outward, toward the edges of the space while searching for evidence. The Circle/Spiral

4. Circle/spiral search method is also applicable in the reverse direction. Where the investigator starts near the edges of the space and slowly spirals inward while searching for evidence. Circle/spiral search method is one of the most effective ways to search for evidence at a crime scene. It is important to manage the pace and control the rate at which the spiraling motion expands when applying this method. Extending outward too quickly will leave areas unexamined. As with all methods, moving at a faster pace will most likely result in overlooking vital items of evidence.

5. When attempting to cover a large area, the selection of a proper search method is important. The size of the searchable area and the amount of manpower available provide an insight into which variation of the line/strip search method is applied. Strip/Line

6. Line search method is typically used for exterior scenes that cover a large area or require searching for evidence on rough or uneven terrain. Variations of the line search are dependent upon the amount of manpower that is available to assist. If there are few investigators involved, the line search would require dividing the area into lanes that are then explored by a single investigator. One lane is searched, followed by the adjacent lane. All lanes are searched from the same direction. Strip/Line

7. Once the entire area has been searched, it is sometimes necessary to search the area utilizing the same lanes, but in the opposite direction. Once an item of evidence is located, the process pauses so the item can be documented then collected accordingly, then the search continues. If many investigators are at the disposal of the supervisor, a different technique is applied. The area is divided into lanes, but each investigator involved is assigned a lane. Strip/Line

8. The group of investigators proceeds down the length of their assigned lane while maintaining the same pace as the group. As an item of evidence is discovered, it is flagged so that the search can continue and the item is documented and collected at a later time with minimal disruption to the scene and the searching process. The guidance of a supervisor is useful for the application of the line search method as they can monitor the direction and pace of the group as they proceed down the lanes. Strip/Line

9. Pace and direction are easy to control on even ground, but as the terrain becomes rougher so does the ability to maintain these aspects. Depending upon the amount of manpower and width of the lanes, a supervisor may adjust the spacing of the investigators to best fit their purpose. Investigators are placed shoulder-to-shoulder to search a smaller or more complex area, or at arms length to cover a larger area. Strip/Line

10. Strip search is especially useful for exterior scenes that cover a large area. Strip search method is a variation of the line search in which an investigator can search an entire area alone. The area is divided into lanes similarly to the other variations of the line/strip search method. The first lane is searched, and when the investigator reaches the end of that lane, he/she then turns and searches the adjacent lane in the opposite direction. Items of evidence are documented and collected at this time, or marked for later examination or collection. This technique continues until the entire area has been searched. Strip/Line

11. Grid search method is a variation of the line/strip search methods. A grid search applies the line/strip search method twice, the second time offset by 90 degrees. The area is divided into lanes in a certain direction and searched. Then, the area is divided into lanes which are offset by 90 degrees (perpendicular to the initial lanes) and searched again. Line/Strip

12. This method is useful for crime scenes which may involve tall grass that needs combed through in order to search for evidence. For a few investigators, the strip search method is applied in one direction, and the second time it is offset by 90 degrees. This method is particularly useful because it creates a second look from the same investigator. For several investigators, the line search method is applied in one direction, and then all investigators are offset by 90 degrees and the search continues in that direction. Line/Strip

13. Point-to-point search method is seldom used and the least effective. This is due to the fact that the point-to-point search is taught and practiced primarily in Europe. A point-to-point search is easily confused with haphazardly wandering around a crime scene. Point-to-Point

14. To implement a point-to-point search, an order is determined for primary focal points and items of potential evidence. A path is cleared to the first item of interest, which is then documented, analyzed, and collected. From this point, a path is cleared to the next point of interest which is documented, analyzed, and collected. This proceeds until all items/areas of interest have been investigated. Point-to-Point

15. It is important to reinforce that this method is not simply wandering around a crime scene. There is a systematic approach to this method, and when followed, it can yield accurate results by confining paths from one point of interest to the next. As the paths are cleared, subsequently discovered points of interest are added to the list. This isn’t to say that an obvious item of evidence is overlooked in order to stick to the list. Point-to-Point

16. An example is if a bloody footprint is located at the entrance of a residence it should not be skipped over it because it was not first on the list. Items that are transient or easily destroyed are moved to the top in the order of points of interest. Point-to-Point

17. Zone search method is a dynamic way to search for points of interest or items of evidence. Zone search method is dynamic in regards to its application being utilized to search a relatively small area or a space which covers a massive area. Both applications use the same principles and techniques, but differ in size. Zone search method implements the delegation of areas within a certain scene. Zone – Small

18. As an example of a small space, let us consider a vehicular burglary. The entire vehicle is searched for items of evidence. Utilizing the zone search method requires the vehicle to be broken down into areas, or zones, which are searched and considered independently of one another. A vehicle is broken down into relevant zones like the driver’s seat, passenger seat, driver’s side rear seat, passenger side rear seat, trunk/bed, engine compartment, in addition to exterior sections of the vehicle. As stated previously, the zones are examined independently, but a sufficient area of overlap is important, so that an area of the car does not go overlooked. Zone – Small

19. The second example applies to an area which is rather large in size. For example, let us consider a residential burglary at a house that sets within a rather large, fenced-in yard. The house is obviously a point of interest, but the path that the perpetrator took to gain entry into the residence is unknown. For this purpose, the entire yard is considered. Zone – Large

20. The house is its own focal point; this leaves the entire yard as a secondary focal point. The yard is subsequently divided into smaller, manageable areas, or zones, that are searched for evidence. These zones are then searched utilizing any of the previously mentioned methods. It is also necessary to physically grid off the zones, with strings or crime scene barrier tape, to distinguish each zone from one another. Zone – Large

21. CSI Module Three