Crime Scene Search patterns

The only thing consistent about crime scenes is their inconsistency. Because of their diversity, crime scenes can be classified in many ways. First, crime scenes can be classified according to the location of the original criminal activity.

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Crime Scene

Most commonly employed search methods are geometric patterns. The six patterns are link, line or strip, grid, zone, wheel or ray, and spiral. Each has advantages and disadvantages and some are better suited for outside or indoor crime scenes.

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Crime Scene

Method is not a geometric pattern or easily definable.

There is no set pattern. The method requires the investigator to be able to form logical links between crime scene activity and the likely places additional evidence could be found at the scene as a result.

Used on large, outdoor crime scenes. Members of the search team are arranged at regular intervals, usually arm’s length, and then proceed to search along straight lines.

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Line (Strip) Method

Used on large, outdoor crime scenes. Searchers follow the first line pattern and search in the same manner as the line method. Once the first line pattern is complete, searchers realign on the other line pattern​

Grid Method

Used on crime scenes that are comprised of readily definable zones, such as in houses or buildings. Teams are assigned small zones for searching, and then other appropriate searching methods are employed in each zone.​

Zone Method

Used on crime scenes with no physical barriers, such as open water. Can either begin at critical point of crime scene (outward spiral) or the outer-edge of the crime scene (inward spiral).

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Spiral Method (Inward or Outward)

Used on small, circular crime scenes. Investigators start from a critical point and travel outward along many straight lines from this point.

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​Wheel or Ray Method