Scavenger Hunt Search Patterns
Forensic Science Laboratory
University College Chemistry 113
Introduction
Investigating a crime scene requires a careful and trained eye coupled with a thorough
knowledge and proper implementation of the techniques of evidence collection and preservation.
The quality of an on-site investigation and evidence collection process often plays a pivotal role in
the outcome of any legal proceedings that may follow. The goal of crime scene investigation
should, therefore, be to obtain the maximum amount of information from the site in such a way that
the quality and integrity of the information is essentially unimpeachable in a court room. The
information gained at the site should ultimately lead to a rational and credible explanation of the
events leading to the observed crime scene. It is through practice and careful consideration that
skills of observation and interpretation are refined.
Already sweating though it was just nine in the morning, Amelia
Sachs pushed through a stand of tall grass. She was walking the strip
search — what the crime scene people called it — an S-shaped pattern.
Nothing. She bent her head to the speaker/mike pinned to her navy-blue
uniform blouse.
"Portable five eight eight five. Can't find anything, Central. You have a
further-to?"
Through crisp static the dispatcher replied, "Nothing more on location,
5885. But one thing. . . . the RP said he hoped the vic was dead. K."
"Say again, Central."
"The RP said he hoped the victim was dead. For his sake. K."
"K."
Hoped the vic was dead?
Sachs struggled over a wilted chain-link and searched another empty
lot. Nothing.
The Bone Collector
By, Jeffrey Deaver
The manner in which a crime scene is investigated needs to follow well established procedures that
have been developed over time to avoid the destruction or contamination of important information
contained within the site and to provide for the safe transport of evidence to the laboratory for
further analysis. At a crime scene, there is often a strong tendency in the excitement of the moment
to rush in and begin the exploration of the site – searching for quick answers. Bystanders, initial
police and rescue workers, officials, and others with very good intentions may severely compromise
the integrity of a site within a remarkably small amount of time. Thus, one of the first requirements
of crime scene investigation is to protect and preserve the site from destruction or contamination.
Once this has been accomplished, the careful and methodical documentation of the site along with
complete evidence collection can begin. If done properly, a crime scene investigation can often
supply the missing “what”, “how” and “who” answers that are needed to solve the forensic
mysteries encountered.
Scavenger Hunt Inquiry Based Laboratory
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Copyright James T. Spencer 2009
Objectives
In this laboratory experiment, you will be developing what you perceive to be the most
successful pattern for exploring a 12 ft x 12 ft crime scene.
Scavenger Hunt Search Pattern
Inquiry Based Lab
You need to begin this project by designing a search pattern you believe will be the most
successful. You want to include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
a sketch of the search pattern to be followed,
the number of people involved
a written description of how the search will proceed.
A sketch of the grid needs to be drawn including: measurements, and photos taken of each article of
evidence before collection (this can be done on a phone).
5. All collected articles must be turned in for credit.
The following thirteen items will be included in your provided 12 ft x 12 ft grid:
 Plastic heart shaped bead
 Plastic army man
 Bouncy ball
 Jack (from the game jacks)
 Eraser top
 Socket to a wrench set
 Birthday candle
 String of beads from a necklace
 Black and yellow cordage
 Cigarette butt
 Torn cloth
 Broken glass
 Blood stain
Notes:
Scavenger Hunt Inquiry Based Laboratory
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Upon return to the classroom, you will be handed a crime scene dossier. You will need to look
through the evidence collected and decide which items would be most applicable to your crime scene
dossier.
Your typed discussion must include applications of what you have learned to a variety of crime
scenes. Your team must include:
 Exploration of different techniques you might employ if searching indoors versus outdoors
 Identify what changes you would make to your search if the crime scene is made larger or
smaller
 Discuss how you would alter the plan for a ‘wet’ search instead of a ‘dry’ search (this could
mean a water search rather than a land search OR trying to search in the rain instead of on a dry
day)
 Reflect back on your experience, and determine if you would repeat the search the same way,
or if you have discovered a ‘better’ solution to the problem.
 Explore what you felt your team did successfully and what alterations should be considered
Depending on preference, each team may submit a single formal report, or individual reports.
Regardless of the option you choose, everyone needs a copy of the completed lab for their portfolios
The reports should include the search design, the formal and rough sketches, the photography log,
with photos (electronically submitted), the analysis of assigned crime scene relevance, and a
discussion of the application of this skill.
During the outdoor work, utilization of a rubric will be performed by Mr. Donohue. A
sample rubric is shown below. A peer evaluation rubric will also be completed by each group
member.
Scavenger Hunt Inquiry Based Laboratory
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Scavenger Hunt Search Pattern
Post-lab Assignment
Name
Instructor
Laboratory Section
Lab Period
Dossier # ___________________________
List the collected items from the scavenger hunt that would be applicable to your dossier. With
each included piece of evidence, record a detailed explanation listing how an investigator/lawyer
can utilize that piece of evidence successfully.
Scavenger Hunt Inquiry Based Laboratory
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Scavenger Hunt Search Pattern
Pre-lab Assignment
Name
Instructor
Laboratory Section
Lab Period
1) Designing a search pattern you believe will be the most successful.
a. Sketch of the search pattern to be followed
b. The number of people involved, with job descriptions
c. Written description of how the search will proceed
d. What job assignment do you have?
Scavenger Hunt Inquiry Based Laboratory
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