Crime Scene Search
Consent to Search
• Written/Verbal consent by parties with proper
standing
• Always get consent in writing. Verbal consent
is allowed however difficult to uphold in court.
• If possible have a witness sign the consent to
search.
• Person signing consent must have the mental
capacity to consent.
– Proper standing: persons who have legal control
or a legal right to the dwelling or vehicle.
Consent to Search (cont.)
• Consent must be given voluntarily. Consent
can be withdrawn at any time.
• Burden of proof showing that consent was
lawfully obtained is on the police.
• Consent must be obtained from all parties
present.
– Example: if a husband and wife are present, both
must give consent
Objectives of a Crime Scene Search
• The search should be guided towards
determining whether or not a crime has been
committed, and if so, the elements of the
crime.
• Locating specific physical evidence to
corroborate witness statements and explain
what occurred.
• To support or reject any proposed theories as
to what occurred and how.
Search Patterns
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Point to Point
Strip Search
Double Strip Search
Quadrant
Spiral
Aerial
Point to Point Search
• Preliminary step in
evaluating the scene.
• Moves in order of
appearance of
evidence.
• Advantage: the scene
can be evaluated
quickly.
• Disadvantage: often
disorganized.
Strip Search
• Most effective for
large outdoor scenes.
• Stakes or lines can be
used to set up lanes.
• Very thorough
method that allows
utilization of
additional personnel.
• Searchers can be
alternated from strip
to strip.
Double Strip Search
• This is a strip search
that takes place in
two directions.
• For example, after
searching from north
to south, have the
searchers move from
east to west.
• Increases
thoroughness of the
search.
Quadrant/Sector Search
• Most effective for indoor or
outdoor scenes with regular
patterns or assigned
borders.
• Resembles a grid.
• Often used on indoor scenes
(room to room).
• Permits different search
patterns to be used in each
sector if needed.
Circular/Spiral Search
• Search proceeds in a circular
motion.
• Can effectively be used by
one officer.
• Useful when an item is
missing from the center of a
crime scene.
• May start at center of scene
or on outer perimeter.
Ariel Search
• An aerial search is a search conducted by a
fixed wing aircraft or helicopter. Useful for
searches covering large expanses of land.
Rechecking an Area
• When evidence is not found
– Alternate search groups
– Alternate searchers within groups
– Utilize all of your resources
• When Preparing to Leave
– Always complete an exit search, looking for
anything that might have been missed, including
your own tools and equipment.
When choosing a search pattern
consider the following:
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The size of the area to be searched.
Number of personnel available for the search.
Any needs for specialized equipment.
Evaluation of possible hazards present.
The physical characteristics of the area to be
searched (size, vegetation density, indoor or
outdoor scene, etc.)
• Size of object being searched for.
• The degree of thoroughness required ( most
important factor).
Implementing the search
• Coordinated by one officer (lead investigator,
supervisor, etc.)
• Determine a starting point
• If using multiple officers, establish
headquarters outside the area to be searched
• Conduct a briefing session
• Establish speed at which the search will be
conducted
• Maintain communications with searchers
Assessment
• 1. What type of search should you use if your
crime scene has 2 acres of land to cover?
Assessment
• 2. What type of search should be used to
search 20 acres of land?
Assessment
• 3. What type of
search would be
best for this
scene?
Assessment
• 4. What must you obtain prior to executing a
search?
• 5. Give one objective of conducting a search.
Court Cases
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Mincey V State of Arizona, 1978
Thompson V Louisiana, 1984
Michigan V Tyler, 1978
Oliver V United States, 1984
Bumper V North Carolina, 1968