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 Consent can be withdrawn at any time.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

• 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:

• 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

• Mincey V State of Arizona, 1978• Thompson V Louisiana, 1984• Michigan V Tyler, 1978• Oliver V United States, 1984• Bumper V North Carolina, 1968