A right search pattern forms the basis for developing an efficient and successful investigation. As such, officers and investigators must employ the proper search pattern method while processing a crime scene. The search pattern technique to be used depends on where the crime has occurred whether it is interior or exterior, the time and resources available in the course of the investigation, and the size of the crime scene. According to Baber & Butler, (2012), e xterior search cover both small and large areas like fields and it demands extra personnel and more resources. Irrespective of the particular search pattern, the aim is the same: to stay organized, systematic, and thorough. Common search patterns are:
Elevation zone search which is an appropriate technique for interior scenes particularly those involving blood spatter. In this method, an investigator starts the search pattern from the floor up. This method can enable an investigator to look for origins of blood spatter as well as directionality patterns among other crime evidence (Guillochon, 2017) . The search method is also appropriate for crime scenes involving firearms.
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Strip search pattern is a method that is suitable for investigating exterior scenes normally involving a large area. It is conducted by investigators starting at one end of the search area and advancing forward in the same bearing until the scene is entirely searched.
Spiral searches are used in finding a specific object in a crime scene. In case a gunshot wound, for instance, occurred in a crime scene, the investigators may employ spiral search to look for the shell casing. In this search pattern, a focal point is determined and the search is conducted outwards in a spiral manner about the focal point.
A grid search pattern is one that can be employed to investigate an intricate interior scene or an exterior scene. It is an effective technique because this kind of search pattern covers nearly all the crime scene (Burnett, 2018) . In this search pattern, the investigators start searching in one direction and then from the other direction and crossing over the areas that are searched already. In addition, what makes the search pattern effective is the sense that the search area is divided into perpendicular lanes, hence comprising a more systematic and in-depth search from multiple dimensions (Burnett, 2018) .
The wheel search method which uses a number of crime scene searchers or personnel. Beginning in the center (hub) of an imaginary circle, each searcher moves directly outward of the hub of the wheel just like the bicycle’s spokes. Extreme attention should be given to avoid possible destruction of unidentified evidence in the hub area.
The line technique is best employed in exterior search. It is similar to grid method however the difference is that investigators normally move in one direction only from one location to another of the search area (Guillochon, 2017) .
A successful crime scene search is critical, it will help in locating, identifying and preserving all evidence of the crime (Burnett, 2018) . In addition, securing the integrity of the evidence and the crime scene via professional services is of great significance.
References
Baber, C., & Butler, M. (2012). Expertise in Crime Scene Examination. Human Factors: The Journal Of The Human Factors And Ergonomics Society , 54 (3), 413-424. doi: 10.1177/0018720812440577
Burnett, B. (2018). An Extraordinary Crime Scene. Journal Of Forensic Sciences & Criminal Investigation , 7 (2). doi: 10.19080/jfsci.2018.07.555707
Guillochon, J. (2017). Black holes: Crime in search of a crime scene. Nature Astronomy , 1 (3). doi: 10.1038/s41550-017-0068
