Search Lab

Task:

1. Using what you’ve learned so far, assess each crime scene. Identify two search patterns you would use and explain your selection. Identify two search patterns you would NOT use and explain your selection. Be sure to highlight what factors for each scene made you select those patterns (e.g. size of the scene, obstacles within the scene, whether the scene would make it easy to preform the pattern, environmental factors, etc.). Remember you will receive a low score if you pick an illogical pattern or give an illogical/incorrect explanation. NOTE: Some of the information given is useful for determining a search pattern and some information is not! Beware of developing tunnel vision!

2. Write your answers in full and complete sentences. Remember you must use your own words for your answer and cite any outside source (anything outside this Canvas course).

Scene 1

a. Based on the description and picture of scene 1 (see below), what two search patterns would you use?

b. Why would these patterns be appropriate for this crime scene? Make sure you address BOTH search patterns.

c. Based on the description and picture of scene 1, what two search patterns would you not use?

d. Why would these patterns be inappropriate for this crime scene? Make sure you address BOTH search patterns.

A shooting occurred in the large open field (~100 yards long by 50 yards wide) pictured below. Three (3) different caliber fired cartridge cases have been located. The field and lake are considered part of the crime scene, so be sure to mention what type of search pattern you would use for an underwater search.

Search lab- Scene 1.png

Scene 2

a. Based on the description and picture of scene 2 (see below), what two search patterns would you use?

b. Why would these patterns be appropriate for this crime scene? Make sure you address BOTH search patterns.

c. Based on the description and picture of scene 2, what two search patterns would you not use?

d. Why would these patterns be inappropriate for this crime scene? Make sure you address BOTH search patterns.

A death investigation located inside the residence pictured below. The decedent was in the living room (~30 feet long by 20 feet wide) on the couch.

Search lab- scene 2.jpg

Scene 3

a. Based on the description and picture of scene 3 (see below), what two search patterns would you use?

b. Why would these patterns be appropriate for this crime scene? Make sure you address BOTH search patterns.

c. Based on the description and picture of scene 3, what two search patterns would you not use?

d. Why would these patterns be inappropriate for this crime scene? Make sure you address BOTH search patterns.

A vehicle dropped off a stabbing victim in the large parking lot of the emergency department pictured below. The victim walked from the vehicle into the emergency department on his/ her own. The vehicle that dropped the victim off then left the scene. Since the hospital only has cameras covering the entrances to the building and not the parking lot, it is unknown where the vehicle entered or exited the property.

Search lab- scene 3.jpg

Scene 4

a. Based on the description and picture of scene 4 (see below), what two search patterns would you use?

b. Why would these patterns be appropriate for this crime scene? Make sure you address BOTH search patterns.

c. Based on the description and picture of scene 4, what two search patterns would you not use?

d. Why would these patterns be inappropriate for this crime scene? Make sure you address BOTH search patterns.

The vehicle pictured below was involved in drug trafficking. The trafficking ring is known to hide money, drugs, and weapons. The crime scene includes both inside the car and the driveway.

Search lab- scene 4.jpg