METHODS

The crime scene is searched by either starting at its center or starting on the outside edge.  The individual will slowly spiral either in from the outside or out from the center until the entire scene has been searched.  Items of evidentiary value that are located will be flagged for appropriate documentation and collection.  A second individual can walk the same spiral as the first, conducting a secondary sweep.

The crime scene is divided into lines.  The number of lines will depend on how many people are available to search the crime scene.  Individuals will start on one side of the scene and walk in a straight line towards the opposite side.  Once they have reached the other side, they can shift their positions and walk across the crime scene again, back and forth, until the entire scene has been searched.  Items of evidentiary value that are located will be flagged for appropriate documentation and collection.  A second individual can walk the line of the first, conducting a secondary sweep.

The crime scene is divided into lines.  The number of lines will depend on how many people are available to search the crime scene.  Some individuals will start on the south side of the crime scene and walk in a straight line towards the north side.  Other individuals will start on the east side of the crime scene and walk towards the west side.  Once they have reached the other side, they can shift their positions and walk across the crime scene again, back and forth/up and down, until the entire scene has been searched.  Items of evidentiary value that are located will be flagged for appropriate documentation and collection.  A second individual can walk the lines of the first, conducting a secondary sweep.

The crime scene is divided into zones.  The number of zones will depend on how large and how complex the crime scene is.  Different individuals will be assigned to each zone, and will thoroughly and methodically search their assigned zone.  Items of evidentiary value that are located will be flagged for appropriate documentation and collection.  Once a zone is searched, the assigned individuals will switch to another zone to conduct a secondary sweep of that zone.