A Strong Partner for Sustainable Development
Module
In
FORC 101
Course Code
Forensic Photography
College of Criminal Justice Education
BS-Crim
Module No. 9
METHODS OF CRIME SCENE
SEARCHES
2nd Semester 2022
Sheila Lou G. Pili
Assistant Professor IV
Aika S. Lunado
Instructor I
WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)
INSTRUCTION TO THE USER
This module would provide you an educational experience while
independently accomplishing the task at your own pace or time. It aims as
well to ensure that learning is unhampered by health and other challenges. It
covers the topic about Forensic Photography.
Reminders in using this module:
1. Keep this material neat and intact.
2. Answer the pretest first to measure what you know and what to be
learned about the topic discussed in this module.
3. Accomplish the activities and exercises as aids and reinforcement for
better understanding of the lessons.
4. Answer the post-test to evaluate your learning.
5. Do not take pictures in any parts of this module nor post it to social
media platforms.
6. Value this module for your own learning by heartily and honestly
answering and doing the exercises and activities. Time and effort were
spent in the preparation in order that learning will still continue
amidst this Covid-19 pandemic.
7. Observe health protocols: wear mask, sanitize and maintain physical
distancing.
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WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)
Chapter 9
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the chapter, you can:
1. Discuss the types or methods of searches;
2. Distinguished the types or methods of searches be applied in the crime
scene.
3. Identify the SOCO Team Composition; and
4. Discuss the function of each in the Soco Team Composition.
Specific Topics
a) Methods of Crime Scene Searches & SOCO Team Composition
b) Time Allotment (4 ½ hours -per session)
Target date to submit
Chapter 9
METHODS OF CRIME SCENE SEARCHES
MODULE OVERVIEW
This module will discuss all the matters involving the crime scene
photography and the preparations needed in the court exhibits and the admissibility
of photographs as evidence in the court.
Elevation Zone Search
This type of search is used with indoor crime scene where evidence may be on the
walls or in the ceiling ( example: bullet holes, blood splatters, etc.). Only one elevation zone
should be checked at a time.
WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)
Overlapping Zone Search
The Team Leader should observe and supervise the search while other team
members perform the search. With a overlapping search items are unlikely to be missed.
Lane or Strip Search
Commonly used when searching a large area looking for a large object. Several
Explorers will stand in one long line and all walk the same direction. Stakes and string can
also be used to create “lanes” for which each Explorer would be responsible.
The strip/line search is done by dividing the crime scene into a series of lanes in
which personnel search up and down the lanes until the scene is completely searched.
Are accomplished by the searchers walking in parallel along defined lanes in the same
direction.
Spiral Search
Commonly used when looking for an object that is suspected to be a specific
distance from another, for example: shell casing from a gun or an object thrown by
hand from a specific location, but thrown in an unknown direction. A stake in the
center with a string attached will assure proper distance and avoid overlapping
already searched areas or missing areas not yet searched.
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Involves a spiral into (inward) or out from (outward) a crime scene. A
practical disadvantage with outward spiral searches is the evidence may be destroyed
as the searchers move to the center of the crime scene area to begin their outward
search.
The spiral search is used most often for outdoor crime scenes, is conducted by
one person, and is done by walking in a circle from the outermost point of the inner
perimeter toward the center of the circle.
Grid Search
This is the most thorough search technique. Similar to a strip search but also
done in opposite direction.
Another example of a strip search.
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Zone Search
Zone Search
Involves dividing the area to be searched into adjacent zones. The smaller the
size of the zone, the more methodical the search can be. Zone searches may be done
by multiple searchers per zone.
A zone/quadrant search is one in which the crime scene is divided into four
quadrants and searched using another method, such as a strip or line search.
Wheel Ray
Wheel ray
➢ Essentially a circular search
➢ Start at a critical point
➢ Travel outward along a straight line(rays)
➢ Difficult for searching large areas
➢ Use only for special situations with limited applications
➢ Pie/wheel search, the crime scene is divided into a large circle with numerous
sectors and searched using another method, such as a strip/line search.
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SOCO TEAM COMPOSITION
MODULE OVERVIEW
This module will discuss all the matters involving the crime scene
photography and the preparations needed in the court exhibits and the admissibility
of the photograph as evidence in the court.
SOCO TEAM
SOCO TEAM COMPOSITION
1. Team Leader
2. Photographer & Photographic Log Recorder
3. Sketch Preparer
4. Evidence Recorder/ Custodian
5. Evidence Recovery Personnel
6. Specialists
Medical Examiner/Coroner
Odontologist
Blood Pattern Analyst
Post Blast Technician
Crime Laboratory Examiner
7. Driver/ Guard
1. Team Leader
a. Assume control of the crime scene.
b. Conduct initial walk-through.
c. Determine search patterns.
d. Designate command post location.
e. Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies.
f. Ensure that sufficient supplies and equipment are available.
g. Control access to the scene and designate an individual to log
everyone into the scene.
h. Continually reevaluate efficiency of search during the entire course of
operation.
i. Release the scene after a final survey and inventory of the evidence.
2. Photographer & Photographic Log Recorder
a. Photograph the entire area before it is entered.
b. Photograph victims, crowd, and vehicles.
c. Photograph the entire scene with overall, medium, and close-up coverage.
d. Photograph major evidence items before they are moved.
e. Photograph all latent fingerprints, and another impression
evidence.
f. Photograph blueprints, maps and obtain previous photographs of
scene, as required. Prepare photographic log and photographic sketch.
3. Sketch Preparer
a. Diagram immediate area of scene and orient sketch with the north.
b. Set forth on sketch major items of evidence and coordinate evidence nomenclature with
Evidence
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Recorder/Custodian and Evidence Recovery Personnel.
c. Indicate adjacent buildings, rooms, furniture, and so forth, as needed.
d. Designate and label areas to be searched and advise Team Leader and all other search
members of nomenclature for designated areas.
e. Obtain appropriate assistance for taking measurements and list assistant(s) on the
sketch.
f. Ensure necessary administrative information, such as scale disclaimer (not drawn to
scale), is recorded on the sketch.
4. Evidence Recorder/ Custodian
a. Prepare evidence recovery log.
b. Coordinate evidence packaging and preservation. Coordinate evidence nomenclature with
Sketch Preparer and Evidence Recovery Personnel.
c. Receive and record all evidence.
d. Maintain custody and control of evidence.
e. Maintain chain of custody.
f. Coordinate transmittal of evidence to case investigator, or to the crime laboratory, per
agency guidelines.
5. Evidence Recovery Personnel
a. Have significant evidence photographed before it is collected.
b. Keep Team Leader apprised of significant evidence located.
c. Initial and date all evidence and turn it over to the evidence and turn it over to the
evidence recorder/custodian, after noting where the item was located.
d. Coordinate evidence nomenclature with Evidence Recorder/Custodian and Sketch
Preparer.
e. Ensure that appropriate safety measures are adhered to, especially with respect to proper
protective clothing including gloves.
6. Specialists
It is sometimes necessary to bring in expertise from an outside agency. The field of
forensic science is so broad today that no agency has every form of specialty service available
from among its ranks.
“If the law has made you a witness, remain a man of science: you have no victim to
avenge, no guilty or innocent person to ruin or save. You must bear testimony within the
limits of science.” (Brouardel)
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WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)
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