DATA CENTER COLLEGE OF THE PHILIPPINES

COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION

Laoag City

SECOND SEMESTER SY: 2020-2021

MODULE

In

FORENSIC CHEMISTRY

Prepared by

Dr. Luz L. Ricardo

( Professor )

School Year 2020-2021

I. FORENSIC CHEMISTRY

II. INTRODUCTION
Forensic chemistry is a specialized area of forensic science involving the application of
chemical principles and techniques to the field of forensic investigation. The role of forensic
chemistry in criminal investigations is vast and ranges from techniques used to collect and
preserve evidence, to complex chemical procedures used to identify elements and compounds.
Identification procedures are highly reliable and are frequency based on the chemical and
physical properties of the substance supported by data obtained from analytical analysis. Most
chemical techniques used for isolation, purification, and identification are valid forensic
techniques; however, chemical analysis differs from forensic chemical analysis in two ways:
regulatory and judiciary.
The results of forensic investigation may have a serious impact on lives. Therefore,
techniques performed during forensic analysis must be closely regulated to ensure the accuracy
and integrity of experimental results.

III. GENERAL INSTRUCTION

This module contains several lessons. Instruction are explained with activities and
examples. Understand and internalize the learning outcomes. Read well the contents of each
lesson. A strategy is used to let you learn and improve your learning ability and to develop your
higher thinking skills. At the end of each module, there is an assessment/examination.
Understand and answer it as directed.

IV. LEARNING OUTCOMES (BASED ON THE SYLLABUS)

At the end of this course, the students should be able to:
1. Gain sufficient knowledge on the significance and application of forensic
chemistry principles.
2. Establish their own inquiry-based approach and develop observational attitude in
solving crimes both local and national.
3. Acquire valuable insights and apply basic principles of forensic science in their
daily life.
4. Understand the basic theories and principles which will help them make the
country a crime-free society.

V. TABLE OF CONTENTS PER MODULE

Module 3:
Lesson 1: Fire and Arson Investigation
Learning Objectives
 Define “arson”;
 Enumerate the possible sources of combustible materials;
 Establish the importance of motive in arson cases;
 Define what a “fire triangle”.
Fire is a chemical reaction (rapid oxidation) that produces physical effects with evolution of
heat and light. This reaction is called combination.

Purpose of Fire Investigation

1. To save lives and to prevent injuries
2. To determine the origin and cause of fire
3. To provide proof of fact during trial
4. To prepared to defend those conclusions in rational and logical manner supported by
scientific valid data.

Classification of Fire Investigation

1. Natural
2. Accidental
3. Unknown origin
4. Suspicious
5. Incendiary (obvious arson)
Arson, as defined by the law is the intentional act of setting fires buildings and properties. It
covers all kinds of buildings and structures, crops and forests, the personal property of another
and even one’s own property if burned with intent to defraud an insurer of such property.
Intention to commit arson implies that the act is done intentionally.

Types of Motives
There are several motives that drive arsonists to commit this crime. Such motives include:
 Tax fraud
 Crime cover – up: burglary, homicide
 Pyromania or the compulsion to set things on fire
 Intimidation
 Sabotage to cripple machinery, slow down work, destroy products, and disable an
industrial plant
 Destroy evidence
 Monetary (defrauding insurance)
 Settle an estate
 Revenge, spite, grudge, or jealousy
 Destroy records
 Hero complex
 Diversionary tactic
 Land – tenant feuds
 Suicidal tendencies
 Contents over insured
 Vandalism
 Eliminate a completion or business rival
 Get rid of distressed or outmoded merchandise

Fire triangle
The triangle of fire includes three components.
1. Heat – Can be due to sparks, flames, chemical reactions, friction, or compression. The
heat must be sufficient in relation to the fuel.
2. Fuel – liquid, solid or gas. These are mostly compounds of carbon and hydrogen.
3. Oxygen – supports combustion; the earth’s atmosphere is 21% oxygen of which air is
the primary source. In addition, oxygen is found in abundance in compounds that include
nitrates, chlorates, peroxides, etc.

Causes of Fire
A fire may be produced intentionally or accidentally. One of the methods of proving arson is
to determine systematically the presence of malice and intent in burning the property of another.
An accidentally fire may arise from the working of certain forces of nature or from negligence
in the use of equipment and materials.

Natural causes of fire

Sunrays are focused by bubbles in windowpanes, shaving mirrors or by some other
peculiarly shaped glass article, which may serve as convex lens.
Lighting usually strikes a high point of the building and may be traced in its path to the
ground. Traces of lightning are melting of metal parts of the building streaked paint with burned
ores, cracks in the walls, broken bricks and soot driven into rooms from the chimney.

Indication of Arson Fire

Arson fire is generally indicated by:
1. Burning faster and larger than normal
2. Often having multiple points of origin
3. Use of accelerants
4. A time delay device (a matchbox and cigarette is a 22minutes fuse)
5. Cans and containers are usually found at the crime scene

How to minimize the fire?

Fire incidents can be prevented by:
1. Better building designs
2. Fire safety practice
Review Questions:
3. What are the possible sources of combustible materials?
4. Why is establishing motive important in arson cases?
5. What is a “fire triangle”?
6. What are factors to be considered in collecting evidence samples for arson cases?
7.

Lesson 2: Glass Fracture & Macro Etching

Learning Outcomes:
 Describe the visual distinction of glass and enumerate its properties;
 Enumerate the types of glass fracture;
 Show the value of glass as evidence;
 Describe the process of collecting and handling glass and glass fragments;
Glass consists of a mixture of silica (natural sand) and two or more alkaline bases, such as
lime, soda, or potash. Glass may also contain other elements and metals, which are added for
color, heat resistance, hardness, and other desired properties.
Glass and glass fragments often take an important role in criminal investigations of such
offenses as burglary, housebreaking, fleeing the scene of vehicle accidents, and others.
Glass fracture and glass fragments can provide information through which several types of
determination maybe possible:
1. Investigators can determine whether a fragment of glass originated from a particular
glass object that has been broken.
2. Investigators can determine whether a glass fragment originated from a particular kind of
glass object.
3. Investigators can determine the origin and direction of a fracture, specifically, they can
determine what caused it and the direction from which the causative force came.
4. Investigators can determine the order in which the fractures occurred.
5. Investigators can determine

Visual Distinction of Glass

When one looks at a piece of glass, there are several distinctions that can be readily
observed with the naked eye. These include the following:
1. Surface Texture
2. Color
3. Curvature (if any)
4. Thickness
Glass is very unique. Given that there can be thousands of different formulas in making
glass – from the simple pane glass to the wide variety of colored glass – each has its own
physical properties that make it unique. For example, metals can be added to make various
colors as follows:
1. Iron = Greenish
2. Copper = Bluish
3. Manganese = Brownish
4. Gold = Ruby red

Properties of Glass
1. Glass is somewhat flexible; it tends to bend upon application of force.
2. Glass bends on the direction where force is applied causing the opposite side to stretch.
3. Glass can withstand more bending rather than stretching causing the opposite side to
start breaking.

Types of Glass Fracture:

1. Radial Fractures – primary fracture resembles the spokes of a wheel where the radiating
rod originates at a common point. When glass breaks, the lines that radiate from the
hole are caused by the glass bending away from the point of impact.
2. Concentric Fractures – secondary fracture having the appearance of circles around the
point of impact connecting one radiating crack to the other, thus forming triangular
pieces of glass.
 3. Conchoidal Fractures – a characteristic of glad is that when it breaks, the fracture edges
appear shell – like in form.

Factors to Be Determined in Glass Fracture

1. Points of Impact: Here, the front of the glass can be determined through the
accumulation of dust and dirt on the glass.
2. Age of the Fracture
 Fresh fracture – exhibits a regular pattern of radial and concentric fractures
 Old fracture – shows short extension lines at the end of the radial fractures
3. Direction of Impact or Force (Position of the Firer):
a. Angle from the right (right to left) – heavy chippings on the left side of the glass
b. Angle from the left (left to right) – heavy chippings on the right side of the glass
c. Perpendicular shot – even distribution of chippings on the exit side of the glass
4. Cause of Fracture
 Due to natural means – shows plain wavy lines
 Due to mechanical means – shows a regular pattern of radial/concentric fracture

Causes of Glass Fracture

Factors to be determined in glass fracture
A. Point of Impact:
Entrance Side Exit Side
1. Concentric fracture 1. Radial fracture
2. Clear cut edges 2. Rugged edges
3. Absence of depression 3. With depression
4. Absence of flaking 4. With flaking

B. Position of the Shooter

1. Perpendicular Shot – exhibits an even distribution of chippings on the exit side of the
glass
2. Angle from the Right – heavy flaking or chippings on the left side of the glass
3. Angle from the Left – heavy flaking on the right side of the glass

C. Age of Fracture
1. Fresh Fracture – exhibits a regular pattern of radial/ concentric fracture
2. Old Fracture – presence of a short extension lines at the end of the radial fracture

Factors that Contribute to the Resulting Characteristic of the Fracture

a. Distance between the widow and the “shooter,” which is related to the projectile’s initial
and terminal velocity
b. Size and hardness of the projectile
c. Shape and density of the projectile
d. Thickness and the type of glass, which affect the types of fracture or perforation
sustained by the window

Value of Glass as Evidence

Glass and glass fragments could have relatively high value as evidence owing to the distinct
variations in their physical properties and methods by which they have been manufactured. The
evidence value of glass is also enhanced by the fact that large fragments may be physically
matched.
In the case of two or more focused impacts upon a glass surface, the fragmentation pattern
can help determine which impact was made first. Moreover, succeeding impact radial fractures
stop at the juncture of the fractures produced by the first impact. Finally, given that fracture
patterns are unique, examining them can result in valuable information regarding the direction of
breaking force. A physical match between two pieces of glass could result in an opinion that
they came from a common source to the exclusion of all others.

What is Macro – Etching?

Macro – etching refers to the application of a chemical solution on a metal surface and
observing any reaction that may take place
Purpose of Macro – Etching
Macro – etching has several uses as stated below.
1. It is used to determine whether the serial numbers of motor vehicles or firearms are
tampered.
2. It is used to restore the original serial number of an article in question.
a. The criminal offender may destroy this identification by defacing this serial number
through filing, chiseling, grinding, and filling in.
b. Articles of economic value are identified by the specific details about the
manufactured (e.g., protection number of serial number).

Preliminary Examination on Macro – Etching Process

This phase of the investigation involves the following steps:
1. Searching for the normal location of the serial number;
2. Removing oil and grease using alcohol and/or gasoline;
3. Polishing the area using sand paper;
4. Taking a photograph of the possible evidence.

Spot Detection of Tampered/Obliterated Serial Numbers

Tampered or obliterated serial numbers can be detected by spot checking any of the following:
1. Absence of one or more letters before, in between, or after a set of sequential numbers
2. Several scratches and filing marks on the metal surface where serial number should be
located
3. Model of the vehicle and the chassis number not tallying with that to the rating plate
(alteration of the production number)
4. Any difference in the style of numbers and letters
5. Fragmentary marks that could not be properly identified, partly superimposed by the
letters and numbers
6. Misalignments of numbers and letters
7. Any sign of welding surrounding the serial number
8. Presence of any differences in the spacing of individual numbers and letters
9. Sizes and style of numbers and letters that are sharper and coarser than the others
10. Irregularities in the depth of individual letters and numbers
11. Absence of a rating plate

Review Question:
1. How important is glass as a piece of evidence?
2. What is “macro – etching?”
3. How can bullet holes aid an investigation?

Lesson 3: Hair & Fibers

Learning Objectives
 Identify the parts of human hair and the hair shaft;
 Identify the sources of hair evidence;
 Describe the significant role of human hair as evidence
 Enumerate the classes of fibers and fabric;
 Show the significant role of fiber as evidence
Hair refers to slender, threadlike outgrowths of the epidermis, which forms a distinct type of
body covering in mammals. Only mammals have true hair.
In the field of forensic science, hair is one of the most common types of trace evidence
found at any the crime scene.

Three Principal Parts of the Hair

1. Root bulb – the shape of the hair was pulled by force
2. Hair shaft – contains the most information about the hair
3. Tip – would show if the hair was cut, burned, or if it had split ends

Parts of the Hair Shaft

1. Medulla – the central canal of the hair shaft; may be continuous, fragmented, interrupted
or absent
2. Cuticle – the outer surface of the hair and when viewed under a microscope, appears to
be composed of scale – like flakes, each overlapping others much like the scale of a fish
3. Cortex – contains the hair’s color pigmentation
Sources of Human Hair
1. Head hairs
Head hairs are often the longest hairs on the human body. They have a form
diameter and a cut tip.
2. Pubic Hairs
Pubic hairs are also routinely compared in a forensic laboratory examination. These
are not subject to much change over time as head hairs, and as such, a sample taken a
year after a crime may still be suitable for meaningful comparison. It is recommended
that a known pubic hair sample be obtained as soon as possible after a crime and
should contain at least 25 full length hair strands taken from different areas of the pubic
region.
3. Facial Hairs
Facial hairs are more commonly called mustache hairs or beard hairs. These have a
wide medulla and a razor – cut tip, and have a coarse appearance and can have a
triangular cross – section. Heavy shouldering or troughs in the hair can be observed
under magnification.
4. Limb Hairs
Hairs from the legs and arms are called limb hairs. These are shorter in length, have
an arc – like shape, and are often abraded or tapered at the tips.
5. Fringe Hairs
These originate from the neck, sideburns, upper leg, abdomen, and back.
6. Other Body Area Hairs
These are auxiliary (underarm), chest, eye and nose hairs that are not routinely
compared in the lab.

Significance of Hair Evidence

1. The significance of hair examination results depends on several factors, such as the
evidence processing techniques employed, the method of evidence collection used at
the crime scene, the methodology of the hair examination process, and the experience
of the hair examiner. Head and pubic hairs are routinely held as more significant than
samples from other body areas.
2. Certain case situations influence the significance of identifying hairs. For example, when
a family member is involved in a crime, the number, location, and condition (forcibly
pulled or burnt, for example) of recovered hairs can hold important clues. The
involvement of other within a victim’s social circle who may have logical contact with or
access to the victim and/or crime scene, can also be additional consideration in hair
examinations in facts, cases involving strangers have greatest significance when hair
associations are made.

Hairs have a number of innate qualities that make them useful as trace evidence
1. It is personal evidence originating directly from the individual.
2. It is continually falling from the body.
3. It is easily detected, recovered and preserved.
4. It is persistent and not easily destroyed.
5. It is hard to hide or to throw away.
6. It is relatively unchanging over time.
7. It varies from person to person.
8. It contains DNA.

Purposes of Hair Examination:

The purposes of hair examination are the following:
1. To determine whether the hair in questioned originated from an animal or human being
and the comparison of questioned and known hairs.
2. To ascertain whether two or more individuals could have come in contact or whether one
or more individuals could have come in contact with an object.

Classes of Fibers
1. Animal – based fibers (protein fiber)
Example: wool, cashmere wool, mohair wool, camel hair, silk
2. Plant – based fibers (cellulosic fibers)
Example: abaca, cotton, kapok, hemp, piña
3. Mineral – based fibers
 Example: asbestos cloth, glass, fiberglass, metals
4. Synthetic fibers
Example: polyester, acrylic, nylon, spandex (Lycra), olefin,

Values of Fiber as Evidence

The value of fibers as evidence in criminal cases has also been widely recognized due to
several reasons discussed below.
1. First, fiber evidence is seldom conclusive by itself, but in conjunction with other details or
evidence.
2. Fiber evidence can help locate a suspect at the scene of the crime.
3. Fiber evidence can be interchanged between the victim and the suspect, especially in
violent crimes such as rape, assault, or murder. This interchange can help prove that the
suspect and the victim were in the same location. Such evidence can weaken the
credibility of the rapist’s alibi (i.e., when he says that he was never around the victim).

Collection of Fiber as Evidence

Several factors must be considered when collecting fiber as evidence.
1. In sex offenses, assaults and some other cases, it is possible to demonstrate contact
between two individuals or between one individual and some other object by comparing
fibers.
2. If the fibers are short or very few, the area or the entire item containing the fibers must
be wrapped in paper (if possible) before sending the exhibit to the laboratory.
3. If threads or large fibers are found, they can be picked up with the fingers and placed in
a paper bindle, and then in a coin envelope, which can be sealed and marked. Never
placed loose fibers directly into a mailing envelope because evidence could be lost from
this type of envelope.
4. Pick up fibers on tape only if the laboratory allows it and gives proper requirements.
When fibers or threads are recovered, all clothing of persons from which they might have
originate must be snet to the laboratory for comparison purposes.

Review Question:
1. What are the sources of hair evidence?
2. How does hair play a significant role as evidence?
3. Enumerate the classes of fibers and fabric?
4. How does fiber play a significant role as evidence?

Lesson 4: Ultraviolet, Fiber, Tape, Impressions and Paint

A. Ultraviolet Examination
 A method of scientific examination of evidence using ultraviolet light
 Purposes: to determine the presence of ultraviolet fluorescent powder on dusted money
(marked money); to determine the presence of ultraviolet fluorescent powder on hands
od the suspect
 It is useful on crimes such as illegal recruitment, extortion, and drug by-bust operations
where offenders are caught through entrapment

Ultraviolet Fluorescent Powder (UV Powder)

 The UV thief powder is designed for the thief detection and identification of stolen or
altered items
 The UV powder once touched remains on fingers and palms, and invisible, except under
UV light
B. Fiber
 Is the smallest single unit forming the basis of the textile yarn
 It may be identified as to type, color and matching characteristics based on laboratory
microscopic, micro chemical and melting point examinations

Value of Fibers as Evidence

 Matching dyed synthetic fibers or dyed natural fibers can be very meaningful, whereas,
the matching of common fibers such as white cotton or blue denim cotton would be less
significant
C. Tape
  The examination is similar to fabrics examination which generally involves the matching
of the ends of pieces of tapes used at the scene of a crime with the end of tape on a roll
found in the possession of a suspect
D. Shoe Print and Tire Impression
 The recognition, collection and examination of this impression evidence can provide
irrefutable proof of the presence of an individual or a vehicle at the scene or in contact
with the victim
E. Paint
 Paint specimen is examined and compared by using microscope to determine the color,
texture, layer, structure and any unique characteristics which may serve as points of
similarity or dissimilarity
 Paint specimen or scraping is further analyzed using Quarts Spectrograph in
determining and comparing the elemental composition of the questioned and standard
Lesson 5: Tool Mark
Learning Outcomes:
 Define “tool marks” and describe their characteristics:
 Describe the process of preserving and packaging tools
A tool is an instrument or object capable of making a mark on another object.
A tool mark is defined as any impression, cut, scratch, gouge, or abrasion, or any other
making left on an object by another harder object or instrument. A tool mark may be classified
as a negative impression, as an abrasion or friction type mark or as a combination of two.
Negative impression – is made when a tool is pressed against or into a receiving surface.
This type of mark is usually made when a crowbar is used to pry open a door or a window.
Abrasion or friction mark – is made when a tool cuts into or slides across a surface. This
type of mark may be made by a pair of pliers, a bolt cutter, knife, ax, saw, drill, plane, or a die
used in the manufactured of wire.
Combination mark – is made, for example when a crowbar is forcefully inserted into the
space between a door and the door facing and pressure is applied to the handle of the tool to
force the door open. The forceful insertion of the crowbar produces an abrasion or friction mark
and the levering action produces a negative impression.

Application of Tool Mark

1. Knife marks on bone
2. Fractured knife blades
3. Homemade explosive devices
4. Crimp marks on detonation
5. Cut marks on wire
6. Pry marks on window or door

Places and Surfaces Where Tool Marks Might be Observed in Criminal Investigations
1. Human bone or cartilage
2. Door and window frames
3. Sections of sheet metal
4. Padlocks, doorknobs
5. Wire, chains
6. Bolts and locks
7. Safety – deposit boxes and safes

Preservation and Packaging of Tools

Several guidelines should be followed in preserving and packaging tools.
1. All areas on recovered tools, which contain building materials, transferred paint, or other
contaminants, among others, should be wrapped in paper and packaged properly to
prevent the prying blades or cutting edges from contacting any other surface or object.
2. Test marks should never be made prior to laboratory examination. This can after the tool
and make the examination worthless. Moreover, traces of transferred paint or other
stains on the tool may be lost or additional material may be transferred to the tool, thus
harming its integrity as a piece of evidenced.
3. The whole object must be submitted to the laboratory. If this is not possible, the
investigator carefully photographs and sketches the area containing the mark.
Photograph can assist in determining how mark was made.
 4. Casts of tool marks are made by a person who has had considerable experience in this
work. Poor casts are useless for comparison purposes, and some marks can be
damaged if improper methods are used.
5. The object containing tool marks should be packed properly so that no alteration or
damage will occur during shipment. Small objects should be wrapped with clean paper
and placed in envelopes or boxes, while important areas on larger objects can be
protected with paper. Meanwhile, large objects can be packed in cartons or carries.

Review Question:
1. What are “tool marks” and what are their characteristics?
2. Are “tire impressions” and “tire tracks”?

Lesson 6: Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO)

Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
 Conduct of processes, more particularly the recognition, search, handling, preservation
and documentation of physical evidence to include the identification and interview of
witnesses and the arrest of suspect/s at the crime scene

First Responder
Must Do
a. Cordon off the crime scene with wathever available materials like police line, if available,
or ropes, straws or human barricade;
b. Evacuate injured persons to the nearest hospital;
c. Prepare to take the “dying declaration” of severely injured person, if any;
d. Prevent entry/exit of persons within the cordoned area; and
e. Prepare to brief the investigators of the situation upon their arrival.

List of Physical Evidence which will most likely yield Significant Results upon Examination
1. Blood, semen and saliva (liquid or dried, animal or human).
2. Documents (written and typed) – paper, ink, indented writings, obliterations and burned
or charred documents.
3. Drugs.
4. Explosives (any object that contain an explosive residue).
5. Hairs and Fibers.
6. Fingerprints (latent and visible).
7. Firearms and Ammunition.
8. Glass particles or fragments that may have been transferred to person or object involved
in a crime.
9. Impressions (shoe prints, depressions in soils and other tracks, glove and fabric
impressions, impression and bite mark.
Cases Falling Under the SOCO Category
a) Murder
b) Homicide
c) Rape with Homicide
d) Arson
e) Robbery with Homicide
f) Other heinous/sensational cases as directed by higher headquarters and other cases
where SOCO assistance is necessary
Composition of SOCO Team
a) Team Leader
b) Driver/Evidence Custodian
c) SOCO Specialist/Technicians

a) Health officer
b) Crime photographer
c) Sketcher/Measurer
d) Forensic chemical officer

Basic SOCO Equipments/Materials

 1. Police Line
2. Measuring device e/g. ruler and measuring tape
3. Recording materials e.g. chalk, notebook, sketching and paper pad, pencils, Pentel
pens, permanent ink marker and coupon bond
4. SLR camera with film
5. Video camera
6. Tape recorder
7. Evidence collection kit
8. Compass
9. Search light with battery charger
10. Evidence tags/markers
11. First Aid kit
12. Paper bags (all sizes)
13. Stylus
14. Venier Caliper
15. Micrometer
16. Paraffin wax
17. SOCO forms and Crime Lab request form
18. Gloves
19. Gauze
20. Finger print card
21. Black and White latent lifting card
22. Eraser
23. Stapler with extra staple wire
24. Kit board

SOCO Tools
1. Flashlight
2. Scissors
3. Knife (heavy duty and folding)
4. Rulers and measuring tapes
5. Adjustable wrench
6. Pliers
7. Wire cutter
8. Complete screwdriver set
9. Saw
10. Ax or hatcher
11. Shovel
12. Fingerprint magnifier
13. Nylon bush
14. Magnet
15. Spatula
16. Box of plaster of Paris for casting and lifting
17. Goggles
18. Sitting screen
19. Funnel (different sizes)
20. Scalpels
21. Ladder

Scene Investigation Proper

a. Receipt of briefing and designation of command post (an area which is ideally located
adjacent to the crime ecene where the CSI evidence custodian stays and receives the
pieces of evidence turned over to him for safekeeping by the other evidence collectors)
b. Initiation of preliminary survey
c. Preparation of Narrative report
d. Documentation of the Crime Scene
e. Crime scene sketches
f. Detailed search
g. Collection of physical evidence
h. Conduct of final survey
i. Release of the crime scene
Guidelines for taking photographs of a Crime Scene
 Photographs of the crime scene should be taken as soon as possible before the start of
note-taking, sketching and searching of physical evidence
 Photographs should illustrate the original, uncontaminated conditions of the crime scene
 Photographs should be taken at6 the crime scene only
 Photographs must form an organized sequence and show all relevant locations and
objects

Crime Scene Search

 Methods of Crime Scene Search

1. Quadrant or Zone Search Method

2. Strip or Line Search Method

3. Spiral Search Method

 4. Grid or Double Strip Search Method

5. Wheel Search Method

Purpose of a Crime Scene Search

1. To systematically look for physical evidence that may prove useful in establishing that a crime
has been committed

2. To determine what method of operation the perpetrator may have used