Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Practice Exam

Which method is NOT one of the five types of crime scene searches?

1. Grid Search

2. Zone Search

3. Scatter Search

4. Spiral Search

The correct answer is: Scatter Search

The method that is not recognized as one of the five types of crime scene searches is known as the scatter search. The established methods include grid, zone, and spiral searches, each serving specific purposes based on the nature of the crime scene and the type of evidence being sought. Grid searches involve a systematic pattern that covers the area thoroughly, moving in horizontal and vertical lines. Zone searches break down the crime scene into smaller sections, allowing investigators to concentrate their efforts methodically within each zone. Spiral searches are useful for scenes with no physical barriers, allowing investigators to start from a central point and work outward or vice versa, making it effective for covering circular areas. The scatter search, however, is not a recognized systematic method for searching crime scenes. It suggests a random or haphazard approach, which does not ensure thoroughness or accuracy, and thus it is not considered an effective or standard practice in crime scene investigation. This recognition is critical for ensuring that all potential evidence is located and preserved effectively, which is the primary goal of any appropriate search method.