Colorado POST Practice Exam

Which crime scene search pattern involves dividing the area into sections?

1. Zone pattern

2. Grid pattern

3. Spiral pattern

4. Parallel pattern

The correct answer is: Zone pattern

The zone pattern is characterized by dividing a crime scene into specific sections or zones, where each area is systematically searched for evidence. This method is particularly effective in complex or large crime scenes where different types of evidence may be located in distinct areas. By assigning teams or individuals to specific zones, the thoroughness of the search improves and helps ensure that evidence is not overlooked. In contrast, the grid pattern involves searching the area in overlapping lanes that cross each other, providing a comprehensive inspection but not specifically breaking the area into distinct sections. The spiral pattern, which can either be inward or outward, is used in open areas where evidence can be positioned at various distances from the center but does not divide the scene into sections. Lastly, the parallel pattern involves searching in straight lines across the scene without zoning the area, which may lead to less organized evidence collection. Choosing the zone pattern for searching specifically aids in methodically addressing each section of a crime scene, making it a preferred approach in certain investigations.