Little Known Metal Detector Usage: Tool Used at Crime Scenes

When most people think of metal detector usage, they imagine folks strolling along the beach or through a field or forest looking for lost jewelry and coins. While these hobbyists may enjoy the excitement of an outdoor scavenger hunt for treasures, there are some much more serious reasons for using these high-tech devices. Metal detectors help local, state, and federal authorities in crime scene investigation efforts all the time.

 

Metal Detector Usage Uncovers Hidden or Lost Evidence

The name of these devices indicates their primary purpose. They detect metal. While most people use them for entertainment to find coins, jewelry, artifacts, or other lost items, the authorities use them to make their jobs easier. Evidence can range from stray bullets or casings to weapons, car parts or broken industrial machinery, or stolen wallets and even clothing or accessories of a murder victim.
 
Of course, choosing the best waterproof metal detectors [i] matters when it comes to discovering lost items, evidence, and clues related to criminal activity or accidents. While very similar to a fun outdoor scavenger hunt, the results matter so much more to victims and their families.
 
What does it take to use a metal detector for official purposes? It makes sense to choose devices that can be set to a variety of frequencies for different types of metal or depths. This means police or other investigators can find items both on the surface and underground. Waterproof options expand their search range even more as many clues may end up in streams, rivers, ponds, and even tossed into the surf at the shore. The more capabilities the metal detector has, the greater benefit it brings to crime scene investigations.
 

The Difference for Crime Scene Investigation

The collection of all evidence related to any crime makes it much easier to prosecute guilty parties and get a conviction. This brings a sense of closure and peace of mind to victims. While there are many investigative processes in place across all police forces and other authority organizations, metal detecting adds another layer.
 
Not all shell casings fall on concrete in a clear line of sight for investigators. Not every quickly tossed knife lands on a convenient rock in a fast-moving stream. Metal parts fly off in all directions after a violent traffic accident. Criminals bury weapons or stolen goods, too. [ii] There are limited ways to search for these items crucial to criminal or negligent activity without the use of a metal detector.
 

 

A search team properly trained in detection practices who are armed with high-quality metal detectors can find more evidence in less time. [iii] This allows them to create a better case or explanation for the events that occurred. These devices help them find everything they need to reach the best and most accurate resolution possible.
 
While metal detecting hobbyists not affiliated with the local or state police forces cannot jump into crime scenes and search for evidence, there may be ways you can help. This is especially true in the case of missing people or lost items. Volunteer for search crews using your high-tech device within the bounds of legally organized searches.

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[i] https://panckydetectors.com/products/pancky-metal-detector-adult-pk0075
[ii] https://www.newhaven.edu/_resources/documents/academics/surf/past-projects/2015/nicole-richard-paper.pdf
[iii] https://leb.fbi.gov/articles/featured-articles/metal-detectors-in-evidence-search-and-recovery

 
Read More:
The Invention of Metal Detectors – History and Tech Improvements
Metal Detecting History Short Story – Learn More About the Creation and Development of Metal Detectors