What is the term for dividing the search area into four sections?

The term for dividing the search area into four sections is known as "Zone" or "Quadrant" searching. This method is particularly effective for systematically covering a defined area by allowing investigators to focus their efforts on one section at a time. By dividing the area into quadrants, each section can be thoroughly searched for evidence, which helps to ensure that nothing is overlooked.

In this approach, investigators can assign teams or individuals to each quadrant, making it easier to manage the search process and ensuring a collaborative effort. This method is beneficial in various crime scene scenarios, especially when the area is large or complex, as it isolates specific portions of the scene for detailed examination.

Other search methods like Grid, Spiral, and Strip/Line each have their own applications and advantages but do not specifically refer to dividing an area into four sections. For example, the Grid method involves overlapping search paths in parallel lines, while the Spiral method entails moving in a circular pattern inward or outward from a point. The Strip/Line method consists of straight lines across the area but also does not segment it into distinct quadrants.