Final answer:
The crime scene supervisor must consider factors such as the nature of the ground, lighting conditions, environmental conditions, and size of the item being searched when determining the size of a search swathe. This is true.
Step-by-step explanation:
When deciding upon how large of a search swathe to assign in patterned searches, the crime scene supervisor must consider several factors. These factors include the nature of the ground being searched, the lighting conditions, the on-scene environmental conditions, and the size of the item being searched for. By taking these factors into account, the crime scene supervisor can optimize the search area to increase the chances of finding the desired item.
For example, if the ground is rough or heavily wooded, a larger search swathe may be necessary to ensure thorough coverage. Similarly, if the lighting conditions are poor, a larger search swathe may be needed to compensate for reduced visibility. On the other hand, if the item being searched for is small or easily overlooked, a narrower search swathe may be sufficient.
In conclusion, the statement is true. When deciding upon how large of a search swathe to assign, the crime scene supervisor must consider various factors to ensure an effective and efficient search.