A smaller LE does not mean that they do not know the protocols involved with respect to a potential crime scene.
It as well does not mean that they did not collect items prior to the the obtaining the search warrant.
What it tells me is that they did not have the resources available to them that the CBI, and FBI were able to bring to the table.
"The Sheriff's Office is not calling Mark Redwine a suspect," said Bender, "However, since that house was the last place Dylan was seen, it is only prudent to do a more thorough search of that house and property for any information that can help direct us to Dylan."
"Bender told the Herald that Mark Redwine has allowed investigators to look through his house on previous occasions."
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/new...edwines-father-does-not-call-father-a-suspect