Chapter 6: Principles of Forensic Evidence Collection and Preservation

Locard's principle

This principle states that physical evidence can be used to corroborate or disprove a person's recollection of events, implicate a person to the commission of a crime, or exonerate those wrongly suspected or accused of committing a crime.

Physical evidence

An invaluable tool for law enforcement authorities, but its integrity must be upheld through careful handling, proper collection, and a documented chain of custody.

Chain-of-custody documents

This record the link formed between each person who handles a piece of evidence.

Digital photography

This is made when a light-sensitive microchip inside the camera is exposed to light coming from the object or scene.

anatomical chart

This should be used to record all marks on the body, including size, shape, color, location, and foreign material.

Commercial evidence collection kits

These are a convenient and useful means for assuring the availability of appropriate evidence containers. It includes a variety of small metal cans for the collection of debris, paint chips, glass particles, or metal fragments.

Ring

It is composed of material transferred from the surface of the bullet onto the target as the bullet passes through the fabric.