Physical Evidence Collection, Packaging, and Transportation Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining key physical evidence terms, forensic laboratory sections, packaging rules, and chain of custody concepts based on the lecture material.

Physical Evidence

Any object, material, or trace left at a crime scene that has the potential to provide relevant information about the incident, the individuals involved, or the circumstances surrounding the event.

Obliteration

The act of covering or removing original writing on a document to make it difficult to read.

Hair with Root

Biological evidence that must be sent to the Biology/DNA Lab because the root may contain nuclear DNA used for individual identification.

Hair without Root

Trace evidence that is submitted to the Trace Chemistry Lab for forensic examination.

Trace Chemistry Lab

The forensic laboratory section responsible for analyzing fibers, hair without roots, glass particles, paint, petroleum products, polymers, and explosives or explosive residues.

Toxicology Lab

The specialized laboratory department that tests body organs and physiological fluids for the presence of drugs and poisons.

Narcotics Lab

The laboratory section designated for analyzing suspected illegal drugs and plastic bags containing drug residues.

Questioned Documents Lab

The forensic department that examines handwriting, typewriting, ink, indented writing, obliterations, and burned or charred documents.

Firearms & Tool Marks Lab

The forensic laboratory section responsible for examining firearms, fired cartridge cases, bullets, tool impressions, gunshot residue (GSR), and restoring obliterated serial numbers.

Computer Forensics Lab

The forensic laboratory department dedicated to retrieving and examining data from digital devices such as computers and hard drives.

Audio Visual Lab

The forensic laboratory department responsible for audio and video analysis, such as examining CCTV DVRs.

Latent Fingerprints Lab

The forensic laboratory section that processes friction-ridge evidence (fingerprints) as well as impression evidence like shoeprints and tire tracks.

Paper Bags for Evidence Packaging

Recommended packaging for biological evidence and stained fabrics because paper breathes and prevents moisture buildup, thereby inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth.

Firearm Evidence Packaging

Procedure requiring firearms to be unloaded prior to submission and packaged inside a paper box secured with fixed ties.

Tamperproof Evidence Tape

Specialized tape used to label and seal evidence packages to provide visual evidence if a package has been opened or altered.

Chain of Custody

The process of maintaining and recording every transfer of evidence, including the names and signatures of every individual who handles it.

Laboratory Receipt

A document issued by the laboratory upon receiving evidence that confirms its arrival and serves as an official record in the chain of custody.