Evidence Collection Notes

GOALS of EVIDENCE COLLECTION

• Must be processed in a way that prevent damage from crime scene to lab
• Need to recognize all pieces of possible evidence
• Must protect investigators above anything else

HOW TO COLLECT

• Every item must have its own container
• Everything must be labeled with following

        - Initial your name

        -Date collected

        -Evidence number

        -where is was collected

        -description of item

- Everything must be properly photographed before being moved

Chain of Custody

• Every person who handles something must be accounted for
• This is located on container

Purpose: for evidence to be presented in court and to prevent mis-placed evidence

Paper Bags

• Biological samples(anything DNA)
• NO fingerprints- paper can destroy them
• Hats
• Fingernail scrapings and clippings

Plastic

• Wet items can be in plastic but must be immediately taken out of bag at lab
• Can destroy biological samples
• Fingerprints

BOXES

• Used for weapons(weapons are secured with zip ties)
• Transport ammunition separately
• Larger items

Biohazard

• Must be clearly marked biohazard

Arson

-paint cans or glass

Druggist Fold

• Hair
• Fiber

Faraday Bags

• Static free
• For electronics

Purpose: To block signals from other devices from reaching the one inside the bag

Other

-Glass containers

-Tyvek

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