CJO3 EOC Review Evidence
O – Describe the role of evidence in investigations O – Assist in identifying, preserving, collecting, recording, and storing mock evidence O – Describe the chain of custody of evidence O – Classify, identify, and mark property O – Match property with reports O – Describe storage and control of evidence, property, and supplies
What is direct evidence? O Firsthand observations O Testimony by a witness about what that witness saw, heard, or did O Includes videos and confessions
What is circumstantial evidence? O Indirect evidence O Can be used to imply a fact but does not directly prove it O Includes trace evidence
What is trace evidence? O Evidence that is transferred during the commission of a crime as a result of contact O From one person/object to another person/object
What are examples of physical evidence? O Anything not associated with living things, such as… O Fingerprints O Impressions (shoe prints, tire tracks, tool marks) O Weapons O Synthetic fibers O Bullets O Etc.
What are examples of biological evidence? O Anything directly associated with living things, such as… O Hairs O Fibers O Blood O Skin cells O Etc.
What is class evidence? O Evidence that narrows an identity to a group of persons or things. O Ex. ABO blood type
What is individual evidence? O Evidence that narrows an identity to a single person or things. O Typically has such a unique combination of characteristics that it could only belong to one person or thing. O Ex. Fingerprint, DNA
How is evidence identified? O By looking for items/objects that seem out of place
How is evidence properly collected/packaged? O Wear the appropriate PPE O Change gloves/equipment between items O Collect/package the most fragile evidence first O Follow guidelines set forth by published standards O Collect the entire object whenever possible O Seal and completely label each package
How is evidence properly collected/packaged? - CONTINUED O Package items separately when found separately but together when found together O Package in a way that prevents stain transfer O Use pharmaceutical folds to secure small evidence within larger packaging
How is evidence properly collected/packaged? - CONTINUED O Dry wet items. Store wet items in breathable packaging O Package biological/DNA evidence in paper! O Clear firearms and package sharps in rigid containers O Package liquids and arson evidence in tightly sealed, unbreakable, airtight containers (ex. metal paint cans) O Keep electronics away from magnets/static
What is a control? O A sample with known origin O Ex. Blood collected directly from a victim or suspect
How is a control used? O To compare with any evidence whose source is unknown O Ex. Blood at a scene O May be used for exclusion
What is chain of custody? O A written record of who has had possession of evidence at all times
How is chain of custody documented and maintained during evidence examination? O Each package is cut along an unsealed edge and resealed in the original packaging unless it is damaged, in which a new package can be used but should contain the original damaged packaged O An existing seal is NEVER broken if possible
What happens to evidence that is no longer needed? O It is auctioned off, returned to the owner, or destroyed
When does evidence disposal occur? O Continuously, annually, or on a special date.
How long must property be maintained? O Until the statute of limitations has expired (regardless of case type, arrests, suspects, etc.) O Homicide evidence should be maintained indefinately
How can you ensure that evidence has not been tampered with? O Check that the initialed evidence tape is intact
What are the responsibilities of an evidence custodian? O To check each piece of evidence to ensure that all forms are properly completed and that the evidence is the same as described on the labels/forms
How is damage to evidence packaging documented? O The damaged area should be sealed and labeled O An explanation for the change/repair should be documented on the chain of custody O Ex. “Bag ripped, was repaired and initialed.”