Packaging Evidence Essential Question: How do we demonstrate the proper techniques for collecting and packaging physical evidence found at the crime scene?

Proper collection and packaging helps to protect the evidence and ensure its integrity

Investigators should wear gloves and use forceps when necessary. Each item of evidence should be marked with the date and Investigators initials and packaged separately. The type of packaging is dependent on the nature of the evidence.

Types of Evidence

Direct evidence firsthand observations: eyewitness accounts dashboard video cameras confessions

Circumstantial Evidence: is indirect evidence that can be used to imply a fact but that does not directly prove it. No one, other than the suspect and victim, actually sees when circumstantial evidence is left at the crime scene. This evidence can be physical or biological in nature. Example: finding a gun at the suspect’s house, bloody knife, fingerprints, etc.

Types of Circumstantial Evidence Physical: Evidence not from living organisms Examples: impressions such as fingerprints, footprints, shoe prints, tire impressions, and tool marks, gun, knife, car(not paint), pan. Biological: From living organisms Examples: body fluids, hair, plant parts, and natural fibers.

Explain why this would or would not be trace evidence.

2 Classifications of Evidence Class Evidence: narrows an identity to a group of persons or things. Knowing the ABO blood type of a sample of blood type that may have been there, excludes others. Individual Evidence: narrows an identity to a single person or thing. Individual evidence typically has such a unique combination of characteristics that it could only belong to one person or thing, such as a fingerprint.

Securing and Collecting Evidence All evidence needs to be properly packaged, sealed, and labeled. Specific procedures and techniques for evidence collection and storage must be followed. An evidence log and a chain of custody document must be attached to the evidence container. The evidence log should contain all pertinent information, including: Case number, item inventory number, description of the evidence, name of suspect, name of victim, date and time of recovery, signature of person recovering the evidence, signature of any witnesses present during collection.

So what goes where?

Securing and Collecting the Evidence: Packaging Evidence Metal or plastic forceps may have to be used to pick up small items. Plastic pill bottles with lids are preferred containers for hairs, glass, fibers, and other kinds of trace evidence. Liquids and arson remains are stored in airtight, unbreakable containers.

Druggist’s Fold for Evidence: Most biological evidence is stored in breathable containers so the evidence can dry out, reducing the chances of mold contamination. After the evidence has air dried, it is packaged into a paper bindle (or druggist’s fold) then placed in a paper or plastic container.

There’s a simple rule of thumb for deciding which type of evidence packaging— wet evidence goes in paper containers (wet evidence can degrade if placed inside plastic containers) and dry evidence goes in plastic. Items that could be cross-contaminated must be packaged separately.

Evidence Log & Chain of Custody Each person who comes in contact with a piece of evidence must use proper procedure and protocol in order to maintain responsible handling of evidence from crime scene to courtroom in order for the evidence to be admissible in court.

Control Samples: Control samples should also be taken from the victim for purposes of exclusion (blood, hair, etc.) Standard/Reference Sample- Physical evidence whose origin is known, such as blood or hair from a suspect, that can be compared to crime-scene evidence.

Analyze the Evidence: A forensic lab processes all evidence the crime scene investigation team collected. Forensic lab technicians are specialized and process one type of evidence, unlike CSI TV shows where they may process many.

Create your own crime scene in your groups. Crime scene should include at least 3 pieces of evidence to be collected.

Create your own crime scene in your groups. Now rotate to another groups crime scene. Write down at least 3 pieces of evidence you would collect, what it would be put in and why?