1. ROLES WITHIN A FORENSIC INVESTIGATION Police Officers Investigating Officer, FOA, Scene Guard Pathologist Forensic Scientist Various specialists such as Ballistics, Fire Investigation, BPA, Fibres, Drugs etc

2. ROLES WITHIN A FORENSIC INVESTIGATION Police Officers Investigating Officer, FOA, Scene Guard Pathologist Forensic Scientist Various specialists such as Ballistics, Fire Investigation, BPA, Fibres, Drugs etc

3. ROLE OF FORENSIC SCIENTIST The Police normally have a suspect in mind, so the forensic scientist is called upon to confirm or deny the police hypothesis. The scientist will complete an evidential statement stating the probability of the individual’s involvement. The forensic scientist’s examination will involve a two stage process: Identification of evidence - involves the comparison of the questioned sample with control samples, for the ultimate purpose of determining whether or not they have a common origin. The more characteristics the two or more samples have in common, the more complex or discriminatory the identification. Individualisation of evidence - determines whether a sample is unique, even among similar evidence types. Statistical analysis of significance of common features is helpful, such as DNA analysis, however statistical interpretations are only as reliable as the databases upon which the conclusions are based.

4. FORENSIC PRINCIPLE  In the context of criminal investigation forensic science means using scientific methods to record and recover evidence to deliver in court.  Modern forensic practice is based on the theory of a scientist called DR Edmund LOCARD who theorised that in 1920 that: “EVERY CONTACT LEAVES A TRACE”  In other words, whenever two surfaces come into contact with each other, transference of particulates from one surface to the other shall occur.  Using Locard’s Principle, the role of the SOCO is to record the scene and to locate and recover physical evidence to link an offender to that scene by such means as photography, fingerprint examination and recover of forensic evidence.  Crime scene investigation is more than the processing or documentation of crime scenes, nor is it just the collection or packaging of physical evidence. It is the first step and most crucial step of any forensic investigation. The foundation of all forensic investigations are based on the ability of the SOCO to recognise the potential importance of physical evidence at the crime scene.

5. EVIDENCE TYPES Footwear marks Fingerprints –Visible marks –Latent marks DNA Tool and other Impression Evidence Particulate Evidence- Glass, Paint, Fibres etc. Physical evidence

6. LINKED CRIME SCENES ‘Primary scene’ - scene where original or first criminal act occurred, ‘Secondary Scene’ - any subsequent scene (i.e. vehicle used in the offence). Evidence recovered from the primary scene could potentially identify a person as having committed the crime. Evidence recovered from the secondary scene will provide only an involvement with that related scene, therefore further evidence is required to link the scenes together. HOWEVER BE AWARE OF CROSS CONTAMINATION!!

7. HEALTH AND SAFETY AT CRIME SCENES ‘ Dynamic Risk Assessments’ Biohazards Chemicals Working at Height Weak Structures Traffic Sharps Personnel Personal Protective Equipment ‘PPE’ Barrier method of protection serves as a two-way function (protects the samples from contamination and protects the person from hazards) Documentation H & S Data sheets, COSSH etc.. (Information required when working with substances / chemicals)

8. SCENE PRESERVATION Common Approach Path ‘CAP’ Purpose: To allow controlled entry To reduce disturbance and loss of evidence To protect evidence Health & Safety Requirements: Avoid the path of the offender if at all possible Use natural boundaries such as hedges/fences/ buildings etc. go directly to the scene with minimal deviation Be clearly identified (use tape/signs) & wide enough to access with equipment

9. SCENE PRESERVATION Scene Log Purpose: To monitor entry of personnel To reduce disturbance and loss of evidence To protect the scene Health & Safety Details include: Having to preserve a piece of evidence from the elements by moving it. People acting suspiciously – descriptions and actions. Details of witnesses. Vehicle index numbers. The weather conditions. Crime Scene Preservation

10. CONTAMINATION Direct Contamination - by you or anyone else that comes into contact with the exhibit. Contamination of exhibits for forensic analysis can occur by poor preservation, inadequate forensic packaging and/or poor handling. Cross Contamination - when forensic evidence from a crime scene is transferred to a suspect by coming into contact with a third party instead of the scene directly. It is important that if you attend one crime scene or deal with one person involved in the investigation you do not come into contact with another scene or person.

11. DOCUMENTATION Scene notes must include –Offence details (type of crime, date, etc) –Premises involved (address) or vehicle details –Your observations and decisions (regarding preservation etc) –Details of recovered exhibits and location where found –Recovery methods and packaging used –Storage of exhibits and continuity of evidence. –Diagrams showing location of exhibit with measurements –Sketch plan (major scenes) KEEP YOUR NOTES CONCISE AND ACCURATE Diagrams normally reduce the amount of detailed notes required

12. PHOTOGRAPHY Techniques employed: –Scene Photograph all areas (quarter the room) Use exhibit numbers when required Use tripod in low light conditions –Exhibits Photograph location of exhibit Take close-up image of the item (with exhibit number) Use labels –Interpretation Use directional arrows and labels Use right angle scales Photograph at 90 degree angle

13. EVIDENCE RECOVERY Latent marks – Fingerprints/Shoe marks - need to be enhanced using various techniques – lighting, powders, chemicals etc Visible marks – photographed and enhanced further, e.g. marks in blood Cleaned scenes – chemicals such as Luminol can be used Fibres – searching tools available such as Crime Scope and UV lighting, fibre taping (1:1) DNA – visible sampling/recovery and speculative swabbing for SGM+ and/or LCN Impression marks - Tool marks/Shoe marks – casting materials used

14. EVIDENCE COMPARISON DNA analysis DNA evidence recovered from the crime scene will be submitted to a Forensic Laboratory. The biologist will carry out the DNA extraction and profiling techniques. DNA evidence will either be directly compared with an evidential mouth swab from a suspect or the item will be submitted to the National DNA Database for a search against the suspect on it. Particulate and fibre analysis SOCO may recover material which appears alien to the scene, such a glass fragments, fibres or paint transfer on a surface. This type of evidence requires chemical analysis to reveal its component parts and can only be carried out by the appropriately trained scientist at the Forensic Laboratory. These types of analysis will normally be accompanied with a control sample to make a comparison with, which another SOCO or Police Officer will have recovered.

15. EVIDENCE COMPARISON Fingerprint comparison SOCO use various techniques to visualise, enhance and recover fingerprint marks from the crime scene. The Police Force Fingerprint Experts will check these finger marks. They will either be directly compared with a suspects fingerprints or searched against NAFIS, the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System. Should a match be established, 3 different Fingerprint Experts must confirm the match result separately. Footwear comparison SOCO use various techniques to visualise and recover footwear marks from within a crime scene. When a possible offender is arrested, his shoes will be seized as evidence. The initial comparison of the crime scene shoe mark against with the suspect’s shoe is completed within the Police Force. They will check that the size, make and sole patterns are similar. The evidence will be then submitted to the Forensic Laboratory for comparison. A footwear specialist will carry out a microscopic examination for unique characteristics within the shoe.

16. DNA ANALYSIS DNA is very stable and with modern forensic techniques only a minute sample, as little as one cell is required for scientific analysis. The current Method is Second Generation Multiplex or SGM+ which has a discriminatory power of 1 in 1,000 million. This method: involves replicating the sample of DNA using the Polymerase Chain Reaction or PCR amplification technique (28 cycles) will detect differences in the DNA structure at ten positions on ten separate chromosomes. determine the sex of the donor. (helpful in rape cases) Other techniques include: Low Copy Number which involves a greater amplification of the stain (34 cycles) and is therefore more sensitive on minute samples (and equally more sensitive to contamination). Mitochondrial DNA which can be used for elimination

17. DNA EXAMPLES Blood Chewing Gum / Cigarette Ends Fingernail Clippings Comb / Razor Drinking Vessel / Saliva Hats / Balaclava / Socks / Gloves Cigarette Lighter Jewellery Hair Finger marks/Sweat, String/Adhesive Tape Tools/Screws/Nuts/Bolts, Footwear Food Items Envelopes / Stamps

18. L ocate/Record/Recover BLOOD /DNA To locate minute traces of blood a good light source is essential. Oblique lighting will assist with a search. Once blood is located, the stain should be confirmed with a presumptive blood testing kit. There are 2 readily available: Leucomalachite Green LMG and Kastle Mayer KM Re cord the location of the blood/DNA and note whether the bloodstain is wet or dry and what type of stain it is. I.e. spot., splash, drip, smear. Consider photography to show distribution Methods of DNA/blood recovery are dependent on the condition of the sample (i.e. a wet or dry stain) and its location. Best practice is to recover the whole stained item for DNA analysis, however this may compromise other evidence types such as fingerprints. Swabbing - each sample consists of one wet swab taken from the stained surface, a second wet swab from the surrounding unstained area and a third wet swab as a batch control, in case contaminants are present in the swabs or distilled water. Each sample of three swabs are packaged in the same bag and labelled with details such as the time, date and location. Scraping – the sample is collected using a sterile blade and clean piece of paper folded inwards and placed into a labelled bag.

19. CONTAMINATION DNA profiling is extremely sensitive Contamination can occur easily by Sneezing, Breathing, Handling item LCN technique very sensitive to contamination, only sterile surfaces considered Face mask and gloves need to be worn

20. FIBRE TRANSFER When a person comes into contact with an object, person or place they will transfer fibres from their clothing to and from them, known as ‘two-way transfer’.

21. FIBRE ANALYSIS The scientist will examine for extraneous fibres on the suspects garment, which could have transferred from the crime scene and also recover a constituent sample of the suspects garment fibres to compare with the fibres recovered from the crime scene. Laboratory examination of fibres can identify the type of fibre and determine the possible origin of the fibre from a fabric source. Fibres are divided into two distinct categories, natural fibres such as cotton and wool and man-made fibres such as nylon and polyester. The method of examination is dependent on the type of fibre under analysis. Natural Fibres - Microscopy can be used to identify the type of natural fibre, using comparison with a collection of control samples. Man-made Fibres - Man-made fibres have greater similarities and scientific analysis is required: –Man-made fibres possess certain optical properties, one of which is called Birefringence or Double Refraction. –Another optical property of man-made fibres is their ability to selectively absorb Infra Red light in a characteristic pattern. Infra Red Spectrometry can be used and Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography (PGC). Once the type of fibre has been identified, analysis and comparison of the dyes within the fibres will be performed using various methods including Spectrometry and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC).

22. FIBRE EVIDENCE Transference of fibres by physical contact is dependent on various factors such as: the nature of the fibres of the donor and recipient garment, the number of contacts, the length of contact and the pressure involved. The retention of fibres on an item depends on the texture of the garment, the time elapsed since the offence, the activity since the offence and whether the garment has been washed. Fibre Exchange is often encountered in assaults between the two parties and in vehicle decamps. Fibre Recovery High intensity light sources are used for searching, Fibre collection- using forceps or tapings Speculative tapings - tapings are taken from the car seats for example, to show where people were sitting in the vehicle 1:1 Body taping - In murders the entire body is covered with pieces of adhesive tape to recover fibres in their original locations. A scientist can comment on the fibre transfer from a suspect and reconstruct their actions during the offence.

23. TOOL MARKS In a situation where a hard object comes into contact with a soft one it will leave an impression leaving the possibility of linking the two objects together forensically. Individual tool/weapon striation marks Levering tools will normally give a reasonably good impression but depends on the material that the tool is being impressed into. The tool slides across the surface and the microscopically uneven tip leaves a series of corresponding scratches called striation marks. These can be matched to each other conclusively as long as the impression and the tool have not undergone rough treatment that would destroy the microscopic ridges. Tool marks are cast using a casting material. Any tools recovered must have their ends protected.

24. GLASS EVIDENCE Glass is a commonly encountered type of particulate evidence. When a pane of glass is broken the majority of the glass travels away in the same direction of the force applied however microscopic fragments travel backwards- known as ‘backward fragmentation’. If a suspect is arrested within a reasonable amount of time glass will be present in their clothing and hair. The persistence of glass fragments on an item is dependent on various factors, such as the distance from impact, the time elapsed since the offence and the retention of the garment texture. When clothing from a suspect is examined by a forensic scientist, they will recover any glass particles from clothing and comment on: The number of fragments – was the suspect close to the window when it was broken? The condition of the fragments - freshly broken glass is sharper than old samples which wear down, so has the suspect has been in recent contact with broken glass? The refractive index and chemical composition of the samples from the scene and the suspect – Is the glass on them of the same type as that of the broken window? 

25. GLASS ANALYSIS Physical fit – suitable for larger samples of glass, physical fit or the ‘jigsaw’ method of fitting the pieces of glass together can conclusively link samples. For tiny specules of glass found as contact traces scientific analysis is required: Microscopy - initially used to collect a suitable sample of glass fragments for analysis. The scientist will look for clear sharp fragments. The sample is then subject to numerous tests and compared against a control sample. Refractive Index Elemental composition - using the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDX). This technique is non-destructive. Spectrometry - technique is destructive A combination of the elemental components and the impurities within a glass sample coupled with the RI measurement may allow discrimination between samples, however common glass is often impure and its elemental ingredients can be variable.

26. PAINT EVIDENCE Flakes of paint could be found on the end of a screwdriver used to force a window, on the victim of a hit and run or between two vehicles involved in a collision. Evidential value depends on the number of layers of paint in the sample and how commonly the type of paint is encountered. Samples need to be taken of the transferred paint and the control paint for comparison.

27. EVIDENCE RECOVERY Latent marks – need to be enhanced using various techniques – lighting, powders, chemicals etc Visible marks – photographed and enhanced further, e.g. marks in blood

28. FOOTWEAR TECHNIQUES There are a variety of different ways in which a footwear impression can be enhanced and recovered and various pieces of specialist equipment. –Photography –ESLA –Powder and lift –Aluminium, Magneta Flake, Black/White Powder –Casting –Chemical enhancement –Amido Black for shoemarks in blood –Ninhydrin- shoemarks on paper, cardboard

29. SHOEMARK RECOVERY Photography The first stage of any footwear recovery technique is normally photography. If a mark can be seen, it can be photographed. Specialist/Oblique lighting can visualise marks not visible under normal conditions. Place right-angled scales within the photograph to allow the mark to be printed in 1:1 scale. Use a label which must include the exhibit number, location of mark and the date. Powdering Latent footwear marks may be revealed by powdering in the same way fingerprints can. This technique requires the same surface characteristics as fingerprint recovery techniques. Footwear marks recovered from glass usually display extremely fine detail. The marks can be photographed and/or lifted in a similar way to fingerprints using larger sheets of adhesive lifting film or gel lifters. Gel lifters These consist of a variety of coloured, rubber backed thin layer gels. They have the advantage of moulding to the surface area and can pick out far more microscopic detail that the adhesive plastic sheets. They can be used to recover marks that have been powdered, marks in dust or marks that have been made by wet shoes but are now dry and barely visible.

30. SHOEMARK RECOVERY Electrostatic Lifting Apparatus (ESLA) / Pathfinder This piece of equipment consists of black backed foil and an electrostatic producing charging unit. This foil is placed over a dusty footwear mark and charged with electrostatic using the unit. The dust and fibres are attracted to the foil and adhere to it. Under oblique light the footwear mark can be visualised and photographed. This technique works very well on hard floors and paper, although it can also reveal marks on fabric and carpet. Marks can often be revealed when they were not visible initially. At a major scene the entire floor of a premise will often be treated using the ESLA. Casting Footwear marks impressed in a soft material such as sand, mud or snow will need to be cast using a plaster type material. Marks in a fine substrate such as soft sand, moist clay or flour can produce casts with good definition with the possibility of showing fine detail. Often marks are impressed in rough soil and the casts produced lack the fine detail needed for a conclusive match. As long as the pattern can be defined then the mark may be of some use. Recovery of entire exhibit If a footwear mark is visible and on a portable item, the item will be seized and exhibited. The item may then be subjected to further treatment to enhance the mark or simply photographed. Either way the original exhibit will normally need to submitted to the Forensic Laboratory if it is to be compared against a shoe. Footwear marks on paper are also a good source of high quality footwear marks.

31. SHOEMARK ANALYSIS Over a period of usage shoe soles will become worn and damaged. Footwear examination involves comparison of the crime scene mark with a test mark made from the suspects shoe and the similarities and/or differences in size, pattern, mould, wear and characteristic damage are examined. When a footwear impression from a scene is submitted to a forensic scientist for comparison against a pair of shoes they will look at the following, in order of evidential value:  Size  Tread pattern  Wear pattern  Unique damage The strength of evidential value increases as the combination of individual characteristics increase. The evidential significance of footwear comparison will therefore depend on the condition of the footwear itself and the quality of the footwear impression recovered from the crime scene. If they can identify several corresponding areas of unique damage then the footwear evidence has the ability to provide a conclusive link.

32. WHAT ARE FINGERPRINTS? Skin on the fingers, palms and soles of the feet consist of ridged skin. The patterns of these ridges are formed in the womb before birth and remain the same throughout life. (Scars are ignored) Unlike DNA, no two people can have the exact same fingerprints because they are formed randomly. There is no pattern linked to each finger. Natural secretions are excreted from the pores of the skin which are spread along these papillary ridges. When an object is touched a person may either leave an impression in a soft surface, such as putty or paint, or deposit substances from their fingers, such as blood or sweat.

33. SKIN SECRETIONS There are three main sources of skin secretions in the human body as summarised as follows. Eccrine (small sweat glands) - found in large numbers on almost all skin surfaces, in particular on the palm surfaces of the hands and the soles of the feet. Chemical constituents include amino acids, sugars, lactic acid and urea. Apocrine (large sweat glands) - localised mainly in armpits, chest, abdomen and genital areas and consist of proteins, carbohydrates and cholesterol. Sebaceous glands - located mainly on forehead, chest, back and abdomen and consist of fatty acids, hydrocarbons and alcohols. Eccrine sweat rate of production is dependent on a number of factors. Sweating is a continuous metabolic process and the rate accelerates with muscular activity, temperature, humidity and the emotional condition of the person. The latter is particularly relevant in criminal situations. A mixture of all three types of secretions can be found in a latent fingerprint, having been transferred to the hands by touching other parts of the body. The amount of chemical constituents in a latent mark are small however in relation to the total amount of fingerprint deposit, since it contains over 99% water.

34. FINGERPRINT RESILIENCE The efficiency of transfer of fingerprints is dependent on various factors: –the nature of the surface touched –the pressure applied –the length of contact. –exposure to light and humidity The nature of the surface of an item will influence the amount and extent of the type of chemical compounds transferred. Porous items such as paper will readily absorb water-soluble products such as salts, amino acids and urea. Non-absorbent surfaces such as varnished wood and surface coated papers are water repellent therefore lipids are more likely to be retained. Water will be the first component to be lost and fatty acids are more likely to be found. For fingerprints more than a few days old, procedures detecting water-soluble products may be less effective than those detecting the fatty components. Exposure of an item to the environment will lead to progressive degradation of many of the chemical constituents. Sunlight is a major factor and moisture will also lead to fairly rapid diffusion, although lipids are less likely to be affected.

35. FINGERPRINT TECHNIQUES Photography Powder enhancement - involves the physical application of fingerprint powders. The powder sticks to the sweat, which consists of water and a range of other biological components. Chemical enhancement - visualises one or more components of the fingerprint using a reagent to covert the chemical constituents within the print. Some techniques are specific for individual compounds while others detect oily or fatty products. This may be a contaminant, such as a faint mark in blood or grease, or the biological components of the sweat.

36. CHEMICAL TREATMENTS There is a range of chemical treatments available to enhance latent fingerprints, however because the exact physical and chemical nature of the fingerprints is unknown, it is preferable to use a sequential range of chemicals treatments. Examples of chemical techniques include: Superglue (cyanoacrylate) fuming- for plastics, cowling, tools, weapons, bin liners etc White/black powder suspensions- for sticky surfaces, cellotape etc DFO & Ninhydrin- for paper, cardboard Physical Developer- for wet paper Acid Reagents (Yellow/violet/Amido black)- for blood stained items Sodium Hydroxide & Powder suspensions- for removal of soot & items damaged by fire Fluorescence dyes The two most useful chemical treatments are superglue and ninhydrin.

37. SUPERGLUE The Superglue used for fingerprint examination is comprised of 98-99% cyanoacrylate ester. Most glues require heat or evaporation to set, whereas liquid Superglue forms a solid polymer upon contact with microscopic amounts of moisture. Virtually any moisture on the surface of an item is sufficient to trigger instantaneous polymerisation. Using this principle, the vapours of Superglue will react with the residues of water, lipids, fatty acids, amino acids and proteins in the fingerprint, to produce an irreversible polymer complex. The resulting print is a visible white durable print, which can be further enhanced using powders, fluorescent dyes or special lighting techniques. Method: Items are placed in a sealed cabinet, the liquid Superglue is heated and the items are subjected to the cyanoacrylate vapours. The fumes react with the fingerprints and deposit a white solid, which can then be photographed. Superglue works on many different types of surfaces and is often used if there is no other treatment available. Examples include non shiny plastic items, vehicle cowlings, p lastic bags, food wrappings, tools and weapons.

38. NINHYDRIN The compound Ninhydrin (1,2,3-indantrione monohydrate) is dissolved in a suitable organic solvent. It reacts with the amino acids and related compounds such as proteins and peptides to produce an aldehyde, carbon dioxide, water and a purple product. Amino acids are water-soluble, therefore Ninhydrin is unsuitable for detecting fingerprints on wetted items. Ninhydrin works on porous surfaces (normally paper) where the sweat has had time to soak into the object. Method: Paper items are soaked in a solution of Ninhydrin and allowed to dry in a fume cupboard. The latent fingerprints are subjected to heat and humidity (in a humidifying oven) to speed up colour development. Ninhydrin stains the amino acids in the latent fingerprints a pink colour. Ninhydrin works well on items that have been handled firmly or for a reasonable period. Examples include cheques, torn envelopes, wrapping paper, newspapers and cardboard boxes.

39. FINGERPRINT POWDERS The easiest and most common method of developing fingerprints is by the use of powders. The best surfaces for fingerprinting using powders are smooth, shiny, clean, dry and non porous. Fingerprint powders will also enhance footwear marks and can be recovered using the same methods. Method: The powders are brushed on using a soft brush or magnetic wand – be careful not to damage the mark! The visible fingerprints are lifted onto adhesive tape or gel and mounted onto a sheet of acetate. The Fingerprint Development Handbook can be used as a guide to the various methods available.

40. TYPES OF POWDERS The choice of powder will be dependent on various factors: –the construction of an item –the surface texture of the item –the colour of the item –the circumstances of the individual case The most commonly used fingerprint powders are: Coloured granular (black/white) - Suitable for rough or smooth, shiny or matt, dry, non-porous surfaces. Colour chosen to maximise contrast with colour of item. Applied using a squirrel brush which can be photographed or lifted using tape. Aluminium flake - Suitable for smooth, shiny, dry, non-porous surfaces. Not suitable for metallic/silver/grey coloured surfaces. Applied using a synthetic brush and recovered using tape. Magneta flake - Suitable for rough or smooth, shiny or matt, dry, non-porous surfaces. Not suitable for magnetic surfaces. Applied using a magnetic wand and normally recovered using a gel adhesive strip to avoid background distortion.

41. LOOP DELTA CORE

42. FINGERPRINT PATTERNS ARCH

43. WHORL DELTA CORE

44. CHARACTERISTICS Spur Cross over Lake Bifurcation Short independent Ridge ending

45. FINGERPRINTS Unique to individual Searched against National fingerprint database NAFIS Searched against named Suspects Used to link crime scenes Elimination of innocent parties Identification of deceased

46. PACKAGING AND LABELLING Contamination/Cross contamination Protection –to prevent the loss of trace evidence, anything that falls off will stay within the packaging, –to prevent the destruction of fingerprints. A correctly packaged item for fingerprinting will not rattle around or by liable to movement that will damage the delicate fingerprints. –to prevent damage to the exhibit, during storage and transportation the exhibit will be subject to handling, shock, heat, humidity etc. Identification Continuity Preservation Transportation Health & Safety

47. EXHIBIT LABELLING The reference number consists of the initials of the person recovering the item followed by a sequential number When submitting any forms you will have to quote the description exactly as written (even if spelt wrong). This is the unique identifying number. You will need to quote the entire alpha-numeric reference. This should be the location of where the item was seized from e.g. the vehicle or property address. Crime reference number The exhibit label also provides a unique reference number for the item. When referring to your exhibit in a statement for the first time you must use the long description by including the unique number after the exhibit description as follows: ABC/1 999999 - Pair of blue jeans Subsequent referral to the exhibit can be using the short description, omitting the unique reference number: ABC/1 - Pair of blue jeans Identification Ref. No ABC/1 999999 Court Exhibit No. R – v Court Exhibit No. R – v Description Pair of blue jeansDescription Pair of blue jeans Time/Date Seized/Produced15.30 hours 25/05/04 Time/Date Seized/Produced15.30 hours 25/05/04 Where Seized/Produced1 The High StreetAylesburyBucksWhere Seized/Produced1 The High StreetAylesburyBucks Seized/Produced ByPC 1234 CampbellSigned A.B. CampbellSeized/Produced ByPC 1234 CampbellSigned A.B. Campbell Incident/Crime No DF1234567/04Major Incident Item No. Laboratory Ref. Incident/Crime No DF1234567/04Major Incident Item No. Laboratory Ref. CTS 45 (5/2003)CTS 45 (5/2003) The reference number consists of the initials of the person recovering the item followed by a sequential number When submitting any forms you will have to quote the description exactly as written (even if spelt wrong). This is the unique identifying number. You will need to quote the entire alpha-numeric reference. This should be the location of where the item was seized from e.g. the vehicle or property address. Crime reference number The exhibit label also provides a unique reference number for the item. When referring to your exhibit in a statement for the first time you must use the long description by including the unique number after the exhibit description as follows: ABC/1 999999 - Pair of blue jeans Subsequent referral to the exhibit can be using the short description, omitting the unique reference number: ABC/1 - Pair of blue jeans Identification Ref. No ABC/1 999999 Court Exhibit No. R – v Court Exhibit No. R – v Description Pair of blue jeansDescription Pair of blue jeans Time/Date Seized/Produced15.30 hours 25/05/04 Time/Date Seized/Produced15.30 hours 25/05/04 Where Seized/Produced1 The High StreetAylesburyBucksWhere Seized/Produced1 The High StreetAylesburyBucks Seized/Produced ByPC 1234 CampbellSigned A.B. CampbellSeized/Produced ByPC 1234 CampbellSigned A.B. Campbell Incident/Crime No DF1234567/04Major Incident Item No. Laboratory Ref. Incident/Crime No DF1234567/04Major Incident Item No. Laboratory Ref. CTS 45 (5/2003)CTS 45 (5/2003) Identification Ref. No ABC/1 999999 Court Exhibit No. R – v Description Pair of blue jeans Time/Date Seized/Produced 15.30 hours 25/05/04 Where Seized/Produced 1 The High Street Aylesbury Bucks Seized/Produced By PC 1234 Campbell Signed A.B. Campbell Incident/Crime No DF1234567/04 Major Incident Item No. Laboratory Ref. CTS 45 (5/2003) This is the unique identifying number. You will need to quote the entire alpha- numeric reference. The reference number consists of the initials of the person recovering the item followed by a sequential number When completing any forms you will have to quote the description exactly as written (even if spelt wrong). This should be the location of where the item was seized from e.g. the vehicle or property address.

48. CONTINUITY ‘chain of evidence’ However you package an exhibit - you must always attach an exhibit label. This is so that when the exhibit changes hands the continuity can be completed on the rear and both parties refer to the same exhibit number and description. The continuity section is on the rear of the exhibit label so always hinge the label by attaching it with two pieces of tape at the top; one on the front and one on the rear. Do not attach it under the tape used to seal the exhibit as it will pull off the tape when someone turns the label to sign the continuity. Attach the label at the top of the exhibit so that when signing the continuity you can lean on a table and not on the exhibit itself.

49. PACKAGING

50. IMPRESSION EVIDENCE Footwear Gel footwear lifts should ideally be placed into a window box, so that the mark can be seen without unnecessary handling. An alternative method is to place a protective sheet over the gel lift and place the lift into a sealed bag. Adhesive lifts can be packaged into a sealed plastic bag. Footwear casts must be secured within a box and cushioned to prevent breakage, using plastic bags or tissue paper. Again a window box is ideal so that the box need not be opened unnecessarily. Should you recover a whole item bearing a shoe mark, consideration must be made as to whether the mark is permanent i.e. a wet mark that has dried, or a dusty mark that could be easily rubbed off if packaged incorrectly. Best practice is to secure the item within a window box, using tape if necessary. Tool Marks When packaging tool marks/casts, remember scientific comparison will involve microscopic examination of the striation marks, it is therefore essential to protect the striation marks. Place the cast in a snug fitting box and seal in a plastic bag.

51. DNA/FINGERPRINTS DNA Evidence If an item has a dry blood or saliva stain on it can be dry stored for a long period. Dried blood samples can be packaged in a paper bag to allow the air to be dry around it. If a drinks container is seized for DNA analysis, consider how the vessel is to be emptied? By removing the liquid you may be washing away the evidence, taking swabs may be more appropriate. If the item is wet or fresh it may be appropriate to freeze it,. While the exhibit is still wet the DNA is degrading. DNA swabs should be placed in a plastic bag and frozen as soon as possible. Do not package items into reused bags as they could contaminate the DNA. REMEMBER: If an item is contaminated with a biological hazard such as blood, clear labelling is required to warn persons handling the item. Fingerprint Evidence The most important consideration with items that require fingerprint examination is that the surfaces are not subjected to rubbing or moisture, which will destroy latent fingerprints. An item in a plastic bag will rub off the marks on the outside. If a drink container is not completely dry when packaged it will leak. The best practice is to package the item in a box secured with string or ties.

52. CLOTHING Clothing must almost always be packaged in paper bags. Clothing in plastic bags will sweat and go mouldy. Window bags have a transparent strip of plastic down the front so you can see the item. These are useful if you will need to show the item to someone at a later date, as you will not have to open the exhibit and risk contamination. Shoes should always be exhibited in window bags with the sole of the shoe facing the window so the patter can be seen. The open end must be sealed completely with adhesive tape and then a uniquely numbered tamper evident label placed over the tape or sign over the edge of the tape in several places for security. (see diagram over page) Wet clothing should not be packaged in paper. The clothing will have to be dried out first in a sterile and secure place. If you need to transport wet clothing then it can be placed in plastic bags temporarily and transferred to paper bags when dry. The plastic bag will need to be retained as it may contain trace evidence. If the clothing is from someone you suspect of arson or using explosives then it will need to be packaged in nylon bags. This is because the residue that the scientists look for can escape from or get into paper and normal plastic bags. The bags must be sealed by twisting the neck of the bag, bending it over and securing with string or a plastic tie. Never use staples, as these will puncture the bag. Never use adhesive tape as the glue can cause problems with the analysis.

53. PARTICULATE EVIDENCE Glass/Plastic When packaging glass samples for scientific comparison, a sturdy box or container should be used and taped closed, in order to protect the sample and protect the person handling the item. When recovering a glass sample from a window, prior to removal you should write on the glass which surface is the inside and outside. When packaging glass or plastic (such as a broke vehicle headlamp) consider whether jigsaw fit is appropriate? If so the broken pieces will be pieced back together by the forensic scientist at a later date annd therefore It is essential that the edges are protected from damage. Each piece of glass will need to be secured within the box using tape so that it does not move around. Fibres Loose fibres will need to be collected using sterile tweezers and placed into a sealed container or within a paper fold and placed into a sealed plastic bag. Multiple fibre tapings recovered from one area can be packaged into the same plastic bag provided each taped sheet is correctly covered with cello tape. Fibre tapings from different areas will need to be packaged into separate bags. Paint Paint samples should be collected in a container or within a folded piece of paper and placed in a sealed bag.

54. PHYSICAL EVIDENCE Weapons/Tools Always consider your own and others safety when packaging weapons and tools. Guns must be made safe by an authorised firearms officer before handling. When packaging a weapon or tool remember that it may be matched back to a scene by microscopic examination of the impression recovered from the scene. A knife may be matched to the wound on a deceased and a gun may be matched to fired bullets or empty cartridge cases left at a scene. It is essential that the exhibit is protected from damage that may physically alter it. It must be packaged in a box or container so that it does not move around. When packaging knives or screw drivers in a weapons tube always place sterile tissue paper or a screwed up new plastic bag in each end to cushion the tips and do not do them up so tight that the item pokes out through the end and into your hand. When using a box always use a new box and secure the item to the base using string or plastic ties. Guns must always be visible in a window box. Seal all the holes made in the box to prevent loss or contamination. Documentation It is possible to see what has been written on a piece of paper in a pad by looking at the indentation caused by the pen on the sheet below. This indentation analysis is called Electrostatic Document Analysis (ESDA). It is important that the indentations on the document are not damaged. Packaging in a box is the best method to preserve these. Make sure you do not rest on the exhibit when completing your paperwork!