Collecting Evidence

1. Collecting Evidence

2. Collecting…….FIRST OF ALLL • Photograph before any collecting is done • Wear gloves, mask,& Tyvec suit so as not to contaminate the evidence • Use disposable forceps if needed

3. Categories of evidence

4. Trace evidence: tiny samples that can be transferred between people and objects (fibers, paint residue, glass fragments,hair) • To collect trace evidence, a CST might use tweezers, plastic containers with lids, a filtered vacuum device, a knife and a biohazard kit

5. Hair and fibers • A CST may use combs, tweezers, containers, tape, and a filtered vacuum device to collect any hair or fibers at the scene.

6. Packaging • Fibers: Dry trace evidence in druggist's folds, envelopes, and canisters • Documents: In plastic covers. • Liquids: Unbreakable, airtight, sealed and accelerants. • Wet Biologicals: Non-air tight containers, to prevent mold, mildew, and decay. • DNA: Collect with swab,allow to dry, place in special DNA evidence box, take control swab.

8. Evidence Collection Kits • Put these on your list of presents for Mrs. Costello • www.evidentcrimescene.com/cata/kits/kits.html

9. Evidence Labeled with…. • Name and initials of person who found evidence • Case number • Name and description • Witnesses if any • Date, time, and location • COC…..Chain Of Costody

10. Chain of Custody • Every person who comes in contact with the evidence must sign and date and mark the time on evidence bag, then reseal the bag • This eliminates the possibility of tampering with evidence • It is the most important factor in a court of law • It is one of the reasons OJ was a free man

11. This is how we should look in lab….