Investigating Physical Evidence

• Preserving and Recording the Crime Scene
• Photography: Do not move objects until photographed
• Sketches: Identify important features and evidence items
• Notes: Include written description and measurements
• Conducting Searches for Evidence: Who, What, How

Crime Scene Preservation

Trivia: The recommended methods for preserving and recording a crime scene include photography, sketches, and notes. These methods help capture crucial details and ensure accurate documentation. Moving objects before photographing can disturb evidence, and preserving evidence without documentation is not recommended. Conducting searches for evidence is an essential part of the process.

Collecting and Packaging Physical Evidence

• Proper collection and packaging of physical evidence is crucial in crime scene investigations.

• Evidence should be collected and packaged separately to prevent contamination.

• Standard/reference samples should be obtained for comparison.

• Evidence must be submitted to the laboratory following established protocols.

• Chain of custody must be maintained to ensure the integrity of the evidence.

Importance of Proper Collection

• To prevent contamination: Proper collection and packaging of physical evidence helps to ensure that the evidence remains uncontaminated, preserving its integrity for analysis.

• To establish a chain of custody: Proper documentation and packaging of evidence helps establish a clear chain of custody, ensuring its admissibility in court.

Importance of Proper Collection

• • To obtain standard/reference samples for comparison: Proper collection allows for the collection of standard/reference samples, which can be used for comparison and analysis.

  • To submit evidence to the laboratory following established protocols: Proper packaging ensures that evidence is submitted to the laboratory in a manner that follows established protocols, allowing for accurate analysis and interpretation.

Investigating Physical Evidence

• Physical evidence plays a crucial role in crime scene investigations.

• It includes various types of evidence like fingerprints, DNA, fibers, and more.

• Identification involves determining the nature and origin of the evidence.

• Comparison is done to establish connections between suspects and evidence.

• Assessing the value of physical evidence requires careful analysis and interpretation.

Physical Evidence:

• Determines the nature and origin of evidence
• Establishes connections between suspects and evidence
• Assesses the value of physical evidence
• Unravels the crime scene

Investigating Physical Evidence

• Physical evidence plays a crucial role in crime scene investigations.

• It can provide valuable information about the crime and help identify suspects.

• However, caution must be exercised as physical evidence can have limitations and variations.

• Forensic databases like IAFIS, CODIS, NIBIN, and PDQ aid in the analysis and comparison of evidence.

• These databases contain information about fingerprints, DNA profiles, firearms, missing persons, and unidentified persons.

Forensic Databases:

IAFIS, CODIS, NIBIN, and PDQ are powerful tools used to analyze and compare fingerprints, DNA profiles, firearms, missing persons, and unidentified persons. They aid in solving crimes by providing valuable information and helping identify suspects. These databases play a crucial role in forensic investigations.