Types of Evidence at a Crime Scene
Investigation
There are numerous examples of
physical and trace evidence, and although general crime scene procedures will
be the same, the type of evidence will determine the specific collection
procedure. Below is a list of many types of evidence that may be found at a
crime scene.
– Computers
– Documents
– Drugs
– Explosives
– Fibers
– Fingerprints
– Firearms
– Glass
– Impressions
– Paint
– Petroleum products
– Plastics
– Powder residues
– Serial numbers
– Soils and minerals
– Tool marks
– Vehicles and lights
– Woods and vegetative materials
Address the following:
– Select 5 – 7 of the above types
of physical evidence, and explain processes involved with the identification,
collection, and preservation of each type.
– Answer the following questions
for each of your selections: ?How is it identified? Explain. What class
characteristics might you find associated with the selected type of evidence?
– How difficult is the type of
evidence to identify? Explain.
– What is the process for removing
and collecting the evidence? Explain in detail. Your analysis must reference
specific tests, histological staining, microscopes, and other equipment or
techniques that should be used.
– What tools are necessary to
collect the evidence? Describe.
– What challenges exist regarding
the collection of the evidence? Explain.
– How is the evidence stored and
preserved? Explain. How difficult is it to store and preserve the evidence?
Explain.
– How might the evidence become
contaminated and therefore inadmissible in court? Explain.
Be sure to reference all sources
using APA style.
