INTRODUCTION Criminal investigation is a planned and organized

determination of the material facts concerning a specific

The responsibility of law enforcement agencies is to detect crimes, crime. It has three-fold aims to accomplish:
apprehend the perpetrators, and provide evidence that will convince
judges that the perpetrators are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. To - To identify the victim and the perpetrator;
accomplish these aims a variety of methods are used, including - To arrest the perpetrator, and
reconstructing the crime, collecting physical clues, and interrogating - To provide the evidence of his guilt.
suspects and witnesses.
The investigator must seek to establish the six cardinal rules of
The methods of detection employed are dictated by the nature of the investigation:
crime and the procedures permitted by the legal system. Most - What offense was committed?
investigations begin with careful, objective observations that are - By whom the offense was committed?
then assembled, collated, and matched against applicable law. - Where the offense was committed?
- When the offense was committed?
If there is reason to assume that a crime has indeed been - Why the offense was committed?
committed, further investigation is undertaken using scientific - How the offense was committed?
methods and techniques. Technological advances have been
incorporated into criminal investigation as well; for example, Important phases of criminal investigation are:
analyzing trace clues such as dust, paint, glass, body fluids, and - establishing the fact that the crime reported is bona fide;
other microscopic evidence is now possible. - apprehending the criminal responsible; recovering property
stolen, if any; and
Early criminal investigation was a crude process, relying on - gathering and collating statement of facts, circumstances,
eyewitnesses, inferences, and confessions extracted under torture. and clues necessary for the prosecution of the criminal.
In early 19th century, for instance, the principal technique for
catching thieves was obtaining evidence from informers who were
also engaged in crime. Inductive and Deductive Reasoning

Criminal investigations are conducted in accordance with the There is one paramount result at which the investigator is constantly
dictates of the law. The conduct of an investigation is governed by striving and that is positive identification of victim, perpetrator and
information obtained from people, records, and physical evidence. witness. Identification, absolute and complete, is often the crowning
Victims or witnesses still provide the bulk of facts as to when, achievement of his work.
where, how, why, and by whom the crime was committed.
Common sense reasoning is in reality the scientific mode. From the
Police science utilizes the methods of natural and related sciences facts in a case you arrive at a judgment, and your future action will
as aid in criminal investigation. It may be said to have three phases be based on that judgment or judgments. It is necessary for you to
that embraces... know how the mind arrives at a judgment, and for you to be careful
 the identification of living and dead persons; not to confuse the two methods of reasoning from which your
 the field work carried out by specially trained crime scene judgments flow in each case.
investigators; and
 the laboratory methods used to examine and analyze physical Judgments are obtained by deductive and inductive reasoning. The
evidences by the criminalists. difference is as follows:
- A deductive judgment is one you decide is the answer of the
case, and which you then attempt to prove with a collection
Phases of Criminal Investigation of facts. To put it in another way, you "jump at a conclusion"
and then undertake to show that your guess was right.
 It is very clear that without facts, the courts, which apply the
- Inductive reasoning collects all the facts available first and principles of law, have nothing upon which to decide a case. A court
allows them to determine the judgment. After you carefully has no discretion but must render judgment according to the facts
examine all the details of a case you will be compelled to and the law. Judges are bound, it is true, to act with good judgment,
come to some conclusion regarding them. judiciously, but exercising a sound judgment is by no means
synonymous with rendering judgment, and acting judiciously is not
- The latter, or inductive method of arriving at the truth is the always acting judicially.
scientific method. This does not mean, however, that the
deductive mode of reasoning has no place in investigation Hence, the investigator should crystallize within his mind these
work. Far from it. After all the facts in a case have been three basic definitions:
uncovered and arranged, the solution of the case may still be  Law: law is a principle;
far away and two or more alternative decisions may be  Fact: a fact is a circumstance, event or occurrence as it
possible. For example: you trace a suspect right to the point actually exists or existed;
where you are convinced of his identity, but you do not have  Evidence: evidence is the means by which facts are proved.
knowledge of his whereabouts. You know nothing certain as
to his movements from the time of the perpetration of the
crime. He may be around the corner, or he may be out of
town. Here, where you have no facts to go on, you must begin
EXAMINATION OF THE CRIME SCENE
to deduce a judgment from the probable possibilities.

The examination of the crime scene is an imperative task that has to

- Bear in mind that what is deductive in the handling of the
be done by the investigator in serious crimes like murder, homicide,
case will come from
robbery, arson, rape, etc. The scene of the crime is the source of all
the investigator, and what is inductive will be provided for
of the leads which follow. The crime scene provides the investigator
the investigator by
with a starting point in the search for the offender. It yields clues for
the culprit. There are two elements in every case : the
the investigator and specialists who may arrive later.
material facts left
behind by the culprit, and the personality, or the breadth
and depth of the
Duties of First Officer at the Crime Scene
investigating officer.
The success of an investigation depends to a large extent on
the actions taken by the first officer to arrive at the crime
- The deductive reasoning on a case is used merely to fill in the
scene. He should follow correct procedures - not to make
gaps in the chain of material, competent evidence, without
errors - by what he does or fails to do.
which conviction cannot be obtained. Competent evidence is
the means by which facts are proved and on which the judge
Be sure not to destroy or change anything which may serve to
can form a purely inductive judgment. If there is a reasonable
reconstruct the crime. Do not inadvertently add material
doubt of a defendant's guilt, if, in other words, there is too
which may be misleading to the investigators. Do not
much deductive element in the presentation of the case, the
approach the scene too quickly. Movements should be calm
judge will often set the defendant free.
and deliberate. Always suspect the worst.
It is urged, therefore, that the investigator heed the legal maxim:
Do not approach the situation with a mind already made up.
"Idem est non probari et non esse; non deficit jus, sed probatio ," -
Errors committed in safeguarding and examination of the
"What is not proved and what does not exist are the same; it is not a
crime scene can never be corrected. Always record the exact
defect of the law, but of proof."
time: time the call was received, time of arrival at the crime
scene, and time of departure.
 When entering the crime scene, try to form an estimate of important to determine if the victim is actually dead and not
what happened. What are the elements of the crime? Make just unconscious.
good observations of the following:

 Are the doors open or closed? Any signs of forced entry? Crime Scene Notes
 What is the condition of the windows?
 Are the room lights on or off? Notes at the crime scene should be made in the order of the various
 Are the blinds open or closed? phases of the examination. By placing the documented notes in a
 Are there any distinct odors? chronological order will systemize the investigation, and will avoid
 Are there any victims, injured or dead? possible error. Make the notes clear, legible, complete, and to the
 Are there any witnesses? point. Always recheck the notes to see that nothing is forgotten.
 Is there a need for medical aid?
 What is the weather condition? Ambiguous expressions, such as near, or to the left of, should not be
used. The narrative sequence should describe the scene from the
Nothing at the crime scene may be moved unless absolutely outside inward. In other words, upon arrival, note the conditions
necessary. Do not walk around the scene to satisfy curiosity by outside the building; then describe movements in entering the
touching things. Do not use the toilet, turn on the water, smoke, building; eventually the arrival at the exact location of the crime.
or use towels at the scene. Therefore, begin by describing the exterior first, followed by the
central scene and the detailed descriptions of that area. Sketches
- As soon as possible after arriving at the scene, take steps to and photographs should be referred to where necessary. Notes made
protect the scene from curiosity seekers and family at the crime scene should never be discarded, but placed in a case
members. A general rule to follow is that if the scene is file after the final report has been written.
indoors, cordon the area to protect it. This should include: the
central scene, and, if possible, places where the criminal
made entry and exit. Crime Scene Photographs
- If the crime scene is outdoors, ample area should be roped off
to include the path taken in and out of the scene. Use ropes, As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. In crime
chairs, barricades, etc., to exclude unauthorized people. scene investigation, photography is invaluable. There cannot be
Remain at the scene whenever possible, and send others to instant replay of the crime, but the crime scene can be preserved
call headquarters. Keep other police officers and firemen with photographs.
away from the scene, unless they have been authorized to
enter. Before an investigator begins a preliminary investigation of a crime
- If someone is injured at the scene, first aid should be scene, he must be sure the scene is recorded in detail. The recording
rendered immediately, even though valuable clues may be process is accomplished in several ways through sketches, video
disturbed. All other considerations must yield when a human tape, and photography.
life can be saved. There are some steps to take to reduce the The main function of a crime scene photograph is to provide
amount of evidence that may be destroyed during medical aid information which will assist in the investigation and prosecution of the
to the victim. First, mark the victim's position with a piece of case. Photographs are valuable in three areas:
yellow marking crayon. Make general observations, detailed - They provide the police and prosecutor with an accurate
as necessary, whenever possible. If it can be done, collect pictorial of the appearance of objects in position at the crime
the victim's clothing at the scene, otherwise be sure to get scene.
them at the hospital. - They aid in the questioning of suspects and witnesses.
- Though, at first, it may not be known whether a person has - The will enable the judge to gain a better understanding of
committed suicide or was the victim of a homicide, it is the crime scene and evidence so that he, in turn, can
evaluate testimony of the witness in an intelligent manner.
The important thing to remember in taking photographs is that Crime Scene Sketches
pictures are a means of communication. The aim should be to record
a maximum of useful information in a series of photographs which The word sketch means to draw to scale, with important dimensions
will enable the viewer to understand what has happened. The at the scene being shown to a good degree of accuracy. Legally, for
number and type of photographs will be determined by the a sketch or diagram to be admissible in court, it must:
circumstances of the crime. - be part of some qualified person's testimony;
- relate the observed situation (the person must have seen the
The first step in the photo-recording process is to record the crime area;
scene as completely and accurately as possible. The key aspects of - express it (the crime scene) correctly.
the scene must be photographed before any physical evidence is
disturbed or moved. The scene should be photographed from several A sketch is made for several important reasons:
angles. Remember, film is the least costly part of the investigation. It - to refresh the memory of the investigator;
is better to have too many photos than too few. - to reflect the precise location of objects and their
relationship to other objects and surroundings;
Crime scene photographs should show the relationship of various - to assist the prosecutor and the judge in understanding
objects of evidence to one another. The objects should also be conditions at the crime scene; to supplement photographs; to
shown in their relationship to the background. Usually, a large assist in questioning of witnesses and suspects.
number of photographs must be taken to insure complete coverage.
The type of photographs usually include: A sketch need not be artistically perfect. A simple line drawing with
 Overall photographs showing a general view of the scene and accurate measurements is sufficient. It must relate to the case only.
its surroundings. Sketching the crime scene should be systematically planned. When
 The attack scene and its surroundings. to make a sketch and what to include in it will depend largely upon
Photographs of evidence in places before anyone moves the seriousness of the offense and the circumstances surrounding
anything. the case. It must be done in a logical and methodical manner.
 Photographs of fingerprints, tire marks, tool marks, shoe
tracks, etc.
Rules for Field Sketching
Due to the fact that many courts object to markings or marking
devices appearing in a photograph, it should be taken in two ways: The following rules for field sketching can serve as a guide in
recording the observable material facts:
-First, with no marking in the photograph. - Essential Details. Before starting to draw the sketch, the
- Second, with the marker in the photograph. investigator must decide what and how much to include in
the sketch. Observable facts which are relevant to the case
A complete record of each photograph taken should be made in the should be included. This must be done before the scene is
investigator's notebook. The record should include the following: disturbed or changed in any way.
 Identify the photograph with the offense. - Keep it Simple. To be effective the sketch should be kept as
 The name of the photographer. simple as possible.
 The camera position. - Be Complete. The drawing should not cluttered with
Date and time taken. irrelevant items, but it should be made complete enough to
 Weather and light conditions. permit construction of a detailed drawing later.
 Exposure data. - Directional Points. The investigator should orient all sketches
by indicating the direction with an arrow on the sketch
 The type of equipment used.
pointing north. Exterior sketches are usually made with north
at the top of the paper. Interior sketches, such as of a
 rectangular room, are usually drawn to conform to the
rectangular shape of the paper, so the compass heading must  Sketch of Grounds. The sketch of grounds pictures the scene
be included. of the crime with its nearest physical surroundings, such as a
house with garden, the plan of one or more floors in a house,
- Include Measurements. The exact position of all important etc., as in Fig. 2.2.
objects should be located by making accurate  Sketch of Details. The sketch of details describes the
measurements. Careful measurement eliminate the immediate scene only. Like the room in which the crime was
guesswork in locating items during the investigation. They committed and the details of items in the room, as in Fig. 2.3.
enable the investigator to testify with confidence and
precision about his observation regarding the location of  Cross Projection. The cross projection method is sometimes
observable facts at the scene. used for this type of sketch. In this method, walls and
ceilings are pictured as if on the same plane as the floor, as
- Stationary Objects. The position of objects should be in Fig. 2.4.
recorded relative to stationary objects, such as: walls,
windows, doors, trees or curbs. Avoid using "stationary" Rough sketches must not be altered in any way after the investigator
objects which may be subject to become "movable," such as leaves the crime scene. At headquarters, he makes a finished sketch
street signs or utility poles, since these are subject to be from his rough sketch. The only differences between the rough
moved by the departments in charge of them or to be sketch and the finished sketch is that the latter is done in ink and is
displaced by motorists whose cars contact them with more carefully drawn and labeled.
sufficient force.
A straightedge will be used to make straight lines straight, object
- Measuring Tape. Use a steel tape to measure accurately the labels will be printed neatly and, as much as possible, all face one
position of things observed. For short distances, a pocket rule direction for ease of reading. All measurements must be written with
may be used. The cloth tapes have a tendency to stretch, and care on the final sketch to maintain accuracy in transferring them
therefore, should not be used for accurate measurements. from the rough sketch.

- Chalk Marks. If necessary, mark the points between which

the measurements are be to be made. If the objects are
movable, mark where they are at this time for measurement
at a later time when time permits. When a body is discovered,
draw an outline in chalk where it is lying.
For vehicle, mark where it is sitting so that it may be moved if
it is a traffic hazard. As a general rule, photographs should be
taken before marking the scene with chalk.

Types of Sketches

There are several types of sketches that may be employed: Sketch of

Locality, Sketch of Grounds, and Sketch of Details and Cross
Projection.
 Sketch of Locality. The sketch of locality gives a picture of
the crime scene and its environs, including such items as
neighboring buildings and roads leading to the location of the
house, etc., as in Fig. 2.1.
 - The Strip Method. Start along one side of the crime scene and
walk in a straight line across the area to be searched. You
then return to the original side you started from and again
walk across your search area, but slightly above the previous
line of search. As you come across physical evidence, note
its exact location, photograph it, measure its relative
distance from fixed objects such as a wall or doorway, and
then collect and preserve it as future evidence, as in Fig. 2.5.

- The Grid Method. The advantage of the grid method, also

known as the double strip method, is that you overlap your
area of search several times, thereby researching the crime
scene for any possible evidence overlooked the first time
through, as in Fig. 2.6.
Crime Scene Search
- The Spiral Method. With this method, you start at a specific
Generally, the sooner the crime scene is thoroughly searched for point near the center of the crime scene and then work your
physical evidence, the better the chance of finding it intact and in its way outward in a clockwise manner. You can, of course,
most useful state. The value of physical evidence is measured by its reverse directions and rework the area previously searched
usefulness in proving that a crime was committed; to demonstrate by returning counterclockwise to the original starting point,
the suspect's mode of operation, and to identity and convict the as in Figs. 2.7 and 28.
criminal.
- The Zone Method. Here, you divide your area to be searched
In all cases of apparent homicide or suicide, neither the body nor its into four smaller square areas. Each of these squares would
surroundings are to be touched by anyone until the medical examiner therefore be reduced to four smaller areas to be searched.
and crime scene specialists have done their work. After that, the Zones then could be assigned for other officers to search that
investigating officer will sketch the scene, take photographs, and are outside your immediate zone, as in Fig. 2.9.
take notes on what is done and observed. Only when these tasks are
completed will a search for evidence begin.

The investigating officer should look the scene over from several
angles, to grasp the whole scene, and then formulate a plan for
searching the scene. A proper approach prevents fouling any
evidence that trooping through the area haphazardly may trample.

The number of searchers and the characteristics of the crime scene

must determine the choice of specific patterns by which the scene is
to be thoroughly searched. The so-called strip, grid, spiral and zone
patterns are good examples. The manner in which searchers would
follow each course is self-evident from the figures which depict
them.

In all of these, the objective is to cover the scene in three

dimensions:
 There are several factors to consider, like:
- kind of specimen
- technique for handling
- method of marking
- quantity of specimen and standard needed
- preservation and packing investigative value

In every criminal investigation there is always some type of physical

evidence involved. The basic problem to the investigating officer is
how to identify evidence, collect it, preserve it for safekeeping,
analyze it, compare it, and eventually present that same evidence in
court.

In a small police department, the investigator may need to deal with

all, or almost all of these steps on his own. However, in bigger
department there will be one or more specialists, commonly known
as Crime Scene Investigators, to handle most of the physical
evidence found at a crime scene.

The actual analysis, comparison and forensic interpretation of

physical evidence is left to the criminalists.

For many years, the recognition and collection of physical evidence

did not keep pace with scientific advances in identification
techniques. Most prosecutions which are lost in court are lost
because of improper handling of evidence, or the lack of collected
evidence.

Probably the police officer performed the task of collecting evidence

from the crime scene with little or no formal training. The result was
that a minimum of evidence was collected, not enough for crime
laboratories to properly evaluate and, therefore, unable to generate
sufficient evidential information for use in trials.

Basic Types of Physical Evidence

Some commonly basic types of physical evidence that may be

encountered in any particular crime scene will include the following:
THE PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
Blood
The methods and techniques to employ in the collection, handling Bullets
and preservation of physical evidence at the crime scene of any Cartridge cases
major crime depend upon the nature of the object to be collected. Clothing
Explosive residues - Above all, avoid contaminating the samples by re-using
Fibers collection tools.
Fingernail scrapings
Firearms When blood evidence is involved in the investigation, be sure to
Glass obtain:
Hair - Statements relative to the origin of the blood stains.
Incendiary material Blood samples from all parties concerned.
Paint - Saliva if typing is to be done from other than blood stains.
Powder residues
Serial number restoration To collect dried blood:
Shot and powder patterns - On absorbent surfaces bring in the entire object or cut out
Shotgun pellets and wads the stained area and bring t laboratory:
Shotgun shells - On non-absorbent surfaces scrape up the sample and place in
Soil container, or if possible, submit the entire article.
Tools Marks - If sample is scraped from surface, also scrape a portion of
Wood the surface where no blood is present and submit in a
separate container for control in case some substance on the
The investigator must learn to look at almost any object, material or surface causes difficulty in tests.
person at a crime scene as having possible evidentia! value.
Following are the characteristics and methods of collection of the To collect wet blood on clothing:
most common types of criminal evidence.  Do not fold the clothing as it may destroy the stain pattern.
Do not package while the stain is still wet.
Allow the clothing to dry in room before packaging.
Blood  Do no expose to sunlight or high temperature, as they may
Blood often becomes important evidence in homicides, assaults, destroy actors which allow blood typing.
robberies or other cases where it may be spilled. Blood can be
categorized into the major group types of A, B, AB and O depending
on the condition of the stain on receipt. Major group similarity does Hair
not identify a suspect but does exclude a portion of the population Hair may be found almost any place at a crime scene. It is often
depending on the group type. found on the clothing if the victim and suspect have come into
physical contact with each other. It can be very important evidence,
especially in rape cases. In most cases, there are rarely enough
When collecting a liquid sample of blood, observe the following samples present for positive identification of an individual. However,
procedures: it can be determined if the hair is animal or human, whether the hair
- Use a clean, disposable pipette or eyedropper for each is dyed or bleached, if hair is from the head or body, and the racial
sample collected. origin can be determined.
- Place the sample in a small container, avoiding excess air
space, because air will cause the same to dry. Even though positive identification is not possible, it can be said that
- If the amount of blood is minimal, collection may best be the hair "matches in all respects" that of the suspect or "it is not
made by placing the sample in a normal saline solution (1 from the suspect." Samples must be taken from all parties
teaspoon salt in 1 quart of distilled water). concerned:
- Refrigerate samples in saline solution as soon as possible. - Take samples of head hair from the top, the back, and each
- Do not mix areas where samples are collected. side of the head.
- Use a clean container and collection tools for each area of - Take by combing, pulling or cutting close to root.
the scene where blood samples are found. - Take at least a dozen hears from each location.
 - In rape cases, take two samples from both the victim and the  Package each item of clothing separately.
suspect. The first is taken by combing, the second by cutting  Be careful to identify each item and properly label.
or pulling. Establish if this is the clothing worn at the time of the crime.
- Each of these samples should be collected in separate  Do not rely on others to collect clothing at hospitals and
containers and properly labeled. mortuaries. This may complicate identification later.
- Identify hairs carefully as to exact location found. Keep a tight "Chain of Custody" as clothing is often the most
- Do not mix hairs frond in different locations. important single item of evidence and ownership may be
- Place the air in folded paper and put in an envelope or glass disputed.
vial and seal
- Do not tape the air to an object as this alters the hair and
destroys any debris adhering to it. Fibers
Fibers are excellent trace evidence when clothing cross
contamination takes place. They are also important evidence in
Fingernail Scrapings robbery cases and hit-and-run cases. Fibers may be found on
In cases where physical contact has been made, fingernail scrapings clothing, snagged on projections, and even imbedded in vehicle
should be obtained. Rape cases or assault cases are good examples paint.
of cases where fingernail scrapings may be important. Items
sometimes fond under fingernails include fibers, hair, and skin which Examination of fibers can determine if they are from natural or
may be typed for its blood group. synthetic material, and the color and dye used. They may be
physically matched if the fragment was torn from clothing. Threads
To collect samples of fingernail scrapings, follow these procedures: may be examined to determine twist, number of strands and cloth
- Clean under each fingernail with a clean fingernail file. weave.
- Place the scrapings from each finger on already labeled paper with - Treat and package fibers in the same manner as hair.
notation of which finger it came from. - Be extremely careful not to cross contaminate during the
- Place the scrapings from each finger in a separate envelope collection process.
or glass vial. - Collect the clothing which is considered to be the source of
- Fingernail scrapings should be obtained from both the victim the fibers.
and the suspect. - Do not shake items as this may dislodge the fibers.
- If the subject's hands were contaminated with blood, note
this on the container.
Glass
Glass may be important evidence in robberies and hit-and-run cases.
Clothing It may be found as trace evidence in clothing and shoes. Glass is
The clothing of both the victim and the suspect are often good usually examined to determine if both the evidence sample and the
sources of trace evidence in practically a variety of crimes. The known standard has the same physical properties and trace
cuffs, seams, pockets, shoe edges, shoe soles and heel are all good elements as impurities.
potential sources of physical evidence.
 Collect all the outer clothing Additional examinations can be made to determine from which side
 Be careful not to shake off trace evidence when clothing is force was applied. Glass broken by fire shows a different pattern
removed. because the breaking is induced by differences in expansion of the
 Have subject stand on clean paper when undressing, then glass. Physical match of glass from the crime scene to glass found in the
place the folded paper in the container with the clothing. suspect's possession is good possibility.
Dead bodies should be undressed over a clean sheet to avoid
loss of trace evidence.
 - Samples should be collected from each broken piece of glass involved. The proof value greatly increases when there inclusions in
at crime scene. the wood, such as paint or tar.
- These should be packaged individually in glass vials or
envelopes. - Get fairly large samples from a spot near the area destroyed.
- In hit-and-run cases, collect all broken glass to ensure the - Include all coatings of paint, tar, roofing, etc.
possibility of a Physical match, should fragments be found on - Place samples in clear paper bags, identify and label them.
suspect's vehicle.

Soil
Paint Soil sometimes has a great deal of evidential value. It is very
Paint traces are often found in clothing and as transfers on tools and sensitive to sampling techniques. The usual sources are clothing,
automobiles. An analysis of paint consists of an examination of its shoes and tools.
color, surface texture and sequence of layers. The samples are - Collect one ounce from areas the suspect's shoe may have
subjected to infrared analysis and spectrographic analysis. All of contacted and collect numerous samples from various
these tests are worthless unless samples of paint to be used as a locations where the suspect may have traveled.
comparative standard are collected at the crime scene to compare - If an impression is dug, such as a grave, collect samples at
with those found in the possession of the suspect. various depths.
 When collecting paint fragments, avoid crumbling the - If a large hole, collect samples at different locations at
fragment. various depths.
 The shape of the fragment may be able to be marched to a - When collecting, do not mix samples from different areas.
missing paint area on an item involved in the case. - Package and seal in tight containers such as glass vials.
 In cases where paint has been transferred from one item to - When collecting samples from vehicles, collect blobs which
another, collect a sample of the foreign paint and a sample of may have come from the same location and place in separate
the uncontaminated paint which belongs on the particular containers.
surface. - Do not scrape all the dirt together into one container.
Package these in separate containers.
 When collecting the uncontaminated paint, collect close to
the damaged area. Incendiary Material
Collect samples by cutting or chipping and place them in Incendiary materials must be found to establish the corpus delicti in
clean vials. arson cases.
 Label each sample as to the exact location in which it was - Airtight jars or cans are the only safe containers for this type
found. of evidence.
Do not mix samples from various locations. - Use a separate jar for each location.
 Take two samples for every distinctly different surface area. - Collect samples from areas of possible origin or which give
response to a Hydro-carbon sniffer (a device used to measure
fumes of volatile substances).
Wood - Collect any uncharred material near area of origin.
Wood may be important evidence in robbery case where forced entry - Samples are needed for comparison and must be collected
is done through wooden material, and automobile hit-and-run from such sources as service stations or hardware stores in
property damage cases. The usual sources of wood evidence are the area where incendiary material may have been
clothing and tools and automobiles. purchased, and from containers owned by the suspect.

Wood itself, because of its common use, does not have a high
evidential value as proof unless some relatively rare type of wood is Tools and Tool Marks
It is possible to determine whether a particular tool made a tool Bullets
mark in question. Never try working a tool against a tool mark as this A bullet can provide information about the type and make of
will damage the mark and destroy the evidential value of any paint ammunition, the type and make of weapon from which the bullet was
on the tool. fired, and whether or not it was fired from a specific weapon,
 Handle tools with care and protect the tips so that any paint provided the weapon is available for test purposes.
chips or other traces which might be on them will not be lost. - Handle the bullet so as not to dislodge any extraneous
 If possible, remove the portion of the item which contains the materials or damage the markings.
tool mark and submit it to the laboratory along with any - If a bullet is lodged in wood or similar material, cut out the
suspect tools. section and bring to the laboratory.
Mark the item with tool mark and all tools and identify them - At autopsies, request the use of hands or rubber-tipped
as to where and when they were obtained. forceps to minimize the possibility of damage to the bullet.
- Wrap each bullet separately in tissue or cotton to prevent
damage and place in a container.
Firearms Mark initials on the base or side of the bullet.
Firearms, bullets, shotgun shells, shotgun pellets and wads, - If the bullet is too small to be easily marked or there is a
explosive residues and powder patterns can all provide vital possibility of dislodging evidence from the nose, seal the date
evidence and specific answers to possible questions in the case. and information as to where and when the bullet was found
- Firearms must be handled very carefully, not only as a safety onto the container. If there is more than one bullet, mark the
factor, but to avoid disturbing any evidence they may provide. order in which they were found and the exact location.
They must be properly marked for later identification.
- Never insert anything in the barrel as this may damage the
identifying characteristics and dislodge material which may Cartridge Cases
be inside the barrel. Cartridge cases can provide vital information as to the type of
- Pick up the weapon by the trigger guard or checkered grip so weapon used, the type of ammunition, and whether or not the case
as not to disturb any fingerprints. was fired in a specific weapon (if the weapon is available for test
- Unload but do not wipe or clean the weapon. firing).
- When unloading, carefully record the location of fired, unfired  Handle cartridge cases so as not to add any scratches or
and misfired cartridges. marks.
- Record the serial number description of the weapon. Wrap each one separately to prevent damage.
- Firearms with no serial number should be marked with initials  Be sure to note specific locations in which each was found.
on the receiver or the underside of the barrel.  Mark by scratching initials on the inside of the case or on the
- Never use "X" or other non-individual type of marking. outside near the bullet end of
- Do not mark the weapon on any easily removable part such the case.
as the stock or grips.  If inscribing initials might damage the markings, seal the
- Use discretion so as not to disfigure the weapon. cartridge case in a container and mark initials on the
container and indicate where and when the case was found.
Even if the identifying marks (make, model, serial number, etc.) have See Fig. 3.1
been removed, the make and caliber can be determined, and possibly
the serial number of the weapon. Whether the weapon is in working
order and, if so, whether it has any defects which might have an
effect on the investigation, and whether it has been used to fire a
particular bullet or cartridge are other questions which can be
answered by expert examination
 - Do not mark the items, but seal them in containers and mark
the containers with initial, and where and when the items
were obtained.

Shot and Powder Patterns

Shot and powder patterns may indicate the distance (with limits)
from which the shot was fired. Occasionally they may make it
possible to determine the barrel length or number of lands and
grooves for the weapon.
- Necessary to have the same weapon and type of ammunition
used in the incident to make valid comparison patterns.
- Seize available pertinent ammunition as most likely to be the
type of ammunition used.
Accurately measure patterns on bodies and photograph with
a scale included.
Count the number of holes in patterns if possible.
The figure may give information as to the size of the shot
load.
- Initial all items submitted and give pertinent information as to
where and when found.
Shotgun Shells
Shotgun shells can indicate the type of ammunition used and
whether or not it was fired in a specific weapon (provided the Serial Number Restoration
weapon is available for test firing). Occasionally the type of shotgun Serial number restoration is possible in most cases if the removal
may be determined from the type and location of marks. has not gone too deep or if the number has not been obscured by
- Handle shotgun shells in the same manner as in cartridge overlapping. Only stamped numbers can be restored.
cases. - Do not attempt to raise the number, yourself, but bring the
- If shells are waxed, scrape off the wax and mark initials with item to the laboratory, if practical.
a pen. - If not practicable, contact the laboratory for instructions.
- If plastic, scratch initials into the plastic with a sharp tool. - Obtain any information as to the type of metal in the item, as
- Never mark on the brass portion. different types of metals require different chemicals for
developing the numbers.

Shotgun Pellets and Wads

Shotgun pellets and wads may indicate the size and type of Powder Residues
ammunition used. Powder residues can indicate whether a hole was caused by a bullet
- Recover as many as possible. and can differentiate between entrance and exit holes. They can
- At least 4 or 5 are needed for accurate sizing. assist in determining from which direction a victim was hot and,
- Always dry the wads before packaging to prevent along with powder patters, provide an estimate of the distance.
deterioration. - Package material carefully in order not to destroy powder
residues.
Explosive Residues
Explosive residues help determine the type of explosive device used
if parts are available. They also supply a limited amount of
information about the type of explosive involved.
- The best leads as to the type of explosive used are such
things as containers, detonating devices (fuses, caps, etc.),
and other parts of the explosive device.
- Obtain all available materials described above.
- Normally, only items from the immediate point of explosion
will be of value in making examines for residues.

The Chain of Custody

Once physical evidence has been collected, it must be properly
handled by each person who comes in contact with it. A record must
be attached to the evidence package listing each person who has
been in custody of the evidence and the dates on which that
authorized person had possession of the evidence. This is referred to
as the chain of custody.

In order for evidence to be admissible in court, the chain of custody

must remain unbroken from the time the evidence is collected until it
is presented in court. The purpose is to assure that the evidence
remains authentic and that there has been no opportunity for
tampering, switching or otherwise mistreating the item by any
persons either deliberately or negligently.