1. Evidence Preservation and Sampling
Take Samples
(3)
(3)(b) Take samples.
Most items of evidence will be collected in paper containers such as packets, envelopes,
and bags. Liquid items can be transported in non-breakable, leak proof containers.
Arson evidence is usually collected in air-tight, clean metal cans. Only large quantities
of dry powder should be collected and stored in plastic bags. Moist or wet evidence
(blood, plants, etc.) from a crime scene can be collected in plastic containers at the
scene and transported back to an evidence receiving area if the storage time in plastic is
two hours or less and this is done to prevent contamination of other evidence. Once in a
secure location, wet evidence, whether packaged in plastic or paper, must be removed
and allowed to completely air dry. That evidence can then be repackaged in a new, dry
paper container.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD EVIDENCE CONTAINING MOISTURE
BE PACKAGED IN PLASTIC OR PAPER CONTAINERS FOR MORE THAN TWO
HOURS.
Moisture allows the growth of microorganisms which can destroy or alter evidence.
NFPA (3)(b)

2. Evidence Preservation and Sampling Federal Bureau of Investigation
Take Samples
Federal Bureau of Investigation
12 Step Process
(3)
(3)(b) Take samples.
Normally a Three (3) Person Team:
Sampler – Conducts Field Test and takes the physical sample prior to packaging
Assistant – Facilitates proper packaging, preventing cross-contamination
Documenter – Makes notes, may photograph or videotape
Federal Bureau of Investigation 12 Step Process
Preparation
Approach the Scene
Secure and Protect the Scene
Initiate a Preliminary Survey
Evaluate Physical Evidence Possibilities
Prepare a Narrative Description
Depict the Scene Photographically
Prepare a Diagram or Sketch of the Scene
Conduct a detailed Search
Record and Collect Physical Evidence
Conduct the Final Survey
Release the Scene
NFPA (3)(b)

3. Evidence Recovery Plan
FBI Twelve Step
Preparation
Training
Equipment
Collection team
Laboratory
Safety Plan
Evidence Recovery Plan
(3)
(3)(b) Take samples.
Federal Bureau of Investigation 12 Step Process
Preparation
Training
Equipment
Collection team
Laboratory
Safety Plan
Evidence Recovery Plan
NFPA (3)(b)

4. Approach Scene Personal Safety FBI Twelve Step
Personal Protective Clothing
Scene Safety
Safety of Other Responders
(3)
(3)(b) Take samples.
Federal Bureau of Investigation 12 Step Process
Approach the Scene
Personal Protective Clothing
Scene Safety
Safety of Other Responders
NFPA (3)(b)

5. Secure and Protect Scene
FBI Twelve Step
Secure and Protect Scene
Scene Security
Documentation of Responders
Accountability
Establish Control Zones
(3)
(3)(b) Take samples.
Federal Bureau of Investigation 12 Step Process
Secure and Protect the Scene
Scene Security
Documentation of Responders
Accountability System ..
Who goes In and Out
Authorization
Establish Control Zones
Control Entry Point – Secured
Similar to Haz Mat Zones
NFPA (3)(b)

6. Initiate Preliminary Survey
FBI Twelve Step
Initiate Preliminary Survey
Team Assignments
Search Plan
Intelligence
(3)
(3)(b) Take samples.
Federal Bureau of Investigation 12 Step Process
Initiate a Preliminary Survey
Team Assignments
Who gathers Evidence
Who records and documents
Search Plan
Intelligence
NFPA (3)(b)

7. Evaluate Physical Evidence
FBI Twelve Step
Evaluate Physical Evidence
Type of Evidence
Collection Equipment Sufficient
Packaging Equipment Sufficient
(3)
(3)(b) Take samples.
Federal Bureau of Investigation 12 Step Process
Evaluate Physical Evidence Possibilities
Type of Evidence
Solid, Liquid, Gas
Collection Equipment Sufficient
Proper Sampling Tools,
Packaging Equipment Sufficient
Proper Containers, Label, Transport containers
NFPA (3)(b)

8. Prepare Narrative Description
FBI Twelve Step
Prepare Narrative Description
Initial Description of the Scene
(3)
(3)(b) Take samples.
Federal Bureau of Investigation 12 Step Process
Prepare a Narrative Description
Initial Description of the Scene
Detail is critical, don’t leave out anything observed
NFPA (3)(b)

9. Depict Scene Photographically
FBI Twelve Step
Depict Scene Photographically
Photograph
Risk Assessment
(3)
(3)(b) Take samples.
Federal Bureau of Investigation 12 Step Process
7. Depict the Scene Photographically
Prepare a Diagram or Sketch of the Scene, keep track of photos and angle taken
Conduct a detailed Search
Record and Collect Physical Evidence
ID Evidence where located prior to removal
Conduct the Final Survey
Release the Scene
Risk Assessment
On going assessment for Scene Safety
On going assessment for Scene Stability
NFPA (3)(b)

10. Prepare Scene Diagram or Sketch
FBI Twelve Step
Prepare Scene Diagram or Sketch
Sketch
Risk Assessment
(3)
(3)(b) Take samples.
Federal Bureau of Investigation 12 Step Process
Prepare a Diagram or Sketch of the Scene
Sketch
Measurements, Dimensions to scale for accuracy
Risk Assessment
On going assessment for Scene Safety
On going assessment for Scene Stability
NFPA (3)(b)

11. Conduct Detailed Search
FBI Twelve Step
Conduct Detailed Search
Evidence Evaluation
General to Specific
Search Patterns
(3)
(3)(b) Take samples.
Federal Bureau of Investigation 12 Step Process
Conduct a detailed Search
Evidence Evaluation
General to Specific
Search Patterns
NFPA (3)(b)

12. Collect and Record Physical Evidence
FBI Twelve Step
Collect and Record Physical Evidence
Field Screening
Photograph
Label
Package Appropriately
Document
Chain of Custody
Decontamination Issues:
Victims / Bodies / Evidence
(3)
(3)(b) Take samples.
Federal Bureau of Investigation 12 Step Process
Record and Collect Physical Evidence
Field Screening,
Attempt to ID or verify suspicion of product
ensure safety to package and transport
Photograph
Area and Close up
Items to scale assist in size ID
Label
Case Number
Sampler / Packager
Item
Location Found
Package Appropriately
Document
Chain of Custody
Decontamination Issues
Victims / Bodies / Evidence
NFPA (3)(b)

13. Evidence Accounted For Equipment Accounted For
FBI Twelve Step
Conduct Final Survey
Evidence Accounted For
Equipment Accounted For
Additional Activities Required?
(3)
(3)(b) Take samples.
Federal Bureau of Investigation 12 Step Process
Conduct the Final Survey
Evidence Accounted For
Equipment Accounted For
Additional Activities Required
NFPA (3)(b)

14. Turning the scene back to Owner
FBI Twelve Step
Release the Scene
Turning the scene back to Owner
(3)
(3)(b) Take samples.
Federal Bureau of Investigation 12 Step Process
Release the Scene
Ensure all tools picked up
Ensure no sketches, photo negatives, litter left behind
Document all items being removed as evidence
NFPA (3)(b)