1. Investigators must recognize, preserve, and record physical evidence in its original condition. They must also protect the area

2. Three recording methods: 1. Photography 2. Sketches 3. Notes

3. Photography: The crime scene should NOT be altered pictures are taken from all angles close up pictures of injuries and weapons are taken after the body is removed from the scene, the surface beneath the body is photographed all physical evidence is photographed to show position and location relative to the crime scene Videotaping is becoming more common, but the still photo is better for detail

4. Sketches: A rough sketch is initially created. Must contain an accurate depiction of the dimensions of the scene and location of all objects having a bearing on the case. A finished sketch is created from the rough sketch for aesthetic reasons only.

5. ROUGHSMOOTH 5

6. Notes: detailed written description of the crime scene. written location of physical evidence recovered. identify the time an item of physical evidence was discovered, by whom, how, and by whom it was packaged and marked. sufficient detail needs to be recorded…may be referred to years later. tape recording notes narrating a video tape tapes must be transcribed at some point

7. What Physical Evidence is Collected? massive objects – small traces collect any POTENTIAL carriers of trace evidence o vaccuum sweepings o all clothing worn by participants in a crime o fingernail scrapings from individuals collection in the autopsy room from dead victim o Tissues and organs retained o clothing o fingernail scapings o head and pubic hair o blood o vaginal, anal, and oral swabs o recovered bullets o hand swabs from shooting victims

8. Procedures for collecting and Packing Evidence 1.Proper technique is important to make sure that the evidence doesn’t change over time. 2.Should be submitted to lab intact 3.Each item is packaged separately a. liquids and arson remains are stored in airtight containers b. biological evidence is stored in breathable containers so it can dry out. Then it is bindled. A paper bindle (aka “druggist fold”) is folded around the evidence

9. Maintain the Chain of Custody This is a list of people who came in possession of an item of evidence. This is necessary when evidence is presented in court. This should be kept to a minimum.

10. Obtain Standard/Reference Samples A “standard” allows the forensic scientist to compare physical evidence to other known sources. Examples: Hit and run Hair DNA A “substrate control” is a sample of material close to where physical evidence was collected. This ensures that this material does not interfere with the analysis of the physical evidence. Examples: shirt where blood was found