- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Types of Evidence
- Associative Evidence
- The Crime Scene
- Evidence Submission
- Laboratory Evidence Handling
- Case Tracking Within the Laboratory
- Firearm and Toolmark Examination Considerations
- Selected Bibliography
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
Collection of Evidence
Home > Evidence Handling Procedures > The Crime Scene > Collection of Evidence
The evidence examined by a crime laboratory originates at a crime scene. It may be identified and collected directly at the scene or through subsequent examination of persons or items related to the crime scene.
Evidence identified and collected directly at a scene may include
- blood spatters on a wall,
- equipment and chemicals at a clandestine drug laboratory,
- cartridge cases at a shooting.
Evidence identified and collected following examination of persons or items taken from the scene may include
- body fluids from a rape/homicide victim,
- latent prints on a weapon,
- hairs and fibers on clothing.
