- 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
Related Evidence
Home > Evidence Handling Procedures > The Crime Scene > Collection of Evidence > Related Evidence
Objects with bullet holes present, such as bedding, upholstery, sections of drywall, rugs, curtains, clothing, etc., should be collected, marked, and packaged for microscopic and chemical testing. Residue-bearing evidence items should be packaged individually. Unused paper bags or wrapping paper can be used for smaller items.
Direct marking of clothing items should be inconspicuous, such as on the inside of the waistband of trousers or inside the rear shirt collar or shirttail. Avoid marking in any area where gunshot residue may be found.
Larger containers are required for large items, such as car seats, upholstered chairs, rugs, sections of drywall, curtains, bedding, etc. Marking requirements remain the same; any area where gunshot residue is suspected should be protected.
Special care should be taken to air dry (out of direct sunlight) any blood-soaked items. This minimizes decomposition and exposure to ultraviolet light, which can degrade DNA.
