- 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
Preservation and Packaging
Home > Evidence Handling Procedures > The Crime Scene > Preservation and Packaging
Evidence "Coverup" covering a firearm
Evidence (from the scene or other location) must be securely and appropriately packaged. Packaging material that securely contains the evidence protects against loss and contamination. The area of interest should be protected on larger items that cannot be packaged and transported easily (e.g., a door or piece of furniture).
Plastic containers are generally useful for packaging evidence because they can be sealed closed and permit observation of the contents. However, they must not be used for packaging of biological evidence. Biological evidence, such as blood-stained clothing or vegetation suspected to be cannabis, should be packaged in paper containers that allow airflow around the material. Plastic is not recommended for packaging firearms evidence since any moisture present could promote rusting of the item.
No two investigations or sets of physical evidence are the same. The type of evidence and established protocols dictate the packaging and delivery or shipment method.
