- 1: Types of Evidence
- 2: Types of Crime Scenes
- 3: Evidence Collection
- Collection Priority
- Control Samples
- Reference Sample Collection
- Equipment
- Procedures
- Biological Evidence Packaging
- Blood and Body Fluid Collection
- Hair and Fiber
- Wet Stains on Absorbent Surfaces
- Special Situations
- Wet Stains on Nonabsorbent Surfaces
- Dry Stains on Absorbent Surfaces
- Dry Stains on Nonabsorbent Surfaces
- Collecting a Sample From a Smear
- Evidence Marking
- Packaging for Transport
- Chain of Custody
- Preserving Evidence
- Reporting
- Testifying
- Summary
- 4: CODIS
3. Evidence Collection
Home > 3. Evidence Collection > Module Overview
Module Overview
This training module introduces and describes the following key concepts:
- Priority of evidence collection.
- Control/substrate samples.
- Reference samples.
- Equipment.
- Biological evidence collection procedures.
- Specific collection procedures.
- Evidence marking.
- Packaging.
- Chain of custody.
- Preserving evidence.
- Reporting.
- Testifying.
Collection and packaging methods differ depending on the type of evidence and the material upon which it is found. It is preferable to collect evidence in its original state. If the evidence is fragile or can easily be lost, the entire object should be collected and packaged when size and circumstances permit. Contact a specialist if you are not trained in the required procedure.
Standard operating procedures regarding collection and preservation of biological evidence are defined by each agency and the local forensic laboratory.
Crime scene evidence collection procedures and information to support this module are available in the accompanying document CRIME SCENE PROCEDURES III.
Click here to read the Crime Scene Procedures III document. (PDF) Adobe Acrobat Reader Required
