Crime Scene Evidence Collection Process

Swabbing is a complex procedure.

Perishable evidence should be documented, photographed, and collected immediately.

The lead investigator and the CSI do not need to assess the scene before identifying additional personnel and forensic needs.

All possible evidence should be collected in a specific-to-general order.

Environmental factors cannot affect evidence at a crime scene.

Crime scenes never require a team effort for accurate identification of physical evidence.

Wooden stems are preferred for the swabs due to their ability to retain moisture.

Fingerprints are left on surfaces due to the latent lift card technique.

Fingerprints can be visualized at a crime scene using the dusting technique.

The adhesive side of the trace evidence lifter is placed on the surface to collect evidence.

Small hairs are best collected using large trace evidence lifters.

Trace evidence like paint scrapings from a vehicle can be collected using tweezers.