Evidence Collection & Chain of Custody
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of submitting the tool used at a crime scene when collecting footprint or tire impressions?

  • To assess the tool for fingerprints
  • To analyze the tool's material composition
  • To link the tool to a specific footprint pattern (correct)
  • To determine the weight of the tool used

Which of the following is NOT a guideline for collecting latent prints?

  • Store in paper envelopes (correct)
  • Package in heat-sealable plastic bags
  • Zip tie the items to minimize movement
  • Always wear gloves

What is the correct action to take when collecting glass evidence?

  • Allow glass to fall freely into the container
  • Store glass evidence in glass containers
  • Label glass as 'inside' or 'outside' (correct)
  • Use paper bags for packaging

Which of the following methods is NOT recommended for packaging controlled substances?

<p>Place items in plastic grocery bags (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why should footwear or tire impressions in snow be sprayed with a color spray before photographing?

<p>To enhance visibility for better photographs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the evidence collection process?

<p>Secure the crime scene (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which item should be worn to avoid contamination when collecting evidence?

<p>Personal protective gear (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must be added to packages containing fresh/wet tissue samples during transportation?

<p>Ice packs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence should be packaged separately to avoid cross-contamination?

<p>All evidence types (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which label must be included when mailing evidence associated with bloodborne pathogens?

<p>Biohazard warning label (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is a Safety Data Sheet important for hazardous materials?

<p>It contains information on hazardous properties and disposal techniques. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required before moving a body in Texas for examination?

<p>A death certificate signed by the Justice of the Peace (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure for collecting maggots as evidence?

<p>Use forceps and place them in a mixture of 70% isopropyl alcohol and water. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a guideline for collecting blood samples?

<p>Use one 10mL tube of blood. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of items can contain DNA evidence?

<p>Chewing gum and envelopes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When submitting hair evidence, what is the recommended number of hairs to collect?

<p>25 hairs from different areas. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper way to handle and ship firearms as evidence?

<p>Ensure all firearms are unloaded and handle them minimally. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with paint chips collected as evidence?

<p>Submit them in a druggist fold. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is essential for collecting DNA evidence from fluids?

<p>Use lab grade Q-tips with distilled water. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of fiber examinations?

<p>Comparing fibers to known samples for consistency. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a guideline for collecting toolmark evidence?

<p>Do not package toolmark evidence with other items. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key safety consideration when handling firearms as evidence?

<p>All firearms must be unloaded before packaging. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Personal protective gear must always be worn when collecting physical evidence.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hazardous materials can be shipped without adhering to US Department of Transportation regulations.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bones should be collected in plastic bags to prevent damage during evidence collection.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When mailing evidence that may contain bloodborne pathogens, packages must have a biohazard warning label.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

All evidence packages should be sealed with tape but do not require initialing.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Maggots should be recorded based on their size and temperature.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Texas, any individual can collect blood from a live person without a warrant.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hair samples should be submitted in a druggist fold then an evidence bag after packaging separately from different areas.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Blood samples for DWI cases must be collected in two 10mL tubes.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fiber examinations can reveal specific details about the fiber's manufacturer and model.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cigarette butts, chewing gum, and blood can all contain DNA evidence.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Firearms must be mailed loaded to ensure safety during transportation.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Paint chips can only indicate the color of an automobile and provide no other relevant information.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Forceps should be used to pick up physical items when collecting DNA evidence.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The entire garment should be submitted when collecting fiber evidence if possible.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a crime scene investigation?

<p>To obtain evidence for solving crimes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A secondary crime scene refers to the initial location where a crime occurred.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one of the four major search patterns used in crime scene investigations.

<p>Line/Strip, Spiral, Grid, or Zone/Quadrant</p> Signup and view all the answers

To legally enter a crime scene in the US, investigators must obtain a __________.

<p>warrant</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

<p>Primary Crime Scene = The initial location of the crime Evidence = Information used to support conclusions Forensic Experts = Specialists who analyze physical evidence Search Warrant = Authorization to search a specific place</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the line/strip method involve?

<p>Dividing an area into parallel strips and searching in lanes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Investigators should follow a single ideal method for searching a crime scene.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are two of the goals of searching a crime scene?

<p>Recognize evidence, Document evidence, Collect evidence, Preserve evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using the grid method of crime scene search?

<p>It ensures comprehensive coverage of the area. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The spiral method of crime scene search can only begin at the perimeter of the area.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit of using the zone/quadrant method in crime scene searches?

<p>It allows each zone to be searched by different investigators.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ________ method involves investigators viewing the crime scene as a circle and can spiral inward or outward.

<p>spiral</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the crime scene search method with its feature:

<p>Spiral Method = Circular search pattern Grid Method = Overlaying perpendicular lines Zone Method = Dividing area into zones Line Method = Straight line search</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which search method is generally more time-consuming, but also more comprehensive?

<p>Grid Method (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Evidence identification markers are used during the search process by investigators.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Physical Evidence

Evidence used in court based on forensic science. It must be collected and presented according to legal rules to be admissible.

Secure the Crime Scene

The first step in evidence collection is safeguarding the area to protect evidence and prevent contamination.

Documenting Evidence

Creating a detailed record of the evidence found, including photos, videos, and sketches.

Collecting and Packaging Evidence

Gathering evidence and storing it in a way that prevents contamination and preserves its integrity.

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Hazardous Materials

Substances that pose risks to health, safety, property, or the environment. They require specific handling and disposal procedures.

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Human Remains

Evidence that requires special handling and transport procedures due to its sensitive nature.

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Entomological Evidence

Using the study of insects to determine time of death and potential causes.

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Lysis

The process of breaking down cells or tissues, often used in forensics to analyze substances.

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Footprint/Tire Impression

Marks left by shoes or tires at a crime scene, often used to identify individuals or vehicles.

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Latent Print

An invisible fingerprint left behind by the oils and sweat on fingertips, crucial for linking individuals to crime scenes.

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Glass Evidence

Pieces of broken glass from a crime scene, providing information about the broken object, force used, and sequence of events.

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Controlled Substance

A drug regulated by the government, its possession, manufacture, or use is illegal.

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DNA Evidence

Biological material containing genetic information, often found at crime scenes. Examples include blood, saliva, semen, and hair.

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Collecting DNA Evidence

The process of gathering biological samples for analysis, using techniques like swabbing with lab-grade Q-tips and collecting physical items with forceps.

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Blood-Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

The amount of alcohol present in a person's bloodstream, typically measured in grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.

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Collecting Blood Samples (DWI)

The process of obtaining blood for analysis in DUI cases, typically done by a qualified medical expert with consent or a warrant.

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Fiber Evidence

Material composed of threads or filaments, often used to link a suspect to a crime scene, especially from clothing or carpets.

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Hair Evidence

Human or animal hair that can be investigated for racial characteristics, body area, decomposition, and any alteration.

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Ballistics

The study of the motion and impact of projectiles, usually related to firearms and bullets.

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Collecting Firearms & Bullets

The process of collecting firearms and bullets as evidence, emphasizing safety and proper packaging with adherence to regulations.

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Paint Chip Evidence

Pieces of paint that can be analyzed for their color, manufacturer, model, and year of manufacture, often linking a vehicle to a crime scene.

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Toolmark Evidence

Marks or impressions left by tools on objects, often used to match a tool to a crime scene or connect a suspect to an object.

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Cross Contamination

The unwanted transfer of evidence from one source to another, compromising its integrity and potentially misleading investigations.

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Evidence Packaging

Storing evidence in a way that preserves its original state, prevents contamination, and maintains a clear chain of custody.

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Biohazard Labels

Warning labels used on containers holding potentially infectious materials, like blood or tissue, to alert handlers and prevent exposure.

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Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

A document providing detailed information about the properties, hazards, and safe handling of hazardous materials, essential for handling, transport, and emergency preparedness.

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Crawling Insect Evidence

Evidence collected from crawling insects, such as beetles or ants, that can be used to help determine time of death or location of a body.

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Maggot Evidence

Evidence collected from maggots, the larval stage of flies, that can help determine time of death and location of a body.

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What is the most valuable forensic evidence?

DNA evidence is considered the most valuable forensic evidence due to its unique and identifiable nature.

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Collecting DNA from Fluids

Collecting DNA from fluids like blood, urine, and semen using lab-grade Q-tips to ensure accurate and safe analysis.

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Hair Evidence Analysis

Hair can be analyzed to determine if it's human or animal, identify race, body area, decomposition, and any alterations.

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Fiber Evidence Analysis

Fiber evidence, like those found in clothing or carpets, can be analyzed to identify its type and compared to other fibers to establish links.

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Firearms Evidence

Firearms and bullets are collected and analyzed to determine if a specific firearm fired a particular bullet.

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Crime Scene

The location where a crime occurred. It provides valuable evidence for investigation.

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Primary Crime Scene

The initial location where the crime took place.

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Secondary Crime Scene

A location related to the crime, but not where it originally occurred.

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Search Warrant

A legal document allowing police to search a specific place for evidence related to a crime.

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Line/Strip Search

A method for searching a large area by dividing it into parallel strips and walking straight lines down each strip.

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Spiral Search

A method for searching a large area starting from a central point and moving outwards in a circular pattern.

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Grid Search

A method for searching an area by dividing it into squares and systematically searching each square.

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Zone/Quadrant Search

A method for searching a large area by dividing it into zones and assigning a team to each zone.

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Spiral Search Method

A crime scene search method where investigators start at a point and move outward in a spiral pattern, covering the entire area.

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Grid Search Method

A more thorough search pattern where investigators cover an area with overlapping lines, creating a grid pattern.

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Zone/Quadrant Search Method

Dividing the crime scene into logical zones, allowing each zone to be searched by different investigators.

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What is the benefit of a grid search?

A grid search is more comprehensive and time-consuming than a line search, but it allows multiple investigators to search each section, ensuring thoroughness.

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When to use the Zone/Quadrant Method?

The Zone/Quadrant method is ideal for indoor crime scenes with distinct areas, allowing for focused investigation.

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What is an evidence marker?

An object that marks the location of evidence found at a crime scene, helping investigators track its position and prevent movement.

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Why is proper documentation important?

Accurate documentation through photos, sketches, and notes is crucial for maintaining a chain of custody and presenting evidence in court.

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Study Notes

Evidence Collection & Chain of Custody

  • Physical evidence is admissible in court if legal rules were followed throughout the process.
  • Evidence collection follows these steps:
    • Secure the crime scene
    • Locate the evidence
    • Document the evidence (videos, photos, sketches)
    • Collect and package the evidence
  • Personal protective gear (gloves, shoe covers, face masks) must be used and changed between rooms to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Evidence needing testing should be packaged separately.

Important Considerations

  • Protective gear should always be worn.
  • Change personal protective gear to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Properly label packages with the item number, case number, the person who sealed it, date, and location.
  • Seal packages with tape and initial.

Collecting Hazardous Materials

  • Hazardous materials (health, safety, property, or environment risk) are frequently encountered at crime scenes.
  • Shipping hazardous evidence must comply with DOT and International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations.
  • Evidence potentially containing bloodborne pathogens requires biohazard warning labels.
  • Complete safety data sheets must be available for hazardous materials.

Collecting Human Remains

  • Human remains may need specialized examination.
  • No body movement in Texas until a Justice of the Peace signs off on a death certificate.
  • Guidelines for collecting human remains:
    • Collect bones in paper bags
    • Use tin foil around fragile bones
    • Seal fresh/wet tissue in plastic
    • Include ice packs with tissue samples
    • Label the package with biohazard labels.

Collecting Entomological Evidence

  • Insect life cycles and succession can show the time since death.
  • Guidelines for collecting entomological evidence:
    • Use an insect net to catch adult and flying insects.
    • Place insects in a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution (mixed 1:1 with water).
    • Use forceps for crawling insects; place in the same alcohol solution
    • Record temperature.
    • Collect largest maggots from multiple sites and place in a solution.

Collecting DNA Evidence

  • DNA evidence from fluids is crucial in court trials.
  • Examples of DNA evidence: cigarette butts, chewing gum, envelopes, blood, urine, semen.
  • Proper procedures include:
    • Using forceps to pick up physical items.
    • Using lab-grade Q-tips to collect fluids, and adding distilled water.
    • Rubbing for 15 seconds, letting it dry, and placing in a suitable sealed container.
    • Refrigerate until mailing.

Collection of Blood Samples (DWI)

  • In Texas, only a qualified medical expert can collect blood with consent or a warrant.
  • This is common in Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) cases for blood alcohol concentration analyses.
  • Collection guidelines:
    • Collect two 5mL blood tubes for each case.
    • Label each tube with a case number.
    • Refrigerate the blood samples.
    • Package in Styrofoam.
    • Seal package with a Biohazard label.

Collecting Hair & Fiber Evidence

  • Fiber examinations identify fiber type and consistency
  • Hair analysis identifies animal/human, race, body area, and any body alterations.
  • Fiber guidelines include: submitting the entire garment if possible, folding, placing in an evidence bag, or using a druggist fold.
  • Hair guidelines include: packaging samples from different areas, and collecting at least 25 hairs for sampling.

Collecting Firearms & Bullets

  • Ballistics can identify if a bullet matches a specific firearm.
  • Maintain safety precautions, do not mail loaded firearms.
  • Guidelines:
    • Package bullets separately from live ammunition
    • Follow US DOT guidelines for cartridges
    • Unload all firearms
    • Handle firearms minimally
    • Ship all evidence separately.

Collecting Paint & Toolmark Evidence

  • Paint chips reveal color, manufacturer, model, and year of the automobile.
  • Tools and toolmarks can be linked via lab analysis
  • Guidelines for collection:
    • Provide control paint chips from the car or object.
    • Use leak-proof containers (pillboxes, screw-top vials).
    • Avoid using plastic bags or cotton or envelopes.
    • Submit the tool itself but not placed against the evidence.

Collection of Footprint & Tire Impressions

  • Footprints and tire impressions are commonly found at crime scenes
  • Soles and tire patterns can be identified by using national databases.
  • Guidelines:
    • Submit original evidence if possible;
    • Air dry and package separately;
    • Cover casts in bubble wrap and paper;
    • Spray footwear/tire impressions with color spray before photographing.

Collecting Latent Prints

  • Impressions left when a person touches an object.
  • Latent prints are valuable evidence linking individuals to scenes.
  • Unknown deceased individuals' fingerprints can confirm identification.
  • Guidelines: Wear gloves, package in heat-sealable bags, and zip-tie to avoid movement.

Collection of Glass Evidence

  • Glass may originate from one source, with direction of force visible from blows.
  • Glass pieces are reconstructed to determine the original whole.
  • Guidelines for collecting glass evidence:
    • Use leakproof containers (film canisters, plastic pill bottles).
    • Do not use paper or glass containers.
    • Label glass parts as inside/outside.
    • Vacuum glass particles if possible.

Collection of Controlled Substances

  • Drugs' manufacture, possession, or use are regulated.
  • Drug possession is a common arrest offense.
  • Guidelines for collection include wearing gloves, a mask when powders are involved, calling for medical assistance if contaminated, and separately packaging substances.

Collection of Arson Evidence

  • Arson involves intentionally setting a fire.
  • Arson examinations detect ignitable liquids, identifying fuels, and solvents.
  • Guidelines include using airtight containers for all evidence, appropriate containers for paint cans, and leaving space at the top for expansion during shipping.

Collection of Document Evidence

  • Questioned documents are handwritten, typed, or otherwise marked, authenticity is in dispute.
  • Guidelines for collecting document evidence:
    • Maintain original condition
    • Avoid unnecessary handling (folding, tearing, marking, stamping, soiling).

Chain of Custody

  • Chain of Custody documents steps for custody, transfer, analysis, and storage of evidence.
  • Evidence is carefully tracked to avoid planting or tampering, and cross contamination.
  • Detailed documentation is needed including date, time, case number, persons of interest, offense, and the person sealing the evidence.

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Related Documents

Evidence Collection & Chain of Custody PDF
Crime Scene Searching Methods PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on the essential steps of evidence collection and the importance of maintaining a proper chain of custody. This quiz covers securing crime scenes, proper documentation, packaging, and the use of personal protective gear to prevent contamination. Ensure you understand the vital considerations for handling hazardous materials at crime scenes.

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