SOP CSI 004 12 Trace Evidence Collection
SOP CSI 004 12 Trace Evidence Collection
SOP CSI 004 12 Trace Evidence Collection
1.0 BACKGROUND
Trace evidence is a generic term for small, often microscopic material, which can be transferred
when contact is made with an individual or an environment. This evidence includes such things
as hair, fiber, glass, paint, soil, safe insulation, building materials, and so on. It can be found on
most any surface including people, floors, clothing, furniture, bedding, and on both the interior
and exterior surfaces of vehicles. The method used to collect trace evidence will depend on the
following: the location of the evidence, the nature and condition of the article to which the trace is
adhering, the presence or absence of other evidence and its nature and condition, the type of
crime being investigated, the relationship of the evidence to the reconstruction of the crime scene
and any other circumstances that might arise.
2.1. Materials
2.2 Equipment
A. Metal detector
B. Global Positioning System (GPS)
3.0 PROCEDURE
A. Prior to the collection of any evidence including trace evidence from a crime
scene, overall photographs as well as close-up of the items examined should be
taken.
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B. On those occasions when the item to be examined is too large or the search at the
crime scene would present a contamination problem, the item should be carefully
packaged and brought back to the laboratory for further examination. Any trace
evidence observed on the item should be removed so that it doesn't get lost during
transportation.
c. The mode of collection of the trace evidence will depend on a number of different
variables, including the type of surface to be examined, the amount of area to be
examined, the portability of the object, the type of trace evidence being sought
and the examiner's preference. In many instances, more than one mode of
collection can be used.
A. Hand picking- This method involves the visual examination of an object for trace
evidence such as hairs, fibers, glass, soil and paint. Normal room light, oblique
lighting, and the alternate light source can be used in the search. The examiner
can also be aided by a magnifying glass. When trace evidence is located, it is
collected by hand or with a pair of forceps and placed into an appropriately
sized packaging, such as a paper bindle. If the location of the trace evidence is
significant, record its location by means of a photograph before recovering the
item.
B. Tape Lifts - This method uses clear one-sided adhesive tape or fingerprint tape
lifts to remove trace evidence from an object (e.g., from a car seat). The tape or
tape lifts are pressed against the item along each surface area until the stickiness
of the tape is gone. At this time, if necessary, additional tapes are used on the
item being examined until the entire surface area of interest has been completely
tape lifted. Once collected, the clear tape can be placed on a clear acetate sheet
(or sheet protector) for protection and the original backing found on the fingerprint
lifters can be placed back onto the lifter.
C. Combing- This method uses a comb or brush to collect trace evidence from the
body of a victim or suspect. A piece of paper should be placed under the area to
be brushed to collect any evidence that may fall. The brush or comb should only
be used on one particular area of the body at a time, such as the pubic region. If
additional areas (regions) are to be brushed or combed, a new brush/comb should
be used. Each combing (comb and paper) should be packaged individually and
marked with the appropriate information
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A. The type of packaging used to store the collected trace evidence will depend on
what type of evidence is collected and will minimize the chance of cross
contamination. In most instances a paper bindle/glassine bindle/or a coin
envelope will be used. The trace evidence should be placed in the smallest
container that the trace evidence will comfortably fit in.
B. At no time should the item (trace evidence) be packaged with cotton directly
touching the object. If the trace evidence is subject to breakage, as is the case
with glass or even large paint samples, then it can be packaged in a bindle and
placed into a box to prevent further breakage.
C. The original covering supplied with the tape lift should be used to protect the
sticky surface after it has been used. The tape lift can then be placed into a manila
envelope and marked with the appropriate information.
D. Each bindle should be individually marked with the case number, date, initials
of the collector, item number, tag number, and a brief description of the item.
When appropriate, one can also document the location from which the
sample was collected from.
E. If the bindle is small, it should be placed into a coin envelope and the outside of
the coin envelope should be marked as described above.
F. Trace evidence, which consists of fine particles such as a dry soil sample, should
be first collected in a plastic or glass container with a lid to prevent loss of the
sample. If this is not available, then use a paper bindle placed in a manila
envelope making sure the comers are sealed to ensure the material stays in its
packaging. If the sample is wet, it will need to be air-dried at the laboratory
before packaging and booking. Again, the proper information should be on both
the inner and outer packaging.
G. Once all the trace evidence has been individually packaged, the items can all be
individually placed into in a larger envelope or brown paper bag. The individual
bindles and envelopes must be folded in such a manner to prevent leakage, and
should be taped closed to prevent leakage. The exterior of the packaging material
should be marked with an adhesive evidence label (SH-1003) containing
all pertinent case information (case number, tag number, charge, date, time, item
number, etc.).
H. In most circumstances, this evidence will be collected at the scene by the Forensic
Technicians and/or the Forensic Detective. Information regarding the chain of
evidence should be noted in your report.
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C. If the trace evidence is collected at the scene, a notation on the exterior packaging
of t he it em ( s) s h o ul d in d ic at e whether or not the contents should be stored
frozen or at room temperature. This information should also be conveyed to the
rest of the responding Forensic Technicians and/or Forensic Detectives.
A. The collection of control samples from the scene, such as carpet, upholstery, and
soil samples, should be done in a timely manner while initially at the scene and
should not be an afterthought. In some cases, additional controls may be needed
after the items have been examined at the laboratory. If collecting an item (such
as a large area of carpeting, drywall, etc.) you must immediately inform the
Forensic Supervisor before cutting any items from a residence/vehicle/or area.
C. If the material from which the control is being collected is damaged in some areas
either through wear, chemical or environmental causes (such as the sun), samples
from the damaged area as well as the undamaged area should be collected.
D. When collecting control samples from the interior of the vehicle, do not forget to
collected upholstery fibers as well as carpet and, if present, floor mat and seat
covers. If the upholstery is damaged and the underlying seat foam is visible,
collect a sample from the foam material as well.
E. In most cases, the greater number of control samples collected, the better the
chance of associating the perpetrator to the crime scene or to the victim.
However, the control sample must be representative of the sample. Never just
collect a single fiber, paint chip, or hair as a control sample.
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As with many other areas of Forensics, the examination process is often more concerned with
establishing an association between an individual, item or crime scene than the actual
identification of the substance itself. Broken glass, which can commonly be found at crime
scenes or on persons who have been involved in crimes is one of those substances. Although
during the examination process the unknown material will be identified as glass, the fact that
glass is present usually provides no association with a particular crime or victim unless it can be
linked to broken glass found at the scene. Therefore the proper collection of control glass
samples from the crime scene is the first step in the glass examination and comparison process.
The following outline provides the basic steps involved in the proper collection of control
samples from known sources of glass, which will be used as a source of comparison.
4.1 Materials
1. Forceps.
2. Gloves.
B. Packaging Materials
4.2 Procedures
A. Preliminary Considerations
3. When taking a sample from a known source of glass, the glass should be
sampled from various locations throughout the sample in order to best
represent the source material.
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4. The known sample should consist of the largest amount of material that
can be reasonably collected. If the sample is still present in a structure, for
example a window frame or light assembly, then the inside and outside of
the remaining glass pieces should be marked. This information can be
useful in determining the direction of force and to facilitate a possible
physical match.
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b. Since the possibility exists that the two flat glass pieces used in the
glass may be from different pellets (sources) or may actually be
different in color, control samples of the glass if broken on both
sides should be taken.
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b. All glass found at a hit and run scene should be collected due to the
fact that more than one type of glass may be present and there may
be a possibility of a "physical match" with glass remaining on a
vehicle, such as with a broken headlamp.
a. Mineral wool (glass wool, slag wool and rock wool) is often found
as insulating material in ceiling tiles and home insulation. Glass
fibers are also a primary component of fiberglass boats and
automotive parts.
Paint, as a type of trace evidence can be present in a variety of cases including hit and runs,
assaults, burglaries and homicides. Paint can be found as a chip, consisting of single or multiple
layers, a smear, or may be painted on an object in an act of vandalism. Like other forms of trace
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evidence, paint evidence can be used to link a suspect or victim to a scene, or to link an object to
the scene or an individual. One of the most important aspects of any comparison of paint
involves the proper collection of the paint sample from an unknown source as well as the control
paint sample to which it is to be compared. The information derived from the control sample
through its analysis will be the basis of its comparison to an unknown sample.
A. Materials
B. Equipment
1. Tweezers.
2. Scalpel with scalpel blade.
3. Disposable scalpels or razor blades (optional).
4. Digital camera.
5. Various tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.) that might be used to move
Objects.
5.2 Procedures
A. Preliminary Considerations
2. Note that trace evidence including control paint samples can be susceptible
to contamination during the collection process and care must be taken to
avoid such contamination. This includes insuring that the tools used for
collection are cleaned between each control sample collected even if it is
from the same vehicle. Disposable scalpels or razor blades can also be
used in the collection process.
3. Keep in mind that the amount of paint submitted for examination will
often be the determining factor in what types of analysis can be done.
This includes the control paint sample collected for comparison.
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4. When choosing the areas from which a control sample is collected keep in
mind that a physical match (Jig-saw puzzle) may be possible and care
should be taken when collecting the control sample.
1. Collect control paint samples from all areas of a vehicle showing fresh
damage. This will provide a range of samples due to the fact that the paint
may be different in type or composition on different areas of a vehicle
even if the color is the same. If more than one vehicle is involved, then
collect control samples from each vehicle as well as any cross transfer that
may have occurred.
2. If large flakes are present along broken edges or chips of paint are
missing, then a physical match may be possible. Carefully collect these
areas and protect the edges from further damage.
5. Do not collect a control paint sample using a tape lift or other sticky
object. The adhesive may interfere with future analysis of the paint
sample.
1. Collect a sample of paint from all areas in which a tool may have
contacted the scene. Make sure to collect all layers of paint present. Do
not destroy an actual tool mark, if present, when collecting a control paint
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sample. Carefully remove a paint sample from around the mark. Use a
clean blade for every sample collected including those collected from the
same item but in different areas.
2. Be aware that the tool itself may be painted and a cross-transfer of paint
from the tool may be left at the scene. Collect any cross-transfers by
removing the area or by carefully scraping the paint from the surface. Be
sure to include the original surface area as well as a control from that
surface area.
3. The tool itself may contain other trace evidence other than paint, such as
plastic or insulation; therefore care must be taken in transporting the tool.
Carefully wrap the area containing the trace in clean paper and seal with
tape to prevent loss. (Collect other possible sources of trace evidence
such as controls and paint samples.)
4. If the tool is located at the scene and a comparison of any trace evidence.
on the tool is desired, no attempt should be made to actually match the
toolmark at the scene to the tool. This action could cause paint or other
trace evidence transfers to occur which would lessen their significance if
found at a later date. In addition, this may introduce additional and
erroneous tool marks on to the evidence item.
5. Package the paint samples collected from the scene into individual paper
bindles and then into larger envelopes. Label with the date, time,
case number, initials, and location where sample was collected.
D. Other Considerations
3. Paint may be transferred to the clothing of a hit and run victim. The area
thought to contain a paint transfer can be marked at the scene and collected.
Clothing items should be carefully removed from the
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The collection of proper control samples (those from a known location) is essential to the
evaluation and comparison of soil samples collected from various items of evidence. Since soil
can vary in its vegetative, animal and mineral composition as well its man-made components,
such as building materials and asphalts, over a short geographical distance, the collection process
must insure that a sufficient number of control samples from various nearby areas are collected.
A. Materials
1. Leak proof glass or plastic containers.
B. Equipment
1. Small spades or spoon (optional).
6.2 PROCEDURE
A. General collection
1. Collect control samples from various areas near and around the crime
scene. A simple change in color can be significant. These samples should
be representative of the soil variation within the crime scene area.
2. If the area is open one can collect samples from the initial crime scene
then collect additional samples from distances of approximately 10 ft., 50
ft ., and 100 ft. in all four compass directions where soil is present.
4. Before packaging, all soil samples should be dry. If the soil is wet or damp
when collected, it might develop mold which can cause the organic matter
in the soil to decompose.
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7. Make sure that the control soil sample is collected soon after the crime
scene is discovered. If the samples are not collected in a timely manner,
the soil may have been cultivated, contaminated or altered by natural
events. The control soil samples will therefore not be representative of
what was present at the time of the incident.
B. Special Issues
1. To best enable the person collecting the samples to collect samples from
the appropriate geographical areas, basic facts of the case must be
obtained from the investigators at the scene before collection begins. This
will facilitate the collection of control soil samples from specific locations.
You want to be able to collect a control soil sample from the suspected
source area.
2. If the crime scene contains shoeprint or tire track impressions, then the
control soil samples need to be collected from the area within the
impression. However, this must be done after the impressions have been
photo-documented.
3. If a cast is made of the entire impression, then the soil remaining on the
cast can be used as a control. In addition to this soil sample, supplemental
samples close to the impression should be taken as well.
5. Soil samples must be collected as soon after the crime scene is discovered.
The soil may be altered by cultivation, contamination, or natural events, if
the samples are not collected in a timely manner.
7.0 REFERENCES
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4. Lee, Henry C., Palmbach, Timothy M. and Marilyn T. Miller. "Henry Lee's Crime Scene
Handbook", Academic Press, 2001.
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