Chapter 5: Crime Scene Processing SCI 1 with Legal

Medicine

Module
Introduction:
5 Crime Scene Processing

This module is The Crime Scene Processing. As you read this

material, you will be able to know the proper processing of crime scene.
Crime Scene processing is not dissimilar in that respect than to
other work related tasks such as exchanging a motor in a car, painting a
landscape scene or preparing a meal. There are specific tasks related to each
work goal. How do you justify to someone the technicalities of thoroughly
processing a crime scene? It sounds uncomplicated, but in fact crime scene
processing is a very intricate and interwoven multiple task function.
Likewise, you will know more about the significance of crime scene
investigations. After the content discussion, you are given exercises to work
It is difficult to put in plain words.to someone the exact protocol that will be
on. Towards the end of this module, you are tasked to give your own
reflections. All these activities will deepen and strengthen your used at every crime scene. Each crime scene is different and may
understanding about the lesson presented. Do the task honestly coupled with necessitate a different approach to processing the scene. However there is a
high interest so that you can benefit the most of it. fundamental crime scene protocol that should be adhered to in all crime
scenes.
These basic functions or tasks are as follows:
1. Interview
2. Examine
Learning 3. Photograph
Outcomes 4. Sketch
 Can be identify the proper crime 5. Process
scene processing
The crime scene technician must interview the first officer who
responded to the scene or the victim to determine the "hypothesis" of the
case. On the whole it deals with what allegedly happened, what crime took
information 'may not be factual but it will give the place, and how was the
crime committed. This Crime scene technician a foundation from which to
start.

The second step involves examination, establish if the "theory of

1. Explain and discuss the proper
the case is corroborated by what the crime scene technician observes
handle and investigate the
Learning
observed. Examining the scene would make it possible to identify potential
crime scene.
Objective items of evidentiary nature, identify point of entry and point of exit, and
2, Analyze the work and duties of the
investigator in crime scene processing. getting the general layout of the layout of the crime scene.
LET’S DISCOVER
 Chapter 5: Crime Scene Processing SCI 1 with Legal
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Photographing the crime scene to chronicle a pictorial view of
what the scene looks like and to record items of possible evidence. Crime Outline sketches which generally indicate the dimensions and shape of
scene photographs are usually taken in two categories, overall views and crime scenes and which are used as interview aids.
items of evidence.
To cover items of interest to the investigation, crime scene sketches should
Sketches and Investigative Notes: as a minimum depict the following:

Properly prepared notes and sketches are useful to an investigator as Locations of approaches, such as paths, roadways, entrances, exits,
reference in questioning witnesses, suspects and victims; in preparing a skylights and windows. Size and area of the building.
report of investigation; and to refresh your memory when appearing in Exact location and relative position of all pertinent evidence found at the
court. They are also valuable sources of information for both trial and crime scene.
defense counsel. Sketches are frequently introduced in court as evidence Camera locations
and used to acquaint the court with the crime scenes and help witnesses
orient themselves as they testify. Sketches and notes made during an In depicting the foregoing, the sketch should do the following:
investigation become the property of the police department and are not
retained or used as personal property. Reflect truthful measurements verified by another person. Indicate compass
Notes or sketches used to refresh investigator's memory during a direction of north
court appearance the investigator’s memory during a court may be reviewed Designate the accurate scale; if no scale is use state this fact.
by the court. Appropriate attention is given to ensure that all notes and Use a conventional system of measurement whether
sketches are legible and project meaningful and clear facts. Lack of English or Metric System, paces or steps are not used to depict distance.
organization in notes or sketches could adversely influence the weight given Contain a legend that explains all symbols or letters used to identify objects
to an investigator's influence Testimony by the court. on the sketch. Military symbols are used whenever practical.

Sketches List the report or incident number if available offense, alleged name of
A sketch graphically portrays the scene of a crime and items within the victim, designation of scene such as building, house, hangar or barracks,
crime scene that are of interest to the investigation. The sketch, crime scene location of the scene, date and hour the sketch was started and the name of
photographs and investigative notes are complementary and are all the persons who are made and verified the sketch.
necessary to effectively process the crime scene.
The rough sketch is drawn at the scene of the crime and is not changed after
The sketch provides the best means of portraying distances between objects leaving the scene. It is not usually drawn to scale but depicts accurate
at the scene. There are two basic kinds of sketches, the rough sketch and distances, dimensions and proportions. The rough sketch is filed with the
the finished sketch or scaled drawing. Both types of sketches contain the copy of the report retained by the originating office. More than one sketch
same general information but differ to the technique of presenting the can be made of a particular scene. One may reflect measurements; another
information. may show camera positions, and a third maybe required to show locations
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of items of physical evidence at the crime scene. In some cases, separate A projection drawing maybe used as the scaled drawing. The
sketches maybe the best way to record multiple scenes contained within a projection drawing adds another dimension and in some cases is needed to
larger area of investigative interest or to provide detailed depictions of effectively portray the crime scene. All measurement to point on a movable
isolated locations within a relatively small crime scene. It may be necessary, object are made from at least two immovable reference points.
for example to sketch separate and limited areas within the scene.
Indoor areas: The triangulation method is used for all indoor sketches. In
The following are items necessary to prepare a rough sketch: this method, objects are. located and depicted by creating a triangle of
Soft lead pencil measurements from two or more fixed points to a single identifiable part of
Unlined or graph paper the object to be fixed. Ideally, each object is fixed by two separate triangles
Ruler related to two different points on the same object. If movable items are to be
Clipboard large enough to Iorm a support for the paper, used as fixed reference points, they must first be fixed themselves.
Steel tape at least 100 feet long
Compass Outdoor areas: Outdoor areas are classified into two categories
inhabited and distant or uninhabited. The reason for this separate
When possible a finished sketch is drawn to scale from information consideration is that inhabited areas normally have well defined fixed
on the rough sketch. When scale drawn to scale, the sketch need not include reference points and the triangulation method can be used to establish the
figures.to show distances. If it is not drawn to scale, this fact should be location of the other objects. Uninhabited or remote areas may not have
indicated on the sketch and distances should be shown as on a rough sketch. easily defined fixed points within reasonable proximity and objects will
A copy of the finished sketch is attached to each copy of the report of the have to be located through the use of the intersection/resection method as
investigation. taught in basic map reading.

The investigator need not prepare the finished sketch, but must A rough sketch is completed by the crime scene technician to
verify its accuracy. It is recommended that the finished sketch be prepared illustrate the layout of the crime scene or to identify the exact position of
by personnel skilled in such work. The name of the person who prepared the deceased victim or evidence within the crime scene. A crime scene
the sketch is indicated in the report and on the sketch. sketch may not be completed on. Every case, however some form of
sketching usually takes place in most case i.e., on a fingerprint lift card to
If the finished sketch is prepared by personnel of the investigation unit, the identify exactly where the latent was recovered. The final step in the
following materials are considered necessary: drawing board or table, protocol is to process the crime scene for evidence, both physical and Crime
draftsman's T-square, ink drawing compass, ink ruling pen, lettering and scene. The crime scene technician wills out the crime scene for evidence,
drawing pens. Black India ink, drawing and tracing paper, architect scale, both physical and testimonial evidence. It is the crime scenes technicians’
art gum and ink erasers. Engineer or architect triangles a drawing pencil and duty to identify, evaluate and collect physical evidence from the crime
French curve. scene for further analysis by a crime laboratory
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The five steps discussed above in the protocol of crime scene other evidence. Once in a secure location, wet evidence, whether packaged
processing are interrelated with each other step. If the "theory" of the case in plastic or paper, must be removed and allowed to entirely air dry. That
read out that the intruder forcibly entered the residence through a window evidence may then be repackaged in a fresh, dry paper container.
then the crime scene technician will need to inspect the window area for
latent finger prints, footwear patterns, tool marks and other trace evidences. NOTE: Under no condition should evidence containing moisture be
Upon detecting such items of evidence the technician will need to enclosed in paper or plastic containers for more than two (2) hours.
photograph their location and perhaps complete a sketch showing the exact Moisture allows the growth of microorganisms which can alter or destroy
location of the "evidence or perhaps a sketch of the footwear pattern. These evidence.
combinations of the steps in the protocol will remain throughout the
processing of the crime scene. Of course linked throughout these five steps Any evidence which may cross contaminate each other may be
is the recording of the crime scene by photographs, sketches, and field packaged individually. The containers should be closed and secured to avert
notes. This protocol should be employed in all crime scenes. Whether the the mixture of evidence during transportation. Each container should have:
crime scene is a multiple homicide or recovered stolen vehicle where the collecting person's initials; the date and time it was collected; a
several crime scenes are involved the basic protocol remains unchanged. comprehensive description of the evidence and where it was found; and the
investigation agency's name and their file number.
Once the crime scene has been carefully documented and the
locations of the evidence noted, then the collection process can begin. The Each type of evidence has a specific value in an investigation. The
collection process will usually start with the collection of the most delicate value in an investigation. The value of evidence should be noted by the
and most easily perishable evidence. Special concern may also be given to investigator when undertaking a crime scene investigation. For example,
any evidence or objects which require to be moved. Collection can then when investigating a crime he or she should spend more time on collecting
keep on along the crime scene trail or in some other logical manner. good fingerprints than attempting to find fibers left by a suspect’s clothing.
Photographs should also continue to be taken if the investigator is revealing The reason 1s that fingerprints can probably identify a person as having
layers of evidence which were not previously documented not previously been at the scene of a crime, whereas fibers could have come from anyone
documented because they were concealed from sight. wearing clothes made out of the same material. If apparent that numerous
fibers are found at the point of entry, on a victim's body, etc., then they
As a rule, evidence will be collected in paper containers such as packets, should be collected in case no fingerprints of value are detected. It is also
envelopes, and bags envelopes, and bags. Liquid substances can be prudent to gather more evidence at a crime scene than not to collect enough
transported in non- be transported in non-breakable, leak-proof vial evidence. An investigator typically only has one shot at a crime scene, so
containers. Arson evidence is usually collected in air-tight, clean metal the most should be made most of it.
cans. Only large amount of dry powder should be collected and stored in
plastic bags. Moist or wet evidence (blood, be gathered in plants, etc.) from Care of Physical Evidence:
a crime scene can be gathered in plastic containers at the scene and
transported back time in to an evidence. Receiving area if the storage time Physical evidence is any evidence introduced in a trial in the form
in plastic is two hours or less and this is done to avoid contamination of of a tangible object, intended to prove a fact in issue based on its
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demonstrable physical characteristics. Physical evidence can possibly powder. A camera preferably a Polaroid 665 black and white film loaded in
include all or part of any object. In a murder trial for example the physical a Polaroid CU-5 camera with detachable flash should be used to make one-
evidence might include DNA left by the suspect on the victim's body, the to-one photographs of prints which do readily lift. All small movable items
body itself, the weapon used, pieces of carpet spattered with blood, or casts should to should be packaged in paper bags or envelopes and forwarded the
of footprints or tire prints found at the scene of the crime. crime lab for processing forwarded to the crime lab for processing.

The role of the expert witness Latent Fingerprints

Where physical evidence is of a difficulty that it makes it complicated for Marking of Latent Fingerprint Evidence
the average person to understand its significance, an expert witness may be  All such evidence should be marked in some distinctive manner,
called to explain to the jury the proper interpretation of the evidence at such as is the case with any other type of physical evidence. Safety
hand. any measures should be taken, when marking evidence, not to
damage destroy potential latent fingerprints.
Physical versus documentary evidence
 Lifted, developed latent prints should also be marked or sealed in
A piece of evidence is not physical evidence if it simply conveys marked envelopes.
the information that would be conveyed by the physical evidence, but in
another medium. For example, a diagram comparing a defective part too  Photograph-developed latent print with and without identifying
one that was properly made is documentary evidence-only the actual part, markings and scale.
or a model of the actual part, would be physical evidence. Likewise, a film
of a murder taking place would not be physical evidence (unless it was Preservation of Fingerprint Evidence
introduced to show that the victims’ blood had splattered on the film), but
documentary evidence (as with a written description of the event from an  The major safeguard in all cases is the prevention of adding
eyewitness). fingerprints to evidence, or of destroying those already present.
 Generally fingerprints submitted will be on paper, glass, metal, or
Kinds of Physical Evidences: other smooth surfaced objects. When articles containing latent
must be picked up, touch as little as possible, and then only in
The following is an itemization of the categories of evidence encountered areas least likely to include identifiable latent, such as rough
and how the evidence should be handled: Fingerprints. Fingerprints which surfaces.
should also include palm prints and bare footprints are the principal
evidence to place an individual at the scene of a crime. Collecting  While gloves or handkerchiefs may be used to pick up such
fingerprints at a crime scene requires very few materials, making it ideal exhibits, any needless contact should be avoided. Although using a
from a cost perspective. All non-movable items at a crime scene should be cloth to pick up exhibits prevents leaving additional prints on the
treated at the scene using gray powder, black powder, or black magnetic
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articles, the cloth will often wipe off or smear any prints originally
present, unless great care is taken. Questioned Documents. Handwriting samples can produced them.
Known exemplars of the suspected also be matched back to the particular
 Large articles containing latent print. Such a glass, metal articles, individual that person's handwriting must be submitted for comparison with
and firearms should be placed on wood or heavy cardboard be the unknown samples. Questioned documents can also be processed for
fastened down with string to avoid shifting and contact with other fingerprints. All items should be collected in paper containers. For more
objects in transit. Where such evidence is to be examined information seek advice from a questioned documents examiner.
frequently pegboard should be used on which wooden pegs can be
moved as desired to support exhibits and keep them from moving. Blood and Body Fluids. Dried blood and body fluid stains should
Bottles and glasses may be placed vertically on a board and placed be collected in the following method: If the stained object can be
in the bottom of a box. The base of the bottle or glass can be transported back to the crime lab, then pack it in a paper bag or envelope
surrounded with nails to secure it in place, and the top can be either and send it to the lab; if the object cannot be transported, then either use
inserted through a hole in a piece of cardboard or held in position fingerprint tape and lift it like a fingerprint and place the tape on a lift back;
with a wooden board nailed to the container's lid. scrape the stain into a paper packet and package it in a paper envelope; or
absorb the stain ½ " long threads moistened with distilled water. The
 Papers and documents containing latent prints should be placed threads must be air dried before packaging. For moving purposes and to
individually in a cellophane or manila envelope. Such a container prevent cross contamination, the threads may be placed into a plastic
can be sandwiched between two sheets of firm cardboard, container for no more than two hours. Once in a safe location, the threads
wrapped, and place in a box for mailing. must be removed from the plastic and allowed to air dry. They may then be
repackaged into a paper packet and Place in a paper envelope. Wet blood
Bite marks which are usually found in many times in sexual assaults and and body fluid stains should be collected in the following method: all items
can be traced back to the individual who did the biting. If the bite mark has should be packaged separately to prevent cross contamination, if the item
left an impression then maybe a cast can be prepared of it. Casts and can be transported to the crime lab, package it in a paper bag (or plastic bag
photographs of the suspect's teeth and maybe the victim's teeth will be if the transportation time is under two hours bring it to a secure place and
required for comparison. For further analysis consult a forensic allow it to thoroughly air dry, then repackage it in a paper bag. If the item
odontologist. cannot be transported back to the lab, then absorb the stain onto a small
(1"x1") square of pre-cleaned 10070 cotton sheeting. Package it in paper (or
Broken Fingernails. Natural fingernails have individualizing plastic if the transportation time is less than two hours), bring it to a secure
striations on them. A broken finger nail found at a crime scene can be place and allow it to thoroughly air dry; then repackage it in a paper
matched to the person came from many months after the crime has been the envelope. Victim and suspects in known blood samples will have to be
crime has been committed. Broken fingernails should be placed in a paper collected in yellow, red, or purple top "Vacutainers." Contact the lab to
packet which', 1s then placed in a paper envelope to be transported to the which the samples will be submitted for specific information.
crime lab for analysis. Known samples from the victim and the suspect will
be indispensable for comparison.
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Firearms and Tool marks. Bullets and casings can be examined at  Enclose recovered bullets in paper and seal in separate labeled pill
the crime lab to show an investigator what make and model of weapons boxes or envelopes
may have expended the casing or bullet. A bullet found at the crime scene  Submit all evidence bullets recovered to the Crime Laboratory. A
conclusive identification may be possible on only one of several
may be matched back to the same lot of ammunition found in a suspect's
bullets recovered even when they all seem to be in good condition.
custody. Tool marks can be completely matched to a tool in the suspect's  Do not try to clean recovered bullets before sending them to the
possession. Laboratory. Bullets recovered from the body should be air dried
and wrapped. Washing may obliterate trace evidence.
Firearm safety is a requisite at any crime scene. If a firearm must
be moved at a crime scene, never move it by inserting a pencil in the barrel Cartridge Cases
or inside the trigger guard. Not only is this dangerous, but it could damage
 Wrap recovered cartridge cases in and seal in single labeled pill
potential evidence. The gun can be picked up by the textured. Surface on
boxes or envelopes.
the grips without fear of placing unnecessary fingerprints on the firearm.  Fired shotgun shells may be marked either on the inside or outside
Before picking up the gun, make certain that u gun barrel is not pointed at of the paper or plastic portion of the shell.
anyone. Keep notes on the condition of the weapon was found and steps  If an examination is necessary to determine if a shot shell or
taken render it as safe as possible without damaging an then be processed cartridge case was fired by a specific weapon, submit the weapon
potential evidence. The firearms can then processed for prints and finally and all recovered unfired ammunition.
make completely safe  Submit all evidence cartridge cases or shotgun shells recovered to
the Laboratory. Some cases contain more identifying than do
others.
FIREARMS MUST BE RENDERED SAFE SUBMISSION TO THE  Wrap each cartridge in paper to prevent damaging the breech
CRIME LAB. The firearm should be packaged in an envelope or paper bag clock, firing pin, or other markings by contact with other cartridge
separately from the ammunition and/or magazine. cases. Place wrapped cartridge cases in envelopes or pill boxes.
The ammunition and/or magazine should be placed in a paper envelope or Label and seal container
bag. It is important that the ammunition found in the firearm be submitted
to the crime lab. Any boxes of similar ammunition found in a suspect's
possession should also be placed in a paper container and sent to the crime Ammunition
lab. Casings and/or bullets found at the crime scene should be packaged  Always try to recover unused ammunition for comparison purposes
separately and placed in paper envelopes or small cardboard pillboxes. If when firearms are obtained as evidence. If not in the weapon itself
knives (or other sharp objects) are being submitted to the lab (for tool subjects often have additional ammunition their clothing, cars,
marks, fingerprints, serology, etc.), then the blade and point should be houses or other locations. It may be important for test purposes to
wrapped in firm unmovable cardboard and placed in a paper bag or determine exactly the make, type, an type, and age the ammunition
envelope. The container should. Be labeled to caution that the contents are used in the crime other crime as other ammunition in the suspect’s
sharp and precautions should be taken. This is to prevent anyone from being possession may be identical to that fired during the crime.
injured.  Unfired ammunition should not be fired. The box with the
ammunition may be marked without individually marking every
Bullets round in the box.
 Under no circumstances mark bullets.
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Powder and Shot Pattern

 Submit clothing or other material showing evidence of gun powder Shoeprints and Tire Tracks. Shoeprints and tire tracks can
residue or shot holes to the Crime Laboratory. The clothing should positively be traced and compared to a pair of shoes or to tires in a suspect's
be carefully placed in clean paper and folded as little as possible to possession. Shoeprints and tire tracks can occasionally tell investigators
prevent dislodging powder particles. Photographs of the pattern what type of shoes or tires to look for when searching a suspect's residence
will not be sufficient, as in most instances microscopic or vehicles. Before any attempt is made at collecting shoeprints or tire
examination and chemical tests must be conducted on the exhibits tracks, one-to-one photographs should be made using a tripod, ruler, and
themselves. Package each item individually. level.

 For gun powder or shot pattern tests to have an implication, it is The flash should be held at about 45 degree angles from the surface
vital to obtain ammunition identical in ‘make, type, and age to that surrounding an impression. Casts can be made of impressions using dental
used at the crime scene. This facsimile ammunition is necessary stone once toughened, the cast can be packaged in paper and submitted to
for firing in the weapon in question to determine the distance of the the lab. In photographing prints on hard flat surfaces the flash should be
muzzle of the weapon from the victim or other object at the time used as side lighting. Shoeprints on hard flat surfaces can also sometimes
the questioned bullet was fired. lift like a fingerprint. Dust prints on certain surfaces can be lifted with an
electrostatic dust print lifter.
Gunshot Residue
Fracture Matches may positively associate broken pieces at the
Gunshot residue is extremely delicate evidence and should be collected as scene with pieces found in the possession of a suspect. For example,
soon as possible (preferably within three hours of the discharge of firearm). headlight fragments found at the crime scene of a hit and run could be
Use the laboratory-supplied GSR kits and carefully follow the directions. In positively matched to a broken headlight on a suspect's vehicle. Large
case of the live subjects if more than six hours have passed or if the subject fragments should be placed in paper bags or envelopes. Small fragments
has washed is hands, it may be likely that meaningful results obtained. If a should be placed in a paper packet and then placed in an envelope.
body is to be sampled, whenever s will be gunshot residue collection should
be performed prior, to moving the body. If this is not possible, protect the Hair If a root sheath is attached, then DNA analysis using PCR
hands with paper bags. technology can reveal that this hair came from a certain percentage of the
population to which the suspect belongs. If there is no root sheath, then a
Serial Number Restoration microscopic analysis can disclose that the hair has the same characteristics
as the suspect's hair and is similar to his or her hair. At this point, no one
 In many cases, obliterated serial numbers can be restored if too can say that a hair came from a particular individual. Hair found at the
much metal has not been removed in erasing the number by using crime scene should be placed in a paper packet and then placed in an
etching solution. envelope. If a microscopic examination is required, then 15-20 hair strands
from the suspect must be submitted to the lab for comparison.
 Always inform the PNP FED-CSG, after restoring the serial
number, the gun is to be numbered. If the original number can be  Collect all hair present. If possible, use tweezers or fingers to pick
restored, this is normally re-stamped on the gun. If it cannot be up hair, place in paper bundles or coin envelopes which should
restored, a new number is assigned to the gun and stamped thereon then be folded and sealed in larger envelopes. Tag the outer sealed
by the PNP FED-CSG. envelope.
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can be sealed and marked. Never place untied fibers directly into a
 If hair is attached, such as in dry blood, or caught in metal or a mailing envelope since they can be lost from this type of envelope.
crack of a glass, do not try to remove it but rather leave hair intact  If the fibers are short or few in number, and if it is possible to do
on the object. If the object is tiny, mark it, wrap and seal it in an so, wrap the area or the entire piece containing the fibers in paper
envelope. If the object is large, wrap the area containing the hair in and send the whole exhibit to the Laboratory.
paper to prevent loss of hairs during transport.  Pick up fibers on tape only if the laboratory in your jurisdiction
permits it and gives you its requirements. When fibers or threads
 In rape cases, the victims pubic region should be combed prior to are recovered, always send all clothing of persons from which they
collecting standards. Get hold of known hair samples from the might have originated to the Laboratory for comparison purposes.
victim. suspect, or any other possible sources for comparison with  In sex offenses, assaults, and some other cases, it may be likely to
unknown specimens. The suggested method for collecting head indicate or demonstrate contact between two individual’s or
hairs is to start by having the person from whom they are being between one other individual and some other object, such as a car
collected bend over a large sheet of clean paper, rubbing or seat, by comparing fibers. Such is examinations are only of value
massaging their hands through the hair so that loose hair will fall when it is known no contact occurred between the two or an
out on the paper. More should then be gathered by pulling them individual and some other offense. object earlier, or subsequent to,
from representative areas all over the head. A total or 50-100 hair the offense. each Extra attention must be taken to keep each article
samples is desired. Do not cut the hair. This same method may be of clothing of each individual or other object separated. Each
used to collect hairs from other parts of the body. 30-65 pubic hairs garment should be- laid on a clean sheet of paper, and individually
are necessary. When the person is a suspect, hair should be rolled up in the paper after marking the exhibit. If the clothing of
collected from all parts of the body even though there may only be one subject touches the clothing of another, or if it is laid down on
an interest in hair from the head at that particular time. the table of placed on a car seat contacted by the clothing of the
other suspect, the comparisons may be of no usefulness.
Fibers. Fibers can be said that they are the same type and color as
those found in a suspect's clothes, residence, vehicle, etc. Fibers should be Paint- Paint can determine that it is the same type and color as
collected in a paper packet and placed in an envelope. Representative fibers paint found in the possession of a suspect. Paint fragments should be
should be collected from a suspect and submitted to the lab for comparison. collected in a paper packet and placed in an envelope. Representative paint
chips or samples should be collected from the suspect and submitted to the
 Such items is typically found in fabric abrasions or caught in torn crime laboratory for comparison.
materials or other areas on hit-and-run vehicles. In Some burglary
cases, it may be located caught in torn screens, broken glass, or Glass. Glass can establish that it has the same characteristics as glass found
other sites. in the possession of a suspect. Smaller glass fragments should be placed in a
 Examination of fibers can normally be conducted to find out the paper packet and then in an envelope. Larger pieces should be wrapped
type or color of fiber. Such examinations will sometimes point to firmly in paper or cardboard and then placed in a padded cardboard box to
the type of garment or fabric from which they originated. prevent further breakage. Representative samples from the suspect should
 Fibers and threads can also be compared with suspects clothing to be submitted to the laboratory for comparison,
establish whether or not they could have come from this clothing.
 If threads or large fibers are found, they can be picked up with the Recovery of Evidence Samples
fingers and placed in a paper bindle, then in a coin envelope, which
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 Clothing and shoes of suspects or other objects contaminated with erythrocytes; 5000 to 10,000 white blood cells, or leukocytes; and 200,000
glass should be wrapped in paper and submitted to the Laboratory to 300,000 platelets, or thrombocytes. The blood also carries scores of salts
for examination. and organic substances in solution in the blood plasma.

 All glass found at hit-and-run scenes should be collected. The Blood that is in liquid pools should be picked up on a gauze pad or
search should not be restricted to the point of impact, since other clean sterile cotton cloth and allowed to air dry completely at room
headlight glass may be dropped off at some distance away as the temperature. It should be refrigerated or frozen as soon as possible and
car leaves the crime scene. Glass from diverse locations should be brought to the Laboratory as quickly as achievable. Delays beyond 48 hours
kept in different containers. All glass should be collected and may make the samples worthless.
recovered because more than one type may be present. In addition,
if just a few samples are saved, individual pieces that could be  If near to the Laboratory, deliver stained object immediately.
physically matched with glass remaining in the headlight shell of
the suspected vehicle may be overlooked.  If unable to deliver to the Laboratory, or if the object must be
mailed, set aside the stain to air dry completely before packaging.
 Place little glass fragments in paper bindles, then in coin
envelopes, pill boxes, or film cans which can be marked and  Do not heat up stained material or place it in bright sunlight to dry.
completely sealed. Hang clothing and alike articles in a room where there is adequate
ventilation.
 Place sizeable glass fragments in boxes. Separate individual pieces
with cotton or tissue to avoid breakage and damaged edges during  If not totally dry, label and roll in paper or place in a brown paper
shipment. Seal and mark the box containing them. bag or. box and seal and label container. Place only one item in
each container. Do not make use of plastic containers.
Other Trace Evidence:
Occasionally during the commission of a crime, there are other items which Dried Blood Stains
be transferred to a perpetrator from the scene or from the perpetrator to the
scene (sheetrock, safe insulation, etc.). The guidelines for collecting the  On clothing, if achievable, wrap the item in clean paper, place the
evidence and obtaining known samples are about identical as for paint and article in a brown paper bag or box and seal and label container.
fibers. Do not try to remove stains from cloth.

Blood Stains  On small solid objects, transmit the whole stained object to the
Blood is scarlet or bright red in color when been oxygenated in the lungs Laboratory, after labeling and packaging.
and passes when into it has the arteries; it becomes bluish red in color into
its oxygen to nourish the tissues of the body and is returning to the lungs  On large solid objects, cover the stained. section with clean paper
through the veins and the tiny vessels called capillaries. Blood is composed and seal the edges down with tape to prevent loss or
of a yellowish fluid, called plasma, in which are suspended the millions of contamination. If impractical to deliver the whole object to the
cells that make up approximately 45 percent by volume of whole blood. In Laboratory, scrape the stain onto a clean piece of paper, which can
an average healthy adult, the volume of blood is one- eleventh of the body be folded and placed in an envelope. Do not scrape directly. into
weight, or between 4.5 and 6liters (5 and 6 qt): A cubic millimeter of proof envelope. Scrape blood from objects using a freshly washed
human blood contains approximately 5 million red blood cells, or and dried knife or scalpel or any pointed tool. Wash and dry. The
 Chapter 5: Crime Scene Processing SCI 1 with Legal
Medicine
utensil before each stain is scrapped off. Seal and mark the Because evidence can be used in court to convict persons of
envelope. crimes, it must be handled in a particularly careful manner to avoid later
 Do not combine dried stains. Place each stain in an individual allegations of tampering or misconduct which can compromise the case of
envelope. the prosecution toward acquittal or overturning a guilty verdict upon appeal.

Establishing the chain of custody is especially significant when the

 Never try to wipe dried stains from an object using a moistened evidence consists of fungible goods. In practice this most often concerns
cloth or paper. illegal drugs which have been seized by law enforcement personnel.

The search for flammable fluids in arson cases should include a An individual person must always have the physical custody of a
methodical examination of the entire fire scene. This should reach to areas piece of evidence. In practice, this means that a police officer or
where no burning occurs, since flammable fluids may have been placed in investigator will take charge of a piece of evidence, document its collection,
other locations where ignition failed. and hand it over to an evidence clerk for storage in a secure place. These
dealings and every succeeding transaction between the collection of the
Traces of combustible fluid may be found in cans at the fire scene evidence and its appearance in court should be completely documented
in arson cases. Mattresses, rugs, upholstery, wallboard, and other objects at chronologically in order to endure legal challenges to the authenticity of the
the scene may also contain fluids which can be separated and identified in evidence. Documentation should include the conditions under which the
the Laboratory, even though these objects are partly burned. Wood upon evidence is collected, the identity of all evidence handlers, duration of
which such fluids have been poured and ignited may still contain evidence custody, security conditions while handling or storing the
measurable traces of the liquid, if the wood has not been completely charred evidence, and the manner in which evidence is transferred to successive
by the fire. Even where a large and hot fire has occurred, traces of such custodians each time such a transfer occurs.
liquid are sometimes found where they have seeped into the ground through
fissures in the floor or flowed under baseboards and sills.

While most flammable fluids commonly used have distinctive

odors, some substances commonly available are almost odorless and quite
easily elude detection. These consist of some alcohols, deodorized
kerosene, charcoal lighter fluids, and others.

If volatile liquids are found in open containers, dispense.a small

amount of the material into a clean glass vial with an airtight seal so no loss
will occur. Do not use any rubbed-lined lids or plastic storage container.
Chain of Custody: The "chain of custody" is a concept in jurisprudence
which applies to the handling of evidence and its reliability. “Chain of
Custody” also refers to the document or paper trail showing the seizure,
custody, control, transfer, analysis and disposition of physical and
electronic evidence. Try
These!
 Chapter 5: Crime Scene Processing SCI 1 with Legal
Medicine
1. Explain and discuss the proper handle and investigate the crime 2. Analyze the work and duties of the investigator in crime
scene. scene processing.
 Chapter 5: Crime Scene Processing SCI 1 with Legal
Medicine
3. Create a Rough sketch and Finish Sketch and identify. 4. Identify and Explain of the Significance of proper techniques in
Photographing the crime scene.
 Chapter 5: Crime Scene Processing SCI 1 with Legal
Medicine

Let’s
apply
1. Identify and explain the proper crime scene processing.
Reflective Analysis
 Chapter 5: Crime Scene Processing SCI 1 with Legal
Medicine