Figure 1-8.
Cross-Projection Sketch.
PART C - COLLECTING, PROCESSING, MAINTAINING, AND RELEASING PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
Collecting Physical Evidence
Collecting evidence at a crime scene is usually accomplished after searches have
been completed, photographs taken, and rough sketches completed.
It may be
advisable under certain circumstances to collect fragile evidence as it is found.
Fragile evidence includes items that would be destroyed by the elements or become
contaminated despite protective measures.
Items that would impede further search
should also be collected when they are located.
The essential factor is that
evidence be carefully and properly collected and preserved.
The investigator should handle the evidence as little as possible. Rubber gloves
may be worn.
While gloves will prevent the investigator from leaving his or her
prints, they can destroy a print that would identify the perpetrator. Each item of
evidence must be checked closely for trace evidence and any additional marks or
features that were not previously visible.
If the investigator touches evidence in a manner that leaves his or her
prints on the item, this fact must be noted and the laboratory personnel informed.
Prints of the investigators and all other persons who may have had access to
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