Evidence Handling & Lab Guide Flashcards
1
Q
Evidence with class characteristics
A
Can only be placed in a category or group
There is a possibility of more than one source material; it cannot be identified as from a specific source
Should not be minimized
2
Q
Evidence with individual characteristics
A
Materials that can be identifed as from a specific source to a reasonable scentific probability, provided there are sufficient individual identifying characteristics present
3
Q
Prohibited items mailed to Lab
A
Firearms and ammunition, explosives, flammable liquids, petroleum distillates and caustics
4
Q
Evidence container should include:
A
Agency case number, item number, and description of item
5
Q
Evidence seals
A
An acceptable seal is one that prevents ready escape of the evidence and will be clearly damaged or altered if broken to permit entry. Personnel dealing evidence must place their initials or mark on, across or under the seal.
6
Q
Recommended safety procedures for firearm submission
A
Removal of magazine
Demonstrate safe condition-zip tie through magazine well and out ejection port/zip tie through 2 empty chambers
Packaging-each firearm submitted in separate container
7
Q
Collection: powders and plant material
A
Package in evident envelopes or bags in original containers
8
Q
Collection: tablets and capsules
A
Package in rigid containers to ensure that evidence is not crushed or damaged
9
Q
Collection: prescription bottle with label
A
Submit in original prescription bottle
10
Q
Collection: fresh, wet or moist plant material or mushrooms
A
Should be air dried and placed in paper bag. Roots and dirt should be removed before submitting.
11
Q
Collection: smoking devices
A
When large smoking devices are collected as evidence, remove and submit only the device that contains any residue or plant material. Remove any water in bong.
12
Q
Collection: residues
A
Items should be packaged securely to avoid cross contamination or loss of sample. Rigid container is recommended.
13
Q
Collection: multiple packages of powder or plant material
A
Items with multiple packages should be packaged together in one container
14
Q
Collection: syringes and other sharp materials
A
Should not be submitted unless absolutely necessary. If necessary, package syringe in rigid plastic safety tube. Do not uncap.
Label: handle with caution/contains a syringe/biohazard.
Other sharp or breakable items should be packaged in rigid container and labeled “handle with caution”
15
Q
Collection: biohazard materials
A
Any potential hazards to the examiner should be addressed on the RFLE. Noting where the items were removed from.
16
Q
Collection: cases involving property in which no suspect is identified
A
Cases should not be submitted and will not be accepted for drug analysis without a written request documenting exigent circumstances
17
Q
Collection: recordings for audio analysis
A
Should be the original recording. Analog-should have safety record tabs removed. Brief description of dialog on RFLE. Packaged in rigid container large enough to accompany the results.
18
Q
Collection: digital media or digital devices
A
Avoid magnetic sources or extreme temps. The format used should be noted. Make and model of the DVR decide should be noted.
19
Q
Evidence collection: cell phone
A
Remove the battery Shielded bag Dual paint cans Provide password on RFLE Submit the charger
20
Q
Evidence collection: firearms found in water
A
Place the firearm in a container of the same water and immediately submit the item-slows the rusting process
21
Q
Evidence collection: bullets, shot pellets, slugs, and shotshell wads
A
Recover using rubber tipped forceps or latex examining gloves so as not to contaminate or add trace or other biological evidence. Place in ziplock bag. Package separately, clearly label and seal properly. Place info on packaging.
22
Q
Evidence collection: cartridge, cartridge case, shotshell, shotshell case
A
Recover using rubber tip forceps or gloves so as not to obliterate fingerprints, or damage trace evidence. Place in plastic bag. Properly label and seal container.
23
Q
Tool
A
An object used to gain mechanical advantage; the harder of 2 objects which when brought into contact with each other, results in the softer one being marked
24
Q
Toolmark
A
A mark produced on a softer receiving surface by a harder object
25
Cast
The reproduction of a toolmark or the surface of a tool using a molding material such as silicone rubber, Microsil, Forensic Sil, Kerr Permlastic or other suitable material
26
Examination of the toolmark prior to the recovery of a suspect tool
Type of tool used (class characteristics)
Size of tool used (class characteristics)
Unusual features of tool (class and/or individual characteristics)
Action employed by tool in operation
Can determine if the toolmark is of value for identification purposes
27
Evidence collection: Toolmarks
If the object is reasonably mobile, bring the entire object to the lab. Protect the area by covering it carefully with paper; however always consider latent fingerprints, trace evidence, paint, etc.
If the object is immobile or too large, the toolmark may be cut out or cast using a suitable casting material. Package in a rigid container (such as pill box).
28
Evidence collection: Tools
Do not submit for comparison until it can be associated with a suspect. If fingerprints are a consideration, package to immobilize the item or reduce contact with packing material. Protect the working end of the tool.
29
Evidence collection: Drill
Consider fingerprints, protect the drill bit, and recover any drill shavings on the tool or in the tool box. Package shavings in a rigid container and cushion with tissue.
30
Fracture match
conducted to associate items such as broken bolts, auto ornaments, tips of knives and screwdriver blades with objects from which they were broken.
31
Evidence collection: Items to be examined for fracture match (broken tools, glass, vehicle parts)
Package in a manner that will protect the edges of the items to be fracture matched. Such as paint, a rigid container cushioned with tissue.
32
Evidence collection: Obliterated serial numbers
Protect the area needing restoration. Do not attempt to restore in the field.
33
Biological Substances
Body fluids such as blood, seminal fluid, saliva, or urine or biological material such astissue and feces
34
Degradation
Partial or complete detioration of a biological substance by chemical or physical means (heat, moisture, or bacteria)
35
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
The genetic material found in various body tissues and body fluids. Because an individual's DNA is the same from cell-to-cell within the body and is different from individual-to-individual, DNA can be used to determine whether a biological substance may have been deposited by a specific individual. Identical twins will have same DNA profile
36
DNA profile
The combined results that are developed when testing 16 different area of the DNA
37
Mitochondrial DNA
Small, circular DNA molecules located within cellular organelles called mitochondria. This type of DNA is inherited maternally. This testing is conducted on samples where nuclear DNA testing has not produced suitable results
38
Y-Chromosome DNA
Male specific DNA found in the nucleus of most cells of the body. This type is inherited paternally. All males within a family will have the same Y-chromosome DNA profile except where mutations occur
39
Physical Evidence Recovery Kit (PERK)
Kit used for the recovery of physical evidence from the body of a sexual assault or homocide victim or suspect. These kits are designed to aid the recovery of foreign secretions or trace evidence from the victim or suspect.
40
Semen
A biological substance secreted by males that consists of a combination of seminal fluid and spermatozoa
41
Seminal Fluid
A biological fluid produced by males in which spermatozoa, if present, reside
42
Touch evidence
"Touch" evidence is evidence resulting from casual contact by an individual with a surface or material.
43
Virginia DNA Data Bank (CODIS)
Collection of DNA profiles from convicted offenders and individuals arrested for certain felonies. A buccal sample is collected from every person convicted of a felony or arrested for certain class of felonies. They are stored for comparative purposes. Also contain DNA profiles obtained from evidence samples (solved and unsolved cases). It is also linked to the National DNA Data Bank and all profiles eligible are automatically sent upon completion of the case.
44
Wearer DNA
DNA recovered from an article of clothing believed to have been worn by the individual in question. Area on the clothing should be tested include areas where the garment may have had direct contact with the individual's skin.
45
Serological testing
Blood Cases: Can determine if a stain is blood and if it is, is it human?
Secretion Cases: Identify the biological substance.
Missing person/Body ID: Involve the analysis of blood, bones, hair, tissue and teeth from unidentified human remains. Can compare to relatives or use personal effects for comparison/ID
46
Evidence collection: Biological Evidence
Air-dried prior to submission. If cannot be dried and submitted right away, refrigerate until submitted, but not more than a week.
Stained area should not come in contact with unstained areas. Barrier should be placed to prevent stained areas from coming in contact with each other.
During drying process, place a clean piece of paper under the item. Any debris that falls onto paper will be collected when the paper is folded with the article.
Change gloves often to avoid contamination.
47
Evidence collection: Wet (saturated) biological evidence
Package in plastic only if there is a danger of contamination due to saturation of wet items that cannot be air dried prior to submission. Paper is preferred if saturation is not a problem. Note on RFLE and submit same day. (Bacterial growth)
48
Evidence collection: Known Blood/Buccal Swab Sample
Collected as stain card in PERKs except for toxicology purposes.
Known blood samples are taken by doc, nurse, or other qualified person and collected in a 7cc lavender top EDTA vacutainer tube.
Known buccal swabs are collected by taking 2 sterile swabs and swabbing the inner cheek of mouth. They should be rotated during the collection process to ensure saturation. Place both swabs together into 1 new swab box (labeled with the person's name) to air dry.
49
Evidence collection: Wet body fluids on non-porous surfaces
Absorb the stain onto sterile cotton swab, saturating one before using another. Use minumum number of swabs to absorb the stain. Allow to air dry and place in new swab box with location recovered. Not necessary to submit more than 4. Q-tips should not be used.
50
Evidence collection: Wet body fluids on porous surfaces
Submit the air dried item of evidence if possible. For large items it may be necessary to cut out the stained areas or swab the area with a sterile swab, concentrating the stain on the swab as much as possible.
51
Evidence collection: Dried body fluids (blood/semen) on non-porous or porous suface
Submit the itme when possible or take a swab. Slightly moisten the sterile swab using one or two drops of distilled water. Saturate one swab before absorbing the next one. No more than 4 swabs and q-tips should not be used.
52
Evidence collection: Dried body fluid stains (saliva/persiration and touch DNA)
Submit the item of evidence or when possible use a single swab and submit the swb (not the item) to the lab.
53
Evidence collection: Victim Physical Evidence Recovery Kit (VPERK)-white box
For use within 72 hours of sexual assault. The kit should be sealed and initialed by the examining clinician and initialed by the officer receiving the PERK. Do not open and air-dry the contents. Submit to lab if criminal complaint is made. Evidence transfer bag should be left open since the items inside have been sealed. The submission of additional items such as clothing, may be madebased on case scenario in in consultation with the lab or retained by the agency.
54
Evidence collection: Sexual assault victim's underpants
Submit underpants worn during or immediately after the assault if not included in the PERK kit. Package them to facilitate drying.
55
Evidence collection: Physical evidence from sexual assault scene (bedding)
If occurred on a bed, collect the top surface of bed linen which may hold stains, hairs, and/or fibers. If assault occurred in a vehicle, collect actual seat fabric cuttings and/or swabs of stains. Collect towels or tissues used by a suspect and/or victim to clean up after assault; package in paper to promote drying.
Swabs containing wet blood, seminal fluid, saliva, or distilled water MUST be: air-dried or put in a labeled swab box to dry, then submitted as soon as possible; refrigerated until submitted, within a week to reduce degradation; if not air dried, must be indicated on RFLE.
56
Evidence collection: Suspect Physical Evidence Recovery Kit (SPERK)- blue envelope
For use within 24 hours of the offense. For digital penetration, use 1 or 2 swabs to collectively swab the fingers from each hand. Place the sample from each hand in a separate labeled swab box (Do Not collect separate swabbing from each finger.
57
Evidence collection: Sexual assault suspect's clothing
Collect clothing worn during the assault. Have suspect stand on large clean sheet of paper whole disrobing to collect any possible trace evidence.
58
Evidence collection: Buccal swabs kit- orange envelope
This kit is for the collection of a known sample from a suspect, victim, or a third party for elimination purposes.
Suspect: when collection of samples takes place more than 24 hours after a sexual assault or any individual who may be involved in a particular criminal case in which biological evidence has been collected.
Victim: when the collection of known samples takes place more than 72 hours after sexual assault or for cases not involving a sexual assault.
Third party: when an individual (husband/boyfriend) unrelated to the crime may have contributed biological substances to the evidence.
59
Evidence collection: Three dimensional impressions (footwear or tire impressions in soil) Photographic documentation
Photographic Documentation: Take normal overall and midrange photos. For close up, a digital SLR camera is recommended with the ability to attach an off camera flash. Mega pixel should be 300PPI, resolution 1:1. Use normal focal length on the lens. Position of a tripod, with the film plane parallel to the impression and directly over the impression. Fill the viewfinder with the item. After photos without scale, add a scale alongside containing identification info and take examination quality photos. Use low oblique lighting with the flash held approx 3 feet from the impression. Photograph with flash at 10,30 and 45 degree angles. Minimum of 4 different angles. Shield from any ambient light. Make sure scale is same depth as impression. Bracket photos for proper exposure.
With tire impressions, at least 6 feet to ensure entire circumference has been documented, overlap photos for continuity.
If photographing in snow, after documenting as is, lightly sprinkle black fingerprint dusk to add contrast, then rephotograph.
60
Evidence collection: Three dimensional impressions (footwear or tire impressions in soil) Basic casting technique
Examine the impression, embedded debris must be left untouched. Surround the impression with a form or frame. Impressions in wet sand or loose dirt may need to be "fixed" before casting. Surround with a frame for a neater edge. Once dry, the cast can be lifted. Make sure it is dry and wrap in paper. Place in rigid container.
61
Latent Print
These prints may or may not be readily visable and could require some type of processing in order to better develop and detect them. Composition of perspiration: 98.5 to 99.5% water/.5 to 1.5%-chlorides (salts), urea, amino acids etc
Intermittent contact with other body parts, such as hair and skin may also leave a layer of oils on the ridges. When items are touched, an impression of the friction ridges is left.
62
Patent print
These prints are normally readily visable. When friction ridges come into contact with materials such as soil, blood, ink, oil and paint or are impressed into substances such as putty or wax, impressions of the friction skin are visable before and processes are employed.
63
Known prints
These are impressions of the friction ridges that have been intentionally recorded via printer's ink or electronic scanning.
64
Elimination prints
Known prints of persons who could have had legitimate access to an item being submitted for latent print examination or an item or location from which prints have been recovered and submitted.
65
Alternate Light Source (ALS)
Variable wavelength sources of light used for forensic examinations. These systems usually use various filters, in conjunction with certain chemicals, stains, dyes, or powders that cause latent fingerprints to fluoresce.
66
Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)
A computer system that searches unknown orknown fingerprints and palm prints against the database of known fingerprints and palm prints.
67
Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS)
A computer system that searches unknown and known fingerprints against the database fingerprints at the FBI
68
Evidence collection: Non-porous or Non-Absorbant Surfaces (glass, metal, tile, etc)
Items should be packaged in a rigid container, avoiding contact with the packaging material and the surface which is to be processed for latents. It is acceptable to place numerous items in one box if all items need to be examined by the latent print section. Ensure items will not contaminate others in the same package.
69
Evidence collection: Porous or absorbent surfaces (paper, untreated wood, cardboard, etc)
Dry paper items: Can be collected and placed into a plastic check (document) protectors or zip lock plastic bags.
Wet paper items: should be air dried and once dry can be packaged as dry items.
70
Making casting material
Generally, about 3 pounds of dental stone is sufficient to cover a shoe impression. Add 6 ounces of water per pound of dental stone, then mix by kneading the bag until a uniform consistency is acheived with no lumps.
71
Evidence collection: Patent (visable) Prints
Close up photos should be taken prior to attempts to collect the prints.
For visable prints on small objects, collect the entire object.
If item too large, it may be necessary to cut out surface. A protective covering, not tape, may be placed over the print provided that the covering does not come in contact with the print.
72
Evidence collection: Intact document (e.g. checks, credit cards, letters, etc)
Pre-label the evidence container to avoid having to mark the document or the packaging material with the document already enclosed. Label the envelope with instructions not to bend, fold, or stamp the container. Submit original if possible. Handle questioned documents carefully in order to preserve latent fingerprints. Soft tipped tweezers or gloves should be used. DO NOT fold, staple, pin, tamper with, mark or touch unnecessarily, stamp, etc.
73
Evidence collection: Obtaining handwriting exemplars or standards
Make sure samples are comparable (same type of handwriting, cursive to cursive, signature to signature, numeral to numeral), representative (same exact wording), adaquate (enough to obtain normal range of writing 20-25 samples).
74
Evidence collection: charred documents
If the evidence is found in a fireplace or woodstove, the damper must be closed before recovering the charred material. Slide a piece of heavy paper under the charred paper and carefully place on a cushion of tissue paper in a rigid box. Mark top of box (this side up). Top closed to prevent air currents. Charred documents are fragile and should be hand carried to the nearest lab.
75
Evidence collection: water-soaked documents
Documents that are merely wet or damp should be air dried prior to packaging for submission. Documents that are completely saturated are fragile and present problems if not immediately hand carried to the lab.
76
Evidence collection: Crumpled documents
Do not try to straighten the document-simply place in rigis container for submission.
77
Evidence collection: Indented writing submission
Handle carefully. Pre-label the evidence container to avoid having to mark the packaging material with document enclosed. Label with instructions not to bend or fold. Place the document inside a file folder or between cardboard large enough to cover the document and place in appropriate size envelope. Limit rubbing and prevent and "surface friction".
78
Evidence collection: Typewriting and typewriters
Intact typewritten document should be handled as previously described in the intact documents section. And suspect typewriters should be submitted. Typewriter ribbons should be submitted with the ribbon still on the machine.
79
Evidence collection: torn documents
Do not attempt to piece the torn document back together. Instead carefully place all the pieces in an envelope for submission.
80
Evidence collection: matches/other torn paper
Used and unused matched may be associated or fracture matched back to the matchbox from which they were torn. Package the match in a crush proof container such as a pill box. Package the match book in a seperate container that will also protect it from damage. A small box would be ideal. Keep away from excessive heat and do not send through the mail. Fragments of torn paper can also be fracture matched back to the sheet from which they were torn. These items are fragile, especially along their torn edges, and should be handled carefully.
