Physical Evidence Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is the definition of Physical Evidence?
Any evidence that has size, shape and dimension. It can take any form, and can be as large as a house or as small as a
fibre.
What are the 5 things that Physical Evidence has the power to do?
- Establish that a crime has been committed
- Place a suspect at a crime scene and/or in contact with the victim
- Establish the identity of people who were associated with a crime
- Corroborate testimony
- Exonerate the innocent
Physical Evidence can be broke down into 3 categories. What are they?
- Trace Evidence - Small, often microscopic material such as GSR
- Biological Evidence - Bodily fluids or tissues
- Everything else
What is Rocard’s Principle?
Come on, this is an easy one
Every contact leaves a trace.
How should one handle dry evidence?
- Always use paper bags, boxes and envelopes.
- All clothing is to be packaged in paper bags when submitted to FIU.
- All sharps should be in plastic sharps containers. Unless it’s too big, then it gets put into a cardboard box.
How could one handle wet evidence?
- All wet clothing should be packaged individually in paper bags. Do not use plastic bags.
- If items are saturated, bring them directly to FIU to be secured in a drying cabinet.
- Use paper bags and cardboard boxes for damp items to permit drying.
How should one handle DNA swabs?
- Place inside paper envelope and seal. Do NOT lick the envelope to seal it!
- Always wear a mask and gloves when handling or collecting items that may be processed for DNA.
- Never place items that may be processed for DNA on the floor or any other surface to photograph.
- Always package items that may be processed for DNA separately in paper bags.
How should one handle arson, condoms and food evidence?
- Since these all require special handling and packaging, FIU can be contacted for instructions.
How should one handle drink containers/straws?
Containers/straws should be placed in a paper bag.
If any remaining liquid needs to be tested, the FIU can be contacted for instructions, otherwise it can be discarded.
How should one handle firearms?
- First, it should be photographed, then proved empty and safe.
- The box it is placed in should them be marked with the name of the officer who proved the weapon safe.
- Police seals should be at both ends of the box.
- The FIU/Crowns office have developed a protocol where certain firearms are swabbed for DNA, fingerprinted, verified and test fired.
- If a firearm is found in water the FIU should be contacted for instructions.
How should one handle ammunition and magazines?
Ammunition: Should be packaged separately from the firearm
Magazines: Should remain with the firearm
How should one handle GSR on hands?
- Samples must be collected within 8 hours of the incident.
- Any suspect that is getting tested for GSR should NOT be allowed to wash their hands or even rub them together.
- Hands can be bagged to preserve evidence
How should one handle GSR in/on vehicles and clothing?
The FIU should be contacted for instructions.
How should one handle suspicious liquids/powders?
If they present chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) hazards, must be screened prior to submission (by a Hazmat or Emergency Response Team.
(The CFS doesn’t accept samples that are CBRN hazards)
FIU can be contacted for further instructions.
What is the purpose of a police seal?
To prevent unauthorized access, NOT to keep the package, vehicle or door closed.
