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Lakiriaha
Student
Miami Gardens, Florida
9
Questions
Asked
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What is the proper evidence collection techniques employed by a criminal investigator?
I want to know how to show knowledge of properly handling the evidence and perseverance of it. #Inputs #guidance
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1 answer
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
The proper evidence collection technique is whatever your department and training says it is. That being said, you need to give some thought to the order in which you do things.
For example, if you put out the little "tents" with the evidence numbers on them first, you might accidentally move or damage other critical evidence. So, you might want to photograph (still shots and video) then put out the tents. But, who decides what is "evidence?" In a case I was reviewing (for a private attorney) there was a question as to if the suspect/victim ever heard the police officers' commands, because, friends insisted he was listening to music. The officers handling the scene didn't recognize the MP3 player as anything more than some sort of electronic device, and throughout the photos shot at various times, I could see the MP3 player in various locations, and, it was never given an evidence tag number.
Fingerprints, gunshot residue, statements, are all part of evidence. Some evidence may need to be collected from the victim at the hospital. Chain of custody is very important. Who received the evidence, who they gave it to. Sometimes, what is NOT there might be important. Suppose I stole a dog, and you came to my house shortly thereafter to investigate. I insist the dog is mine, and, it appears to be very affectionate towards me. However, there's no dog food in my house???? (bad example, but, I hope you understand the concept.)
Bloody things need to be put in paperbags to dry out. If you put them in ziploc bags, they turn moldy. Drugs need to be tested. If you put food in the property room it will attract bugs and rodents. A lot of what you will do has to do with following training and procedure. The important thing is you are able to articulate the basics: the importance of sequence, photography, and proper storage.
hope this helps!
For example, if you put out the little "tents" with the evidence numbers on them first, you might accidentally move or damage other critical evidence. So, you might want to photograph (still shots and video) then put out the tents. But, who decides what is "evidence?" In a case I was reviewing (for a private attorney) there was a question as to if the suspect/victim ever heard the police officers' commands, because, friends insisted he was listening to music. The officers handling the scene didn't recognize the MP3 player as anything more than some sort of electronic device, and throughout the photos shot at various times, I could see the MP3 player in various locations, and, it was never given an evidence tag number.
Fingerprints, gunshot residue, statements, are all part of evidence. Some evidence may need to be collected from the victim at the hospital. Chain of custody is very important. Who received the evidence, who they gave it to. Sometimes, what is NOT there might be important. Suppose I stole a dog, and you came to my house shortly thereafter to investigate. I insist the dog is mine, and, it appears to be very affectionate towards me. However, there's no dog food in my house???? (bad example, but, I hope you understand the concept.)
Bloody things need to be put in paperbags to dry out. If you put them in ziploc bags, they turn moldy. Drugs need to be tested. If you put food in the property room it will attract bugs and rodents. A lot of what you will do has to do with following training and procedure. The important thing is you are able to articulate the basics: the importance of sequence, photography, and proper storage.
hope this helps!