Collection and preservation of evidence Flashcards
What indicators are placed on contaminated evidence stored in the property and evidence facility?
Biohazard warning indicators
What is the first step in the overall evaluation of a crime scene?
Attempt to determine what took place
What should be done upon arrival at a crime scene according to the notes?
Take notes of observations
What is included in the photographs of the entire crime scene?
All evidence located
When is a second photograph of evidence taken with a scale?
When determined applicable by the FSU employee
How should fingerprints be marked for identification by FSU employees?
Identified by recording date, time, location, and employee initials
How should latent lifts retained for filing be numbered and labeled?
Sequentially numbered and total recorded on outside of filing envelope
What details should a crime scene sketch include?
Detailed measurements and items at exact locations
How should evidence from a crime scene be marked for later identification in court?
Marked with case number, location, date, time, and officer’s initials
How should blood-soaked or wet items be handled before packaging?
Allowed to air dry before packaging
What should be done if previously sealed evidence has to be reopened for inspection?
Open at a new spot, reseal, and mark time, date, and officer’s initials on new seal
How should blood and liquid evidence be kept and packaged?
Kept in liquid state and packaged in glass or plastic containers
What should be filled out for all weapons found at crime scenes?
A weapons investigation report
How should weapons be handled at crime scenes to preserve evidence?
Handled carefully to avoid damaging fingerprints
What is the scale size for drawing a crime scene sketch?
No smaller than ¼ inch = 1 foot
What is the purpose of the policy on collection and preservation of evidence?
To establish guidelines and procedures for evidence collection and preservation.
What unit within the Lexington Police Department is responsible for collecting and preserving evidence?
The Forensic Services Unit (FSU).
What are the primary responsibilities of FSU employees according to the policy?
Being available 24/7 for crime scenes, processing traffic collisions, and having evidentiary control.
Who has the primary responsibility for protecting a crime scene until relieved?
The first arriving officer.
When can FSU assistance be requested at an incident scene?
After assessing the scene and deeming FSU assistance necessary.
Under what circumstances will FSU process routine larcenies from autos (LFA’s)?
If linked to multiple LFAs, related to a higher priority crime, or involving unique items.
What areas of training are FSU employees specifically trained in?
Lifting and comparing latent fingerprints, photographing crime scenes, blood evidence, and DNA processing.
How are FSU employees notified for requests of assistance at incident scenes?
Either respond as requested or contact the requesting officer.
What information must each package of evidence contain on the outside?
Description of contents, evidence number, item number.
Who completes the property and evidence record listing all items found?
Officers.
What should officers do before submitting evidence for examination outside?
Consult with a FSU employee.
Who is responsible for timely submission of items to the forensic laboratory?
Property and Evidence Unit supervisor.
In what circumstances can an officer personally take evidence to the forensic lab?
Special or exigent circumstances with prior approval.
What precautions must officers take in handling DNA evidence at a crime scene?
Avoid contaminating possible evidence, wear PPE, avoid touching the area(s) believed to have DNA.
What steps should officers take to avoid contamination of DNA evidence?
Avoid eating, talking, sneezing, coughing over evidence; protect evidence, record persons entering the scene.
Who should collect DNA evidence?
Only employees who have been trained in collection.
How should evidence containing biological fluids be treated?
Labeled as a biological hazard item with a ‘Biohazard’ label.
What consent is required before collecting DNA from a person not legally compelled?
Form #223 Consent to Search must be read and signed by the person.
Who completes a written report of processing results at FSU?
The assigned FSU employee.
Where are copies of the report sent after processing at FSU?
To the party requesting examination, department case file, and FSU supervisor.
Who can request FSU for fingerprint comparison?
Officers, prosecutors, and members of government agencies.
What information must be provided when requesting fingerprint comparison?
Full name, date of birth, social security number, and SID number.
What type of requests can be made for image or video processing at FSU?
Requests pursuant to criminal investigations.
What is the responsibility of FSU regarding collision scene photography?
Photographing collision scenes investigated by CRU.
Who can be fingerprinted by FSU?
Persons involved in criminal investigations or newly hired police employees.
What must FSU employees utilize when handling biohazard material?
All appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Where should contaminated PPE be disposed as per guidelines?
Marked containers in the biohazard bay area at headquarters.
Where is contaminated evidence normally processed within FSU offices?
In the biohazard bay or the evidence packaging room (B-105).
What does ‘Defendant’ refer to in the context of KRS 524.140?
A person charged with a Class D felony under KRS Chapter 510 [Sexual Offenses].
When can biological evidence be destroyed prior to a trial according to KRS 524.140?
After being in custody for fifty (50) years or at least ten (10) years with prosecution’s motion.
What are the conditions for retaining biological evidence after a trial?
If DNA tested at trial with a guilty verdict or if the court orders its retention.
What must the department ensure regarding retained evidence under KRS 524.140?
The evidence is suitable for DNA testing and analysis.
What happens to evidence if a trial results in a dismissal with retrial potential?
The evidence is retained until after the retrial as per specific provisions.
Who should complete evidence collection according to the course notes?
FSU employees
Under what circumstances can a vehicle be processed by a FSU employee?
When the incident is elevated or warrants processing by FSU.
What should be done if a vehicle cannot be processed at its current location?
Have it towed to a secure location pending processing.
What is required to release a vehicle’s hold after processing?
Approval from a supervisor
What must be completed by a FSU employee after processing a crime scene?
A supplement to the electronic case report
What is the primary duty of the Forensic Services Unit?
To assist in ongoing criminal investigations by collecting evidence.
When should the number of employees handling evidence be minimized?
To keep it to a minimum unless there is an articulable need.
Who decides the type of examination or chemical process used on evidence for latent fingerprints?
The assigned FSU employee
