Module 5.3

Question 1

Evidence

Answer 1

Primarily any information that can provide context to case and help resolve it
‘Every contact leaves a trace’-Locard’s Principle

Question 2

Types of evidence

Answer 2

Testimonial “verbal”
-eyewitness, hearsay, expert
Physical
-any material that can establish-through scientific analysis-that crime has been committed
Situational
-weather conditions (hyper/hypothermia)
-smells (ammonia, feces)
-things that are otherwise difficult to document or collect
“Future”
-items that may not have immediately clear value but may prove valuable later in investigation (biggest type=DNA)

Question 3

Evidence collection

Answer 3

Legal system has series of procedures which can act as double-edged sword
Responsibility of anyone involved in a potentially legal case to maintain transparency throughout procedures
-applies to any veterinarian who might come in contact with evidence (forensic scientists and LE also)
Each piece of evidence requires different approach
-ALWAYS with gloves, DNA-additional PPE

Question 4

Evidence packaging

Answer 4

Apply tape seal across all openings
-initial and date seal
Most evidence will go into paper bags/envelopes
If plastic bag then needs to be dry to decrease chance of mold
-may be refrigerated/frozen
Special packaging
-blood and urine samples need to be in vials/blood tubes (no syringes w/ needles)
Anything sharp should be in puncture-proof container and warning label
Projectile fragments gently rinsed with water, then alcohol, then dried and placed in cardboard box, then paper bag

Question 5

Evidence label

Answer 5

ALL evidence labeled
-case #/identifier
-date
-location
-item description
-collector’s name
-where item is being routed for analysis (temp/permanent location)

Question 6

Evidence packaging pt. 2

Answer 6

Some types, best approach is druggists fold, followed by placing in an envelope
Weapons secured by placing in cardboard boxes with zip ties
-not in bags
-to minimize dangers

Question 7

Sample collection with sterile swabs

Answer 7

Sterile swabs are often ideal tool for collecting biological evidence (2 swabs: prosecution and defense)
-wet evidence can be directly sampled
-dry evidence can be sampled with moistened swab (sterile water/saline)
-variation-double swab technique (start moist then dry)
Swab should be thoroughly air dried before being put back into original packaging or other appropriate packaging before being labeled and bagged (so they do not grow mold)
Wear PPE to avoid inadvertent contamination with DNA

Question 8

Evidence packaging pt 3

Answer 8

Document and photograph evidence before collection
Collect evidence correctly
Preserve each specimen separately
Use and change gloves often
Avoid coughing/sneezing during collection
Use appropriate collection tools such as cotton-tipped applicators, sterile water, cardboard swab boxes, cardboard boxes, separate paper bags