Physical Evidence Flashcards
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.
