Handling, Lifting and Packing of Physical Evidence in Crime Scene

Handling, Lifting and Packing of  Physical Evidence in Crime Scene Investigations

Introduction:

As a Forensic Expert, the proper handling and lifting of physical evidence are critical components of any crime scene investigation. Each piece of evidence collected can vary greatly in type, size, delicacy, and perishability, making it essential to follow specific precautions to preserve its integrity. In this blog, we will explore the precautions and techniques required to handle and lift physical evidence effectively, ensuring its validity and reliability in the pursuit of justice.

Examples of Proper Handling and Lifting of Physical Evidence:

1.   Avoiding Temptation and Careless Destruction:

•     Resist the urge to pick up evidence immediately upon arriving at the crime scene to prevent unintentional damage.
•  Exercise caution to prevent careless destruction of any potential evidence, as even seemingly insignificant details can be crucial in solving the case.

2.   Maintaining Integrity and Chain of Possession:

• Preserve the original character of the evidence by handling it as little as possible to avoid altering its condition or potential clues.
• Ensure a clear and unbroken chain of possession for all evidence collected to maintain its admissibility in court proceedings.

3.   Using Proper Techniques for Different Objects:

•      Handle flat objects like glass sheets or wood pieces only by touching the edges to minimize potential damage.
•      For items like tumblers, bottles, or phials, touch only the rim and bottom, using fingertips at the top and bottom of the article to avoid contaminating crucial areas.

4.   Special Handling for Delicate Evidence:

•    When dealing with firearms, use the tips of your fingers against the ends of the barrel and butt to avoid altering any potential markings.
•   Lift fired projectiles carefully using rubber-tipped forceps to preserve ballistic evidence.

5.   Collecting Biological and Liquid Evidence:

•     Use rubber-tipped forceps to lift small items like paper, hairs, fibres, or pieces of glass to avoid damaging delicate evidence.
•       Dust or powdered substances should be carefully collected with a brush or vacuum cleaner to prevent contamination. 

Here are some easy-to-understand precautions for handling and lifting physical evidence at a crime scene:

1. Avoid picking up an article immediately upon arrival at the crime scene.
2. Be careful not to destroy any evidence through careless handling.
3. Maintain the original character of the evidence to preserve its integrity.
4. Ensure a clear chain of possession for all collected evidence.
5. Always wear rubber/disposable gloves when handling any article.
6. Minimize handling of articles to avoid losing or damaging important clues.
7. For flat objects like wood or glass, handle only the edges.
8. When dealing with tumblers, bottles, or phials, touch only the rim and bottom with your fingertips.
9. Handle daggers or knives by the tips of the handle and blade using fingertips.
10. Lift firearms with the tips of fingers against the ends of the barrel and the butt.
11. Use rubber-tipped forceps to lift fired projectiles.
12. Lift paper, hairs, fibres, and small solid objects with rubber-tipped forceps.
13. Collect dust or powdered substances using a brush or vacuum cleaner.
14. Avoid touching explosives and bombs unless absolutely certain of safe handling.

15. Use a spatula (like a spoon) to collect blood, semen, liquids, chemicals, vomit, and excreta.

Here are some easy-to-understand guidelines for packing exhibits:

1.   Ensure exhibits are padded with materials like cotton or thermo coal to prevent damage from knocking against each other.

2.   Pack each article separately and label them to maintain their individual identity.

3.   Use strong containers to prevent damage during transit.

4.   Secure packing to avoid contamination of the sample.

5.   Whenever possible, pack exhibits from one case separately in a box or parcel.

6.   Avoid enclosing samples from different cases in a single parcel.

7.   Pack exhibits to prevent damage during unpacking.

8.   Pack each fingerprint card separately in a plastic L- folder.

9.   Avoid contaminating exhibits by using clean containers for packing.

10.        Use suitable lids, cork, or stoppers to prevent spillage and leakage.

Here are some simple instructions for labelling physical evidence:

1.   Avoid pasting labels on weapons, tools, clothing, etc.
2. Always mark and indicate the upper side of the box as "Handle with Care" to protect the case property from damage.
3.   If possible, send the exhibits through a special messenger.
4.   If the parcel is sent by post, ensure it is properly packed, labelled, addressed, and preferably insured.  

      5. Remember to comply with postal regulations when dispatching exhibits like firearms and explosives.

Here are some easy-to-understand guidelines for sealing:

1.   Carefully seal all parcels before packing to prevent them from being opened without breaking the seals.
2.   Ensure that all knots on the parcel are properly sealed.
3.   The seal impression should be clear and legible.
4.   Keep the seal in safe custody at all times.
5.   Use a private or official seal, never an impression of keys, coins, buttons, etc.

6.   Always include a facsimile of the seal with the forwarding letter.

Here are simplified instructions for transportation/forwarding of physical evidence:

1. Carefully transport all preserved, packed, labelled, and sealed physical evidence to the Forensic Science Laboratory through a messenger or police personnel.
2. Ensure that parcels marked "Handle with Care" are transported with utmost caution to protect the case property.
3.  Pack and transport damp/heavy items appropriately.

4. Position items in a way that minimizes the chance of damage, alteration, contamination, or loss. 

5. Negligently damaged items during transportation lose their evidential value and may not accurately represent the evidence collected from the crime scene.