PHYSICAL EVIDENCE MANUAL - Crime Scene Investigator Network

Physical Evidence Manual
knives, broken glass, nails, and exposed or cut metals.
• Ensure proper ventilation if required.
• Search confined spaces with a flashlight and/or mirrors prior to inserting
the hands.
• Handle all blood, body fluids, and tissue as if they contain bloodborne
pathogens (e.g. hepatitis, HIV, etc.).
• Use gloves, protective clothing, and other universal safety precautions
when there may be contact with blood or other potentially infectious
material.
• Surgical caps, fluid-resistant protective clothing, face masks/shields, eye
protection, shoe covers, gloves, and boots should be worn in instances
when contamination is anticipated.
• The common routes of exposure are inhalation, ingestion, skin, eye, and
mucous membrane contact. Protect these parts of your body.
• Change gloves when they are contaminated or prior to handling additional
evidence.
• Do not touch or remove any suspected explosive device. A bomb
technician should be called to the scene to check for safety.
Photograph the Scene
• Ensure that a progression of overall, mid-range, and close-up views of the
scene is established.
• Use a scale device for size determination.
• When a scale is used, first take a photograph without the scale.
• Photograph evidence in place before collection.
• Photograph areas adjacent to the crime scene – points of entry, exits,
windows, as well as the perimeter and access routes.
• Film is cheap so do not hesitate to photograph something. Digital
photography is cheaper yet. Items that appear to have no apparent
significance at the time may later prove to be a key element to the
investigation.
Adopted: May 2002
Revisions: 6
Last Revision: January 31, 2008
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