PHYSICAL EVIDENCE MANUAL - Crime Scene Investigator Network

Physical Evidence Manual
Small Glass Pieces
Depending on the size, glass pieces can be packaged in envelopes, bags,
paperfolds, or on Post-It notes. For very small glass particle(s), place the particle
onto the adhesive of a Post-It note and use a pen to circle around it. Fold the
note in half, covering the glass particle(s), and then put the folded Post-It note in
a paper envelope.
Glass pieces that are a little bigger can be packaged in envelopes or bags, then
secured in a padded envelope to protect from further breakage or injury to those
handling the evidence.
Clothing Items
An individual who breaks a window with force may have very small particles of
glass on his/her clothing. It is not uncommon to find minute glass particles on the
soles of shoes, the tops of shoes, and the cuffs or lower portion of pants.
Collect such clothing items, taking care not to shake or handle the clothing more
than necessary. Doing so may dislodge these small glass particles. If the clothing
is not stained with biological material (e.g. blood), package in a paper bag
carefully sealing all possible openings. If the clothing is stained with biological
material, allow the clothing to air-dry on a clean, dry surface and package in a
paper bag. If this is not possible, collect and submit to the lab ASAP.
Figure 8: Exterior view of a vehicle windshield with a bullet
hole. Examination of the characteristic fracturing around the
hole revealed the shot was fired from the inside of the
window to the outside, not from outside to inside.
Adopted: May 2002
Revisions: 6
Last Revision: January 31, 2008
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