PHYSICAL EVIDENCE MANUAL - Crime Scene Investigator Network
PHYSICAL EVIDENCE MANUAL - Crime Scene Investigator Network PHYSICAL EVIDENCE MANUAL - Crime Scene Investigator Network
Physical Evidence Manual Adopted: May 2002 Revisions: 6 Last Revision: January 31, 2008 1.0 PREFACE The need for proper recognition, collection, and preservation of physical evidence is mandated for use in the criminal justice system. Physical evidence can directly or indirectly lead to the solution of a crime. Charging and prosecution decisions may be affected by the quality of the physical evidence supporting the case. United States Supreme Court and Oregon Supreme Court decisions have placed great emphasis upon physical evidence in criminal cases. The Oregon State Police (OSP) Forensic Services Division (FSD) provides an important link between collection and court presentation of such evidence. It sometimes happens, however, that materials submitted to the laboratory prove inadequate for proper analysis or that improper collection or packaging methods destroy valuable evidence. A member of the Criminal Justice System may not know the proper way to collect and preserve evidence in all situations he/she may encounter. In addition, they may not in every case understand what the various laboratory methods may involve or why some seemingly “irrelevant” piece of evidence should require such careful handling. Therefore, the FSD reserves the right to select the appropriate methods for analysis. It also reserves the right to transfer evidence between the laboratories of the Divison to best be able to service the request. This handbook is offered in the belief that increased knowledge leads to understanding and that understanding leads to excellence. It was written to provide information regarding the legal and laboratory requirements surrounding collection and preservation of physical evidence. This handbook in not intended to be a comprehensive treatment of all of the factors involved in criminal investigations. Rather, it is a general procedural guide outlining methods for collecting and preserving physical evidence. Readers should keep in mind that the information and procedures presented here are intended to be used as guidelines when encountering other types of evidence not specifically covered. Because the laws and legal precedents concerning the collection of physical evidence are subject to change, it is impossible to give specific up-to-date information on acceptable procedures. It is, however, of utmost importance that great care be taken to use only approved methods when obtaining evidence of any kind. Therefore, it is imperative that during an investigation a close liaison is maintained between the District Attorney’s Office, the Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory, and those persons responsible for the collection of physical evidence. 1-1
Physical Evidence Manual 2.0 FORENSIC SERVICES DIVISION MISSION STATEMENT The purpose of the Forensic Services Division (FSD) is to provide timely and accurate scientific, technical, and investigative support to the criminal justice system through forensic analysis. Introduction Oregon’s first forensic laboratory was established on June 14, 1939 under ORS 181.080 and located at the University of Oregon Medical School in Portland. Today the Forensic Services Division, a nationally accredited laboratory system since 1985, includes six (6) laboratories strategically located throughout the state. These laboratories are located in Bend, Central Point, Ontario, Pendleton, Portland, and Springfield. The services of the forensic laboratories are available to all local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in Oregon for the purpose of rendering assistance in criminal investigations and judicial proceedings. Casework will also be conducted for the defense upon court order. Normally, all laboratory examinations, court appearances, and travel expenses are available without charge. The primary responsibility of the Division is to examine evidence collected from crimes. The Division is available to assist with the processing of major crime scenes on a 24-hour basis. Agencies are assured of proper collection and packaging of evidence in addition to the laboratory’s forensic expertise in crime scene reconstruction, blood spatter analysis, and other forensic aspects of crime scene investigation. Expert consultation on lesser crimes is available by telephone 24 hours a day. The Division will also provide expert testimony regarding evidence they have examined and in certain theoretical matters where either there is no evidence or the evidence has not been submitted. This testimony should not be requested if it is to be duplicated by another prosecution expert. The Division will not reexamine evidence previously examined by another prosecution expert. Adopted: May 2002 Revisions: 6 Last Revision: January 31, 2008 2-1
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Physical Evidence Manual<br />
2.0 FORENSIC SERVICES DIVISION MISSION<br />
STATEMENT<br />
The purpose of the Forensic Services Division (FSD) is to provide timely and accurate<br />
scientific, technical, and investigative support to the criminal justice system through<br />
forensic analysis.<br />
Introduction<br />
Oregon’s first forensic laboratory was established on June 14, 1939 under ORS<br />
181.080 and located at the University of Oregon Medical School in Portland.<br />
Today the Forensic Services Division, a nationally accredited laboratory system<br />
since 1985, includes six (6) laboratories strategically located throughout the<br />
state. These laboratories are located in Bend, Central Point, Ontario, Pendleton,<br />
Portland, and Springfield.<br />
The services of the forensic laboratories are available to all local, state, and<br />
federal law enforcement agencies in Oregon for the purpose of rendering<br />
assistance in criminal investigations and judicial proceedings. Casework will also<br />
be conducted for the defense upon court order. Normally, all laboratory<br />
examinations, court appearances, and travel expenses are available without<br />
charge.<br />
The primary responsibility of the Division is to examine evidence collected from<br />
crimes. The Division is available to assist with the processing of major crime<br />
scenes on a 24-hour basis. Agencies are assured of proper collection and<br />
packaging of evidence in addition to the laboratory’s forensic expertise in crime<br />
scene reconstruction, blood spatter analysis, and other forensic aspects of crime<br />
scene investigation. Expert consultation on lesser crimes is available by<br />
telephone 24 hours a day.<br />
The Division will also provide expert testimony regarding evidence they have<br />
examined and in certain theoretical matters where either there is no evidence or<br />
the evidence has not been submitted. This testimony should not be requested if it<br />
is to be duplicated by another prosecution expert. The Division will not reexamine<br />
evidence previously examined by another prosecution expert.<br />
Adopted: May 2002<br />
Revisions: 6<br />
Last Revision: January 31, 2008<br />
2-1
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