Title: Collect physical evidence.
Course: Criminal Justice II (15051-II) > Section: Investigating a Crime Scene

Collection should include

- following safety procedures (e.g., using PPE, handling hazardous substances)
- documenting (e.g., photography, placement in diagram, notes)
- acquiring an appropriate sample or quantity
- acquiring a control sample
- preserving (i.e., using appropriate materials based on type of evidence)
- packaging (marked with case number, date, time, item number, location, initials)
- establishing and preserving the chain of custody.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is important about establishing the chain of custody?
- What documentation should be included on each item of evidence collected?
- What are the ramifications of improperly packaging evidence?
- What kind of hazardous substances might one encounter during collection?