Answer

Processing of Physical Evidence

            Crime investigation takes center stage in a move to identify criminals and assist in curbing crimes. More specifically, forensic investigations play a fundamental role whenever crimes such as murder occur. It is the responsibility of the analysis team to visit the crime scene and identify, collect, and preserve any physical pieces of evidence for further examination processes. Therefore, this essay identifies any physical evidence that might be found in a crime scene and its significance. Moreover, it describes the collection and preservation of physical pieces of evidence, including packaging methods.  

           Additional Types of Physical Evidence Identified at the Crime Scene

           There are other types of physical evidence besides shell casings, bloody figure prints, and drug paraphernalia. Footprints are one of the critical physical evidence that can be identified at the crime scene. Imprints provide or aid in identifying the walk of the person and the treads of the shoes (Izzi, 2020). These prints are typically significant in confirmation that an individual was present at the crime scene and could have committed the crime. Another

           Tire track is another physical evidence that may be identified at the crime scene to assist in the investigations. As with other traces like figure prints and shoes or footprints, tire prints are used to help identify the vehicles that might have been available at the crime scene. Additionally, they can be to trace the cars accessed the scene. I can also be used to identify escape routes of the crime scene. Therefore, tire tracts or prints are fundamental in the analysis of a crime scene to assist in the tracing and identification of the criminals. Body fluids and other debris like hair are other vital physical evidence that can be identified in a crime scene. Body fluid and hair contain valuable DNA information, which can aid in the identification of criminals.

           Collection and Preservation of Evidence

           The collection and preservation of evidence depend on the individual evidence to be collected and preserved. The collection of evidence can entail photography and move of evidence of crime scenes. Most of the evidence received collect in pockets, containers, and bags. These are solid evidence that might be moved from the crime scene. For liquid evidence that might include blood or body fluids, they are usually transported in non-breakable leak-proof containers to the evidence storage center to prevent contamination (Schiro, 2020). For figure prints, the grey, black, or black magnetic powder should be used. Cameras with detachable flash take a one-on-one photograph of prints on items that cannot be moved from the scene.

           For blood and body fluids, the item on which they are found can be moved, and it can be packed in an envelope and transported to a forensic laboratory. In a situation where such items cannot be moved, fingerprint tape can be used to lift it like in the case of a fingerprint. Additionally, it can be scraped into a paper packet and packed into a paper envelope (Schiro, 2020). Another way of the collection is when the stain is absorbed on half an inch-long thread using distilled water, which is dried in the air before it is fully packed.

           Bullets and casings should be packed in an envelope and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Consequently, a keen note should be taken when picking evidence to prevent any form of contamination and interference. Moreover, shoe prints and tire tracts photos should be made using tripods or rulers. Then casts are made with dental stones and packed to the laboratory.

           Methods for Packaging the Evidence.

           The methods used for packaging the evidence are made depending on the nature of the identified and collected evidence. The two packaging method is either through paper bags and envelopes for solid pieces of evidence. For liquid-like evidence like the blood and the body fluids, it should be packaged in leak-proof containers to avoid any linkage of the collected evidence while being transported. Consequently, it aids in preventing any form of contamination. 

           In conclusion, in a criminal investigation situation, it is important that the evidence is identified at the crime scene, appropriately collected, and preserved. Subsequently, the collections and preservation methods vary based on the types of physical evidence collected and to be collected. The most used collection and packaging methods are enveloped or paper bags for solid evidence and leak-proofs for liquid evidence such as blood and body fluid stains. 

Reference

Schiro, G. (2020). Collection and Preservation of Evidence, Part III. Retrieved 22 August 2020, from https://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/evidenc3.html

Izzi, M. (2020). Footprints as Evidence. Retrieved 22 August 2020, from https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/footprints-as-evidence.html

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