Evidence Collection Process

Evidence collection occurs after the initial crime scene search has been completed and the evidence has been identified. Crime scenes vary, and therefore, the evidence collected will also vary. The officer in charge identifies objects in the crime scene as evidence or otherwise. Subsequently, since investigations rely on the evidence collected, the collection mode must ensure that the evidence acquired remains in perfect condition without contamination or damage. The evidence types include infected evidence, firearms, bullets, cartridges, empty cases, stains, glass, impressions, and drugs (Lyman, 2018). Accordingly, there’s a process associated with the collection of evidence.

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The process of collection involves the selected individual collecting the evidence (Lyman, 2018). After officers arrive at a crime scene, they are not expected to collect evidence under dire situations. A trained specialist is expected to collect the evidence at the crime scene. The responding officers are expected to guard the crime scene and prevent other civilians from interfering with conditions at the crime scene. The first dire circumstance involves evidence collection under urgent situations by the responding officers, whereby damage will occur to the evidence before its collection. However, it is expected that a supervisor authorizes this collection, and its presentation to specialists should be fast to prevent the acquisition of further damage to the evidence. The second dire circumstance involves evidence collection under the direction of the officer in charge (OIC) of the crime scene by the responding officers. Subsequently, the evidence discovered may include varying objects such as; fingerprints and blood. Accordingly, officers should be aware of the evidence collection procedures and the repercussions associated with evidence damage or loss (Lyman, 2018).

Additionally, after collecting a piece of evidence, the possession goes through a chain of custody (Lyman, 2018). This chain of custody involves the monitoring and documenting of the location and accessibility of the evidence at every moment since its collection. Subsequently, irregularities in the documentation result in evidence suppression during trials. Therefore, evidence collection is vital in criminal investigations (Lyman, 2018).

References

Lyman, M., (2018). Criminal Investigation: The Art and the Science. 6th ed. Pearson Education.

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Question

The Process of Evidence Collection

Once the initial crime-scene search has been completed and evidence has been identified, explain the manner in which evidence will be collected. Additionally, explain the chain of custody as it relates to evidence collection.