PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICAL

EVIDENCE

LOCARDS EXCHANGE PRINCIPLE

CRIME SCENE

CRIME SCENE

CRIME SCENE

Any action of an individual, and obviously the

violent action constituting a crime, cannot
occur without leaving a trace.
- Edmund Locard
Father of Modern Forensics

Lesson Goal
The purpose of this lesson is to introduce the
participants to the basic principles of physical
evidence, such as individuality, class
characteristics/similarity, probability, rarity,
exchange and comparisons. Participants will
also look at how evidence can assist in the
solution of a case, as well as the main sources
of physical evidence. Lastly, participants will
examine the relationship between the
investigator, crime scene specialist and the
crime laboratory.

Introduction
The value of physical evidence is
determined by how useful it is in
verifying that a crime has been
committed, identifying the person or
persons who did it, and exonarating all
other persons who may be under
suspicion.

Presentation of Content
Evidence is defined as that which is legally
submitted to a competent tribunal as a
means of ascertaining the truth of any
alleged matter of fact under investigation
before it. Evidence is also anything
which a suspect leaves at a crime scene
or takes from the scene, or which may
be otherwise connected with the crime.

Basic Principle of
Evidence
The value of physical evidence is
determined by how useful it is in
verifying that an infraction has been
committed, identifying the person or
persons who did it, and exonerating all
other persons who may be under
suspicion. In addition, physical evidence
helps reconstruct the events of an
infraction and their sequence.

Physical Evidence
Definition Any material which can
be used to link a suspect, a weapon
or a scene to a crime
A Biological evidence
B Non-biological evidence

The Purpose of
Physical Evidence

To prove that a crime has been

committed, or establish key elements of
the crime.
To link a suspect to the victim or the
crime scene.
To establish the identity of persons
associated with a crime.
To exonerate the innocent.

The Purpose of
Physical Evidence

To corroborate victims testimony.

To induce a suspect to make
admissions, or even confess.
Negative evidence can help provide
proof.
Physical evidence can be more reliable
than eyewitness testimony.

Physical Evidence:
The Silent Witness
Physical evidence can not be
intimidated. It does not forget.
It sits there and waits to be
detected, preserved, evaluated,
and explained.
Herbert Leon Macdonell
- Author, The Evidence Never Lies

Q: Why is there a need

to collect evidence
correctly?

Physical Evidence
What types of physical
evidence will you find at a
recovery site? The
possibilities are endless. Of
course the factors that change
or diminish the value of the
evidence are time, weather
conditions, and contamination
by others. But these factors
are the same for any crime
scene!

Physical
Evidence
Take nothing for granted because
things are not always what they seem.
LeMoyne Snyder Author, Homicide Investigation, (Third
Edition, May 1977) Published by Charles C. Thomas,
Springfield, Illinois, USA, on page 141, in Chapter 7 entitled
Homicide due to Gunshot Wounds

Physical
Evidence
Biological
Evidence
-

Blood
Semen
Tissue
Bones and teeth
Hair
Fingernails
Saliva
Bites
Insect evidence
Plant evidence

Physical
Evidence
Non-Biological Evidence
-

More varied, virtually any item

Common forms:
- Clothing
- Bullet/gunshot pellets/wadding
- Fibers
- Paint
- Glass
- Soil

Main Sources of Physical

Evidence

A. The Crime Scene

the focus of the preliminary investigation
and also the primary source of physical
evidence.
B. The Victim
potential source of physical evidence
C. The Suspect and His/Her
Environment
prime sources of physical evidence.

Several important concepts in regard to the

quality and usefulness of physical evidence in
establishing identity should be considered.
These concepts should include:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Inviduality
Class Characteristics
A preponderance of such evidence
Probability a combination of independent events
will occur is the product of individual probabilities.
Thus, the probability of association with a particular
situation may be very high when a number of
separate factors are found to correspond.

5. Rarity the determination of whether or not an

object or item should be collected as evidence will
frequently rest on the following circumstances: it
seems out of place; it is unusual for the item to be
in a certain place; or the condition of the item or
object indicates unusual change.
6. Theory of transfer when two objects come into
contact, there will frequently be a transfer of all
amounts of materials from one to the other.
7. Comparisons the most definite point of
comparison between object is an obvious physical
match.

Tool Marks

TOOLMARKS

Toolmarks - any impression, cut, abrasion, or

gouge left by a tool after coming in contact with an
object.

Tools Any object capable of making an

impression on another solid object. Examples
include axes, knives, screwdrivers, chisels,
crowbars, pliers, cutters, and drill bits. Tools may
be store-bought or homemade.

2 TYPES OF TOOLMARKS

Impressions - those toolmarks in which

only the general form and size of the
tool are apparent.

Striations - those toolmarks in which

peculiar characteristics or irregularities
of the tool are reproduced in the form of
indentations or striations.

How Toolmarks are Created

Compression
Friction
Repetition
Combination

Places and Surfaces

where Toolmarks
Might be Observed in
Criminal
Investigations

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

wire, chains
door and window frames
sections of sheet metal
safety-deposit boxes, safes
human bone or cartilage
padlocks, doorknobs
bolts and locks
and a variety of other
materials.

Comparisons between a tool and a toolmark. These

comparisons include the following:

1. Toolmark with Tool.

Establishment of the presence or non-presence of

class characteristics.
Examination of the tool for foreign deposits, such as
paint or metal to compare with the marked object.
Microscopic comparison with several test marks or
cuts made with the tool.

2. Toolmark without Tool

Size of the tool used (class characteristics only).

Type of tool used (class characteristics only).
Unusual features of the tool (class or individual
characteristics).
Action employed by the tool in its normal
operation, and/or in its present condition.
If the toolmark is of value for identification
purposes.

Bolt cutter

Tool Marks

Individual Characteristics on bolt

cutter

Common Tools found

In Crime Scene

Toolmark
Identification Under
Comparison
Microscope

ID of Bolt Cutters
and Lock

EvidenceSubmitted
in Toolmark Cases
May Include Tools
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

screwdrivers and chisels

scissors
knives and box cutters
pliers and wrenches
crowbars tire irons
saws, knives
bolt cutters

Tool Mark Characteristics

Preservation and Packaging of Tools

All areas on recovered tools should be

wrapped in paper and packaged to prevent
the prying blades or cutting edges from
contacting any other surface or object.
Attempts should never be made to fit tools
into questioned marks or to make test marks
prior to Laboratory examination.

Preserve the tool marks as

they were found at the crime
scene. Secure the intact
object bearing the tool marks
and submit this to the
laboratory.

Casting and Molding

Definition of Terms
Cast-

reproduction of an object, known as

positive impression..
Subject- an impression that is to be
reproduced.
Mold- impression made or left by an object,
known as negative impression.
Moldingprocess of reproducing the
impression of an object.
Casting is a process whereby a reproduction
of an object is secured by introducing a
suitable hardening material into the impression.

SHOEPRINT

SHOE PRINT

Shoe print and tire impression evidence

is another form of valuable physical
evidence that is often encountered at
the crime scenes. impression evidence
can provide irrefutable proof of the
presence of an individual or a vehicle at
a crime scene or in contact with a
victim.

3 KINDS OF SHOEPRINTS
Patent
Plastic
Latent

TECHNIQUES OF COLLECTION
Dusting with special powder
Electrostatic lifting
Making plastic casts

Shoe print in Crime Scene

Tire tracks
are the impressions left by tires on the surface
onto which a vehicle drove If the surface is soft
or semi-soft, such as mud, dirt, or snow, the tire
will leave an imprint under the weight of the
vehicle. Tire tracks are usually found in road
accident scenes or in the access and escape
routes of other crime scenes.

TIRE IMPRESSION
Tires are made of semi-hard rubber
and are characterized by class and
individual
characteristics.
These
characteristics may be reproduced in the
tracks left by the tire, depending on the
surface and the circumstances under
which the track occurred.

TIRE CHARACTERISTICS

Class characteristics - include size and

general patterns.
Individual characteristics - include regular
wear and tear as well as accidental cuts
or holes.

Common Sample Tire

Prints

LABORATORY EXAMINATION

The examination may yield:

1. positive proof of contact
the shoe/tire with the
surface;
2. the possibility that contact
did occur; or
3. the possibility that contact
did not occur.

TYPES OF EXAMINATIONS
1. Comparative- are conducted to determine if
a known shoe or tire made the impression.
2. Investigative- are conducted on
impressions to provide information regarding
manufacture or design descriptions that may
provide investigative leads.

IMPRESSION CHARACTERISTICS
1. Design characteristics- this is the basic
pattern of the shoe sole or tire tread design.
2. Wear patterns- as the shoe or tire is worn or used
on a vehicle the pattern area will wear down as
erosion of the tread or sole material takes place.
3. Accidental characteristics- during the normal use
of the shoe or tire some damage such as small
cuts and nicks are imparted on the tread or
pattern surface.

WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES TO BE OBSERVED

IN HANDLING ALL TYPES OF PHYSICAL
EVIDENCE?
1. The collected evidence should reach the
laboratory as much as possible in same condition as
when it was found.

2. The quantity of collected specimen shall be

adequate for purposes of forensic examination.
Even with the best available equipment, good test
results cannot be obtained from insufficient
specimen.
3. Submit a known or standard specimen for
comparison purposes.
4. Keep each specimen separate from others.
Wrap and seal in individual packages when
necessary.

5. Mark or label each piece of evidence for

positive identification.
6. The chain of custody of evidence must be
maintained.
7. Any break in this chain of custody may make
the material inadmissible in Court.

WHAT ARE THE EVIDENCE COLLECTION

AND PRESERVATION GUIDELINES FOR
THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF EVIDENCE?
Biological Evidence:
1. Blood Stains
2. Seminal Stains
3. Hairs
4. DNA Evidence

WHAT ARE THE EVIDENCE COLLECTION

AND PRESERVATION GUIDELINES FOR
THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF EVIDENCE?
Trace Evidence:
5. Glass Fractures
6. Fibers
7. Latent Fingerprints
8. Paints
9. Arson Evidence
10. Explosive Evidence
11. Tool Marks

WHAT ARE THE EVIDENCE COLLECTION

AND PRESERVATION GUIDELINES FOR
THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF EVIDENCE?
Other Physical Evidence:
12. Seized Drugs
13. Poisons
14. Firearm Evidence
15. Questioned Documents

BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE
1. Blood
A. Liquid Blood Samples
1. Blood that is in liquid pools - pick up on a
gauze pad; clean sterile cotton cloth; air dry.
2. Do not dry the blood stained materials directly
under the sunlight; electric fan.

BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE
1. Blood
A. Liquid Blood Samples
3. Separately place in a paper bag and bring it to
the laboratory as quickly as possible.
4. Bring along with the stained questioned
material unstained portion to serve as control in the
analysis to be conducted

B. Dried Blood Stains

1. On clothing - wrap the items in clean paper,
place the article in a brown paper bag or box;
seal and label container.
2. On small solid objects - send the whole
stained object to the laboratory.
3. On large solid objects, cover the stained
area with clean paper; seal the edges down with
tape.

B. Dried Blood Stains

4. If impractical to deliver the whole object to
the laboratory scrape the stain onto a clean piece
of paper; fold, and place in an envelope. Get also
unstained portion of the specimen as control.
5. Do not scrape dried blood stain directly into
evidence envelope. Scrape blood from objects
using a freshly washed and dried knife or similar
tool. Wash and dry the tool before each stain is
scraped off. Seal and mark the envelope.

B. Dried Blood Stains

6. Do not mix dried stain. Place each stain in a
separate envelope.
7. Never attempt to wipe dried stain from an
object using a moistened cloth or paper.

BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE TRANSFER

Questioned
blood stain
a. Exhibits

b. Initials and or
signature of the
collecting officer.

c. Time and date of

collection.

Always place your

Markings away from
the stain

2. Seminal Stains
a. on clothing, blankets and sheet air dry.
b. Wrap in paper and package in
paper bags.
c. Do not use plastic bags.

. Note: ENCIRCLING THE

STAIN WITH A MARKER
OR INK MUST BE DONE
ONLY WHEN:
a. To indicate a particular
stain to be examined.
b. There is a suspicion for a
possibility that the stain
will further fade through
time.
c. The stain is not
prominent or hardly
visible to the naked eye.

*** Also note the ideal distance of the markings

from the stain.

In rape cases, bed

sheets, blankets,
pillows, couch
covers, etc.. Are just
some sample of
materials where
seminal stains are
commonly found.
This type of stains are
unstable and fade
through time.
ENCIRCLING THE
STAIN IS
RECOMMENDED.

The same pillow

case that was
tested positive for
the presence of
seminal stain.
Markings such
as description,
initials of
collecting
officer, date of
collection and as
well as
encircling of the
stain were
observed.

On Carpet

In Car

HAIRS
CRIME SCENE

CRIME SCENE

CRIME SCENE

Hair is a filamentous outgrowth of

dead cells from the skin found only
on mammals.

Purposes of examination:
1.To determine whether the hair in questioned
originated from an animal or human being and
the comparison of questioned and known hairs.
2. To ascertain whether one or more individuals
could have come into contact with an object.

EVIDENCIARY VALUE OF HAIR

The

value of hair as evidence in the criminal

cases has been clearly recognized.
It is seldom conclusive as evidence, but in
conjunction with other details, has proven to be
an important and essential aid to the investigator.

FACTS ABOUT HAIR

Each

individual hair is formed inside a hair bulb

deep in a hair follicle.
The follicle is a tiny but powerful factory which
throughout many peoples lifetime continues to
produce hair.
The

average human head has about 100,000

hair follicles. Some people have as many as
150,000.
Each follicle can grow about 20 individual hairs
in a persons lifetime.
Each new hair grows for several years and can
reach over a meter in length.
Average hair loss is about 100 strands a day.

As

anytime around 80-90% of most

peoples hair follicles are in the anagen or
growing phase, 2% are in the catagen
phase or the transition period between the
anagen and the telogen phase or resting
phase which are about 10-18%, where hair
are routinely lost.
Next to teeth and bones, it is also one of
the most decay-resistant human elements.

HAIR STRUCTURE

3 Parts of Hair
Root bulb- the shape of the root bulb will
determine if the hair was pulled by force or
not.
Hair shaft contains the most information
about the hair.
Tip will show if the hair is cut, burned or if
it has split ends

3 Parts of the Hair Shaft

1.Cuticle is the outer surface of the hair and
when viewed under a microscope appears to
be composed of scale like flakes, each
overlapping the others like the scale of a fish.
2.Medulla is the central canal of the hair
shaft. It could be continuous, fragmented,
interrupted or absent.
3.Cortex contains the color pigmentation of
the hair..

KINDS OF HAIR EXAMINATION

1.

2.

Hair Microscopy - The examination of

human hairs in the forensic laboratory is
typically conducted through the use of
comparison microscope.
DNA examination will give a reliable
finding as to the origin of the hair.

SCOPE OF MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION:

1. CHARACTERISTICS OF RACES

MONGOLOID (ROUND, PRODUCING STRAIGTH AND LONG

HAIR)
CAUCASIAN (OVAL)
NEGROID (FLATTENED, KINKY)

2.CHARACTERISTICS OF BODY LOCATIONS

HEAD HAIR (UNIFORM DIAMETER FOR HUMAN HAIR)

FACIAL HAIR; i.e., BEARDS AND MUSTACHES
(TRIANGUAR)
PUBIC HAIR (IRREGULAR DIAMETER)
ARMPIT HAIR (IRREGILAR DIAMETER)

3. MEDULLA INDEX (RATIO OF MEDULLA DIAMETER

TO WHOLE HAIR)

HUMAN HAIR (ROUGHLY 1/3)

ANIMAL HAIR (MAYBE SMALLER OR LARGER)

4.TREATMENT OR PHYSICAL CHANGES

IF FORCIBLY REMOVED
IF HAIR HAS BEEN CUT WITH A DULL OR SHARP
INSTRUMENT
(AND HOW LONG AGO, IF THE HAIR CONTINUED TO BE
SUBJECT TO FRICTION OR COMBING)
IF HAIR HAS BEEN CRUSHED OR BURNED
IF HAIR HAS BEEN DYED OR BLEACHED

Naturally shed hairs, such as a head

hair dislodged through combing,
display undamaged, club-shaped
roots.
A hair forcibly removed from the scalp
will exhibit stretching and damage to
the root area.

Forcibly removed hairs may have

tissue attached

A hair showing buckling

A razor-cut hair

A split hair

A hair with a cut tip

3. Hair Strands
a. Have the person from where the hair strand
are collected, bend over a large sheet of clean
paper, rubbing or massaging their hands
through the hair so that loose hair will fall out on
the paper.
b. More hair should then be gathered by
plucking them from representative areas all
over the head using the finger or tweezers. 50100 hair strands with roots.

3. Hair Strands
c. Do not cut the hair. In rape cases, the victims
pubic region should be combed prior to
collecting standards. 30-60 strands.
d. Obtain known hair samples from the victim,
suspect or any other possible sources for
comparison with unknown specimen.
e. Same method used to collect hairs from other
parts of the body. When the person is a suspect,
hair should be gathered from all parts of the
body even though there may only be an interest
in hair from the head at that particular time.

3. Hair Strands
f. Hair attached in dry blood or caught in
metal or a crack of glass - leave hair intact
on the object.
g. Small objects - wrap it and seal it in an
envelope.
h. Large objects - wrap the area containing
the hair in paper to prevent loss of hair
during shipment.

4. DNA Evidence
Biological Samples for DNA Analysis Quantities
Whole blood/Blood stains
1-2 ml/1 gram
Saliva/Buccal Scrapings
4 cotton buds
Semen/Seminal Stains
3 swabs
Urine
100 ml
Hairs with Follicles or Root
2-5 pcs
Muscle Tissues and Cells
15 mg each
Bones and Organs
1-5 grams
Sperm Cells
3 swabs
Dried Tissues
100 mg

Dos and Donts in the Handling and

Preservation of Biological Evidence for DNA
Analysis.
DOS
1. Ensure proper chain of custody.
2. Proper preservation and documentation for
identification during court presentation.

Dos and Donts in the Handling and

Preservation of Biological Evidence for DNA
Analysis.
DOS
3. Have separate containers for different
samples.
4. Place blood or liquid tissues in spill-proof
containers.
5. Immediate extraction of DNA samples
from the biological evidence.

Dos and Donts in the Handling and

Preservation of Biological Evidence for DNA
Analysis.
DOS
6. Materials in contact with the samples should
be sterile.
7. Always wear gloves and additional protective
device when appropriate.
8. Blood samples in liquid form must be stored
frozen or placed in an ice pack.

DONTS
1. DNA test is very sensitive and
vulnerable to contamination by other
DNA sources. Avoid contamination
with other human DNA.
2. Do not handle samples with bare
hands.
3. Avoid long-term storage of tissues.
4. No ice is required and dry ice
should never be used to cool the tube
of blood.

DONTS
5. Do not mouth pipette any body fluid
regardless of the source.
6. Avoid drying of wet stained garments
under direct sunlight or exposing it to an
electric fan.
7. Do not collect a wet garment or garment
with a wet bloodstain in a sealed air-tight
container.
8. Do not use plastic bag in the collection of
blood specimen.

GLASS

GLASS PROPERTIES
Glass seldom breaks
squarely across but leaves
convex/concave edges, or
stress lines, on the fractured
edges; that it bends and
stretches before breaking;
and that breaks produce
both radial (primary) and
concentric (secondary)
fractures.

Glass Fractures
Glass bends in response to any force that is
exerted on any one of its surfaces, when the limit
of elasticity is reached, the glass fractures.
Fractured window glass will reveal information
that can be related to the force and direction of
impact, which is useful in reconstructing events at
a crime-scene investigation

THEORIES IN A GLASS FRACTURE

1. Glass is somewhat flexible , it tends to bend upon
application of force.
2. Glass first bend on the direction where force is applied
causing the opposite side to stretch.

Types of Glass Fracture

Radial or primary
fracture resembles the
spoke of a wheel
wherein the radiating
rod originates at a
common point
Concentric or
secondary fracture :
the radiating rod is
being connected to one
another and has a cobweb appearance.

Factors To Be Determined in Glass Fracture

1. Point of Impact : The front of the glass can be
determined dust to accumulation of dust and
dirt to the glass
2 Direction of Impact or Force (Position of the
Firer):
> Perpendicular shot exhibits an even
distribution of chippings on the exit side of the
glass
> Angle from the right (Right to Left)
heavy flakings or chippings on the left side of
the glass
> Angle from the left (Left to Right)
heavy flakings or chippings on the right side of
the glass

3. Age of the Fracture

> Fresh fracture exhibits a regular pattern
of radial and concentric fractures.
> Old Fracture presence of a short
extension lines at the end of the radial
trackings
4. Cause of Fracture
> Due to natural means exhibits a plain
wavy lines
> Due to mechanical means exhibits a
regular pattern of radial/ concentric fracture

Chipping and flaking action due to grinding and

fractured edges

Fractures Caused by Heat

Heat fractures are
characteristically wave-shaped.
Heat fractures will also show
little, if any, curve patterns (stress
lines) along the edges. Expansion
of the glass (stretching action)
occurs first on the side exposed

Fractures due to
heat

FRACTURE IMPACTS

1.On high velocity:

Usually characteristic of high velocity
breaking forces like bullet from a
firearm, a rockfrom a slingshot.
Typically produces an individual hole
with small and limited radial fractures.

Morphologically resemble a cone

with grater amount of glass absent on
the opposite side of the impact.
Short, dense radial fractures.

2. On low velocity impact:

Are characterized by an increased number

of well developed radial fractures; usually

accompanied by concentric fractures
surrounding the point of impact
Lower velocity penetrations (rock, golf
balls, hammer)

FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE

RESULTING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE
FRACTURE
Size and hardness of the projectile
Shape and density of the projectile
Distance between the shooter and the
window, which relates to the projectile
initial and terminal velocity:
Thickness and the type of glass affect the
type of fracture or perforation to be
sustained by the window

Value of Glass as Evidence

Glass can have relatively high value as
evidence because of the identifiable
variations in its physical properties and
methods of manufacture. The evidence value
of glass is also enhanced by the fact that
large fragments may frequently be physically
matched. Such physical matches are positive
or certain. However, a laboratory is limited in
that it can only conclude that particular glass
evidence consisting of tiny granules has the
same composition as the original glass.

COLLECTING AND
HANDLING
As with other types of evidence, glass
and
glass
fragments
must
be
photographed and their locations noted on
the crime scene sketch before they are
touched or moved. Pertinent date must be
recorded in your notes concerning the
glass and any obvious, suspected, or
hypothetical relation it has to the incident
under investigation.

MARKING
Glass fragments of sufficient size are marked with a
diamond point or carborundum pencil, a piece of properly
marked adhesive tape, or a grease pencil. Markings are
placed in an area that is of value as evidence. Markings
should include your initials, the date, and time.

PRESERVATION
Glass or glass fragments should be:
wrapped in soft paper, cotton or
similar material;
placed wrapped glass in a suitable
container
should be properly fastened so that
it will not shift
wrappings and containers should be
marked Fragile

6. Glass Fractures/Fragments
a. Shoes and clothing of suspects or other objects
contaminated with glass should be wrapped in paper
and submitted to the laboratory for examination.
b. All glass found in a hit-and-run scenes should
be recovered. The search should not be limited to
the point of impact since headlight glass maybe
dropped off at some distance away as the car leaves
the crime scene.
c. Glass from different locations should be kept in
different containers.

TRACE EVIDENCE
6. Glass Fractures/Fragments
d .Place small glass fragments in paper
packet, then in pill boxes or film cans which
can be marked and completely sealed.
e. Place large glass fragments in boxes.
Separate individual pieces with cotton or
tissue to prevent breakage of damaged
edges during shipment. Seal and mark the
box containing them.

FIBERS

CRIME SCENE

CRIME SCENE

CRIME SCENE

FIBER
Fiber or filament is the smallest single
unit forming the basis of the textile yarn.
A yarn is composed of numerous fibers which are
spun, twisted, or drawn together to prepare the unit for
weaving or knitting. A yarn is sometimes called a thread
by the layman.

CLASSES OF FIBER

SOURCE OF FIBER
A. Animal - fibers derived from animals such
as wool (sheep), silk, cashmere (camels
hair), mohair, alapaca and fur.
B. Vegetable - this includes cotton, linen, jute,
flax, hemp, ramie, coir and sisal. Plant fibers
serve in the manufacture of paper and cloth

D. Mineral minerals provide fibers such as

glass, wool, and asbestos.
E. Synthetics chemistry has produced a
number of fibers including rayon, nylon,
orlon and dacron.

Cotton fiber

Wool fiber

Multiple Fiber Associations

Multiple fiber types found on different items of

clothing or fabric from the suspect, victim, and
crime scene greatly increase the likelihood that
contact occurred between these individuals and
the scene. Each associated fiber type is
considered to be an independent event and
multiple associations

FACTORS AFFFECTING FIBER ASSOCIATION

FIBER TYPES

FIBER COLORS
FIBER NUMBERS
FABRIC TYPES

Nature of Contact
The number of fibers transferred may determine
the type of physical contact between a suspect
and a victim and the value placed on their
discovery. Violent physical contact of an
extended duration will very often result in
numerous fiber transfers.

VALUE OF FIBERS IN INVESTIGATION

Widely

recognized.
An important and valuable aid to the crime
scene specialist.
helps place a suspect at the scene of the
crime.

SEARCHING FOR FIBER EVIDENCE

The

crime scene specialist should search

clothing, headgear, and pay particular attention
to linings, pockets and cuffs.
The general crime scene itself should be
carefully searched for all fiber evidence,
particularly any location that may have been the
site of struggle or assault.

COLLECTION OF FIBERS AS EVIDENCE

If

threads or large fibers are found, they can be

picked up with the fingers and placed in a paper
bindle, then in a coin envelope, which can be sealed
and marked.
Pick up fibers on tape only if the laboratory in your
jurisdiction allows it and gives you its requirements.
In

sex offenses, assaults, and some other cases, it may

be possible to indicate or demonstrate contact between
two individuals or between one other individual and
some other object, such as a car seat, by comparing
fibers.

7. Fibers
a. If threads or large fibers are found they can be
picked up with the fingers and placed in a paper packet
which in turn is placed in another paper envelope
which can be sealed and marked.
b. Never place loose fibers directly into a mailing
envelope. They can be lost.
c. If the fibers are short or few in numbers - wrap the
area or the entire item containing the fibers in paper
and send the whole exhibits to the laboratory.
d. When fibers or threads are recovered, always send
all clothing of persons from which they might have
originated to the laboratory for comparison purposes.

8. Latent Prints and Standard Fingerprints

a. Latent prints - on paper, glass, metal or other
smooth surfaced objects.
b. When articles containing latent prints must be
picked up, touch as little as possible and then only
in areas least likely to contain identifiable latent
prints such as rough surfaces.
c. While gloves or handkerchiefs may be used to
pick-up exhibits, any unnecessary contact should
be avoided. Although, using a cloth to pick-up
exhibits prevents leaving additional prints on the
article, the cloth will frequently wipe off any print
originally present unless they are immediately
taken.

8. Latent Prints and Standard Fingerprints

d. Lifted latent prints (fingerprints, palm prints) are
to be marked at the back portions of the lifting
tapes indicating the date and time of collection and
place where the print was lifted, case number,
name and signature of collecting officer and
signature of at least two witnesses.
e. Standard fingerprints should be taken with
utmost care. Complete detail of the ridges should
be clearly and neatly recorded for comparative
examinations. Stamp pad and other ordinary ink
should not be used for fingerprint recording.
f. Containers of specimen may conceal
fingerprints. So dusting them is a must. Send any
prints that may be found to the laboratory.

Requirements for Fingerprint

Examination

Paint

PAINT

Paint evidence
It is frequently encountered in hit and run
cases, on tools used by burglars, and
occasionally on other types of cases.

Hit-and- Run Cases

Examine all areas, with particular attention being

paid to areas showing pressure glaze, tears, or
other contact.
If found, do not remove the paint, but mark the
garment,
If loose paint chips are found, attempt to remove
and place them in a paper bindle.
Broken lenses or other vehicular parts that are
present are useful in make/ model searches
A copy of the officer's report should also be
submitted to the laboratory, as it may contain
information pertinent to the search.

With-the sample in the bindle, scotch tape can

be removed and the open end of the bindle
folded several times. It can be placed in a coin
or mailing envelope, which can be marked and
sealed. Scotch tape may be used to seal the
bindle, but such containers should never be
stapled.
When cross transfers occur, always collect
known, uncontaminated samples from areas
immediately adjacent to each collected
transfer.

COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF

PAINT EVIDENCE
Paint as evidence may be collected in one of
the following forms:

Small flakes or chips;

Traces of oxidized (chalking) paint;
Smears from fresh paint; and
An intact painted surface or item.

9. Paint
a. Paint on the garment of the hit-and-run victim marked garment and carefully wrap by rolling it in
paper. Send it to the laboratory.
b. Obtain samples from all areas showing fresh
damage on suspected vehicles. The paint may be
different in type or composition in different areas,
even if the color is the same.
c. Flake-off by bending the metal slightly. Otherwise,
scrape or chip the paint off, using a clean knife
blade. Carefully wipe the blade before collecting
each sample. Collect all layers down to the metal.

9. Paint
d. Place each sample in a separate container.
e. When cross transfer of paints occur in hit and
run cases of two or more vehicles and the
transfers are smeared on the surfaces, flake off
chips or scrape paint from the vehicle, including
the transferred paint as well as the top layers of
paint originally on the car.
f. Keep all transfers recovered from different
areas in separate containers. Do not place
samples directly into envelope-place into paper
packet or pill box first.

10. Arson Evidence

a. Collect materials from the

lower layer of the fallen debris
with
apparent
traces
of
gasoline or other incendiary.
Pack materials collected from
separate areas of the house in
separate containers.

10. Arson Evidence

b. The best
container for
arson
evidence is
a clean tin
can with
cover.

10. Arson Evidence

c.

If volatile liquids are

found in open containers,
pour a small amount of the
material into a clean glass
vial with an air tight seal. Do
not use any rubber-lined lids
on plastic container.

10. Arson Evidence

d. Small sample of soils, woods, cloth,
rags or paper etc, should be placed in
small clean metal cans and sealed
immediately to prevent loss of
additional volatile components by
evaporation. Mark the container.

11. Explosive Evidence

a. For explosive debris, find the focus of
the blast and then get loose debris from it.
Remove additional material up to 3-5
inches deep.
b. Do not to touch anything at the bomb
scene not unless cleared by the EODU
expert.

OTHER PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

12. Seized Drug Evidence
a. Do not mix drug specimens in a single bag
even if they were found close to each other or
even if they are similar in appearance.
b. Weigh the contents and put it in a container
such as a pill box or a vial before submission
to the laboratory for analysis.
c. When using a vacuum cleaner, remove the
particles from filter paper. Place the particles
and the filter paper on a plastic bag.

OTHER PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

12. Seized Drug Evidence
d. Secure and mark the evidence bag
with your initials, the date and time of
collection.
e. Submit to the Crime Laboratory
within 24-hours as mandated by DDB
Regulation Nr. 2 Series 1996, amending
Board Regulation Nr. 3 Series 1979.

13. Firearm Evidence

a. Never submit a loaded gun to the
laboratory.
b. Unfired cartridges may be left in the
magazines of a weapon provided the
magazine is removed from the gun.
c. A firearm with the cartridge in the
chamber should never be shipped by
any method even if the weapon is not
cocked or on safety.

Markings by the
use of tag and
inscription.

Class Characteristics
Those characteristics that are determinable prior to the manufacture of
the firearms. These characteristics are the factory specifications and are
with in the control of man and they serve as basis to identify a certain group
or class of firearms.

a. Bore Diameter/Caliber

b. Number of Lands and

Grooves
c. Width of Lands
d. Width of Grooves
e. Depth of Grooves
f. height of the Lands
g. Direction of Twist
h. Pitch of Rifling

caliber

Two bullets with the same class characteristics

a. Caliber

Caliber

d. No. of lands and grooves

b. Width of lands and groovese. Other class characteristics

c. Twist of the rifling

5 - Right

Angle of Twist

Cannelure

Groove width

Landmark Width
Note: Weight and length of the bullets is disregarded

Individual Characteristics
Markings peculiar or distinct in a particular
firearm
Markings which are determinable after the
manufacture of the firearm and whose existence
is beyond the control of the manufacturer.
Markings which are randomly distributed inside
the gun and whose existence is brought about by
the tools used in their manufacture and machine
operation resulting through wear, tear, abuse,
mutilation,
corrosion,
erosion
and
other
fortuitous causes.

Ordnance and Commercial Ammunition Components

13. Firearm Evidence

d. Never clean the bore, chamber or cylinder
before submitting a firearm and never
attempt to fire the gun before it is examined
in the laboratory.
e. Never pick up a weapon by placing a
pencil or other object in the edge of the
barrel.
f. Place weapons in small cardboard, well
packed.

13. Firearm Evidence

g. Bullets, empty shells and firearms
should be properly marked with initials of
the recovering officer or the victim before
submission to the laboratory for
examination.
h. Fired bullets - marked on the base and
on the nose but never on the body.
i. In fired bullets, be sure to take
photographs of all the specimens to be
collected.

14. Questioned Documents

a. In questioned documents, avoid putting
staples or pins on the document.
b. For signatures, submit at least seven (7)
standard specimen with contemporaneous dates
five (5) years before and after the questioned
document was executed.
c. For questioned handwriting and typewriting, at
least five (5) pages of standard handwriting
specimens (most current) are to be submitted.

14. Questioned Documents

d. As much as possible, a combination of the
collected
and
the
requested/dictated
standards should be required for signature,
handwriting and typewriting.
e. Standard specimen for
should be in original copies.

examinations

f. Care should be taken not to fold or crumple

the submitted standard documents.
g. When requesting for known handwriting
from the suspect, do not allow him to see the
questioned document.

Styles of Signature

Conventional Signature

Highly Individualized Signature

15. Poisons
a. Collect all left over food and empty
containers and place them in separate
containers.
b. Never add any preservative to the samples
in order to obtain conclusive results.
c. The toxicological evidence contained in a
glass bottle with lid should be kept in an icefilled container during shipment to the
laboratory.