Forensic Evidence
Will there be any forensic evidence and how can it be preserved?
It must be recognised that TV dramas such as CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) and popular spin off shows such as CSI New York and CSI Miami all portray that crime scene examinations will always lead to someone being arrested and charged for the offences within the hour long show. However, most episodes depict forensic techniques that are more reminiscent of science fiction than forensic science.
Preserving forensic evidence
Try to avoid contact with any areas disturbed or handled during this incident.
If you do have to tidy up certain areas, cover your hands and put any smooth shiny items to one side (these can be fingerprinted) but feel free to tidy up any items of clothing.
If at all possible try to cover up any footprints, cigarette ends, chewing gum etc using a clean bowl.
It must be understood that although a contact trace may have been left behind, it might not be in a form that can be recovered and lead to the detection of a crime. It may be mixed with, and lost within other legitimate contact traces, or it may have been inadvertently removed by subsequent contacts.
Common types of forensic evidence:
- Fingerprints
- DNA (blood, saliva, semen, hair)
- Footwear impressions
- Tool marks
- Glass
- Paint