Tools Used to Collect Forensic Evidence
Forensic science revolves around studying evidence collected at a crime scene. This evidence can come in a variety of forms, from murder weapons and shell casings, to blood and other bodily fluids. To safely collect and transport this evidence without contamination, crime scene investigators use a range of specially designed equipment and tools. Every crime scene is different but most require a basic forensic evidence toolkit.
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Surgical Gloves
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One of the most important aspects of gathering forensic evidence is avoiding contamination. Investigators wear rubber surgical gloves as they collect evidence to ensure the evidence is not compromised by traces from their skin or fingerprints. Gloves are also important for handling potentially dangerous substances.
Paper and Plastic Bags
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To transport evidence, the evidence must first be placed in an evidence bag. While most items can go in sealed plastic bags, evidence that contains bodily fluids, such as semen, blood or urine, should be allowed to dry and then moved using paper bags. Investigators often substitute sealed paper envelopes for smaller fluid evidence.
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Medical Supplies
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Though medical supplies are traditionally used for dealing with injuries, investigators use some supplies for gathering evidence. Gauze and vaccutainers (blood vials) are used to collect blood if it is still wet when investigators arrive. Cotton swabs can collect blood, semen and saliva. Test tubes can also be used to gather flammable liquid and other harmful chemicals. Pillboxes can transport bullets and shell casings.
Gathering Tools
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While a large majority of evidence can be picked up by hand, some evidence, such as hair, thread, and fiber samples, have to be obtained through other methods. Investigators scour a scene with magnifying glasses and high-intensity lights, and then gather this evidence using tweezers and small paper envelopes.
Specific Tools
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Some tools used by investigators are specifically designed to serve one purpose. For instance, gunshot residue (GSR) is collected using a GSR kit, which contains the necessary items for successfully testing for, and documenting the presence of, the residue. The same can be said for evidence of sexual assault, which is gathered from the victim with a sexual assault kit that contains a collection of supplies.
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References
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