THE BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE

The Biological Evidence

The Biological Evidence

Introduction

A woman was raped and then killed in her apartment. When she is found her clothing and bedding contained evidence of the crime. These evidences are various and are used for different purposes. Criminologists apply chemistry, biology or physics to evidence analysis and address crime scene investigation and reconstruction. Their responsibilities are recognition, collection and preservation of evidence. Coroners examine sudden and unexpected death victims. If bodies are buried, anthropologists isolate the body and retrieve it. Crime scene investigators use scientific methods to systematically examine the crime scene. First responders are only ones to view crime scene in its original condition and must preserve it.

Discussion

Fingerprint evidence is also collected by physical and chemical methods. There are three types of fingerprint evidence: a patent fingerprint is one that is visible and needs no processing; a plastic print is an indentation print which is recognizable and is left in some soft surface such as putty or tar; a latent print is one that needs additional processing to become visible (Grandy, 2009). Forensic specimens are examined microscopically using different types of microscopes, e.g. compound light microscopes, phase contrast microscopes, polarizing light microscopes and comparison microscopes.

Clothing fibers or small pieces of fabric found at burglary scenes, on suspect hit-and-run vehicles, weapons, or other objects can often be compared or even matched with a suspect's or victim's clothing. In all cases it is essential to have the victim examined by a medical professional as soon as possible after the assault and before the affected areas (pubic area, vagina, rectum, etc.) or clothing are washed or cleaned (Black, 1998). The Laboratory has made available a Sexual Assault Evidence.

I. Procedure for the Collection of Physical Evidence by the Attending Medical Professional Standard

1. Obtain necessary information from the patient.

2. Clothing. Have the patient undress while standing on a clean piece of the examination table paper. As each article of clothing is removed, it should be placed in a new, clean paper bag. A separate paper bag should be used for each article of clothing. See Section II for additional instructions concerning the disposition of clothing articles. Carefully fold the examination table paper and place it in a separate paper bag as well. Seal, date and initial each paper bag collected.

3. Vaginal swabs and smear. Using four swabs simultaneously, thoroughly swab the vaginal vault making sure to coat all four (4) swabs completely. Immediately prepare one smear using all four swabs simultaneously. Allow swabs (4) and smear (1) to thoroughly Air Dry. Package the dried swabs in a clean properly labeled paper envelope, and seal. Package the dried smear in a clean slide mailer and seal the mailer to prevent opening during transit. Package the mailer in a clean properly labeled paper envelope, and seal.

4. Cervical swabs and smear. Using two (2) swabs simultaneously, thoroughly swab the cervix. Immediately prepare one smear using both swabs simultaneously. Allow swabs (2) and smear (1) to thoroughly Air ...