Lesson 2.

3: Identification, Collection, Preservation,

and Safe-keeping of Scientific Evidence

Lesson Summary
Physical evidence can go a long way in showing who committed a crime and, by extension,
a possible conviction. Physical evidence must be recognized, properly collected, and sent to the
crime lab for analysis. These are the duties of investigators and crime scene respondents. Hence
as a future investigator, you should develop the skill to recognize, collect, and package various
types of evidence properly.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the lesson, the student will be able to:
1. Understand the proper techniques for handling evidence to avoid contamination and
damage and;
2. Understand the procedure of collecting and packaging of common types of physical
evidence.

Motivation Question
Have you observed that SOCO has to wear personal protection equipment (PPE) in
responding to a crime scene? List some PPE to wear when handling physical evidence.

Discussion
SOCO at Crime Scenes
When a crime scene needs special processing, the Scene of Crime Operation (SOCO)
specialists of the PNP Crime Laboratory are requested to process a sensational nature or
significance. An example of a case that requires the services of the SOCO is a crime of violence.
In investigating crimes of violence, consider the checklist provided by the PNP Field
Manual. However, remember that the checklist of what to do and collect at the crime scene only
serves as a guide. Critical thinking should be practiced as certain items in the checklist may not
apply, and others must be added.
Different crime scenes may require different specialists. However, one common crime
scene is that of a shooting incident. If a shooting incident happened, the SOCO specialist should
conduct paraffin casting on all the persons involved. Then look for blood from the victims on
suspects or vice versa, and blood spatters from entry wound on hands, clothes, weapons, and
others. After photographs are secured, assess the range and the direction of the shots. Also,
recover clothes to facilitate the determination of powder residue. Fibers, weapons, empty
cartridges, bullet, and ammunition should be collected. Important: Do not touch bullets with bare
hands.
In cases of death, the SOCO specialist or investigator will first check the premises. Then
collect dustbins, look for moist trace evidence, check parked cars, collect watches, and check for
odors and lighting. Also, check the doors, windows, and walls. Radio sets, TV sets should also be
inspected.
If a dead body or corpse is found at the crime scenes, the investigator should collect loose
hair, wads of fibers, etc. while the body is being inspected. Collection of hairs or fibers could be
done using tweezers or by taping. It is also very important to note signs of death, body
temperature, and write down the relevant time. Inspect the hairs; they may be torn off. There may
be injuries concealed by hair. There may be foreign substances present. Also, check to bleed in
the ears or for conjunctival bleeding. The root of the nose and nostrils should be examined. Also,
check for any foreign objects in the oral cavity. On the neck area, examine the skin scrapings, red
spots, and strangulation marks. For the arm area, inspect for bruises caused by gripping or
resistance or marks made by syringes. In the wrist area, examine for cuts, old or new. Also,
examine the hands and under the nails for injuries due to resistance and swellings, hair, and skin
fragments. Important: cover the hands with paper bags to facilitate the continued search for skin
fragments during the autopsy. Continue inspecting the front and back of the corpse from top to
bottom. Examine the legs and feet for any blood, cuts, or bruise.
For clothing to be inspected, details should be clearly described and photographed with
close attention to creases, damage, bullet-holes, blood spatter, dirt, position on the body, etc. The
clothes may have pockets, examine them, and list the contents. Note for the presence of blood
and any other stain on the clothing. Also, samples of clothing should be collected in connection
with the autopsy.
If weapons are recovered, weapons handle them carefully for safety. Avoid destroying
evidence by holding the weapon by the strap. Check the chamber for cartridges that may be left
behind. In doing this, be mindful of your surrounding and never point the weapon to anyone.
Careful not to insert anything in the bore or trigger-guard of the firearm.
The Philippine National Police Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management
(PNP DIDM) Field Manual on Investigation of Crimes of Violence and other Crimes (2011) by the
PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management provides a comprehensive guide on
the collection and packaging of various types of physical evidence commonly encountered at
crime scenes. Our concern, though, is just the protocol on Forensic Chemistry-related evidence.
The General Rules for the Collection and Preservation of Biological Materials
1. The first consideration is the use of protective gloves to avoid touching individual traces
and minimize contamination. Also, use different gloves after handling different materials.
Disposable materials or equipment are advised to be used in preliminary tests and in
collecting trace physical evidence. For the surfaces were samples or evidence are to be
placed, cover it with paper.

2. Avoid coughing or sneezing on evidence or materials.

3. Packaging of biological materials. Pack all biological materials that are soiled with the
biological matter with paper. Plastic could be used, but not recommended due to residual
 moisture. Remember to always separate packaging for parcels, trace evidence, clothing
of the victim and the suspect. Remember to use separate outer packages for trace
evidence and clothes of persons involved in the crime scene. Seal the evidence package
with tape after folding the opening of the bag twice. Also, envelopes should be sealed with
tape.
4. Special precautions (make explicit notes) when collecting evidence from a person
suspected of having an infectious disease. So, avoid contact between collected evidence
and clothes seized from people to prevent contamination. When an evidence container
contains moist or wet material, it could be opened. However, all packages containing
collected materials must not be opened before examination in the crime lab.
The following tables summarize the procedure on the collection and packaging of physical and
biological evidence commonly found at crime scenes.

Table 1. The Collection and Preservation of Blood

Type of evidence Procedure Packing/Storage
or sample
Blood on Remove the whole object Put each piece of material in a paper packaging and seal
removable with tape. If the material is wet or moist, pack each piece of
materials material in a plastic bag sealed with tape. Open and allow to
dry on arrival at the police station. Send it to the PNP crime
lab in wrapping paper or an envelope.
Blood pools Collect blood on swabs. Take Put the swabs in a swab wrapper or a folded piece of paper.
some swabs from different Place and package in an envelope, store dry and cool.
parts of the pool when they are
too scattered.
Blood in water Collect on several swabs. Put the swabs in a folded piece of paper or swab wrapper.
Place and package in an envelope, store dry and cool.

Pour the mixture into a clean, dry test tube with a cork or a
Collect the mixture with a clean vacuum tube with a purple cork.
pipette or syringe.
Dried blood or The cutaway portion of the Place samples in separate packaging materials could be
bloodstain surrounding material, if paper bags or envelopes. Remember to keep dry and cool.
possible. Place swabs in the swab wrapper or a folded piece of paper
and package in an envelope. Then, store dry and cool.
If this is may be impossible to
do then, moisten a swab with
water. Then, rub it until it
becomes dark brown/red or
until the swab absorbs all the
blood.

Table 2. The Collection and Preservation of Semen or Saliva

Type of evidence Procedure Packing/Storage
or samples
Semen or saliva, Remove the whole object. Put each piece of removed material in a separate
on removable paper bag. Unpack on arrival at the police station
materials and dry at room temperature. Send it to the PNP
crime lab in paper bags.
Semen or saliva Collect samples on some swabs. Place the swabs in the swab wrapper or a folded
(moist) piece of paper. Package in an envelope. Store dry
and cool.
Draw off the liquid with a clean pipette
or syringe. Pipette out the liquid in a clean, dry test tube and
cover with a cork or test tube cover. Then, store in a
 refrigerator. Send to the PNP Crime lab by
refrigerated transport.
Semen in condom Close the condom with a clip. Keep in a refrigerator and send it to the Crime Lab
as soon as possible by refrigerated transport.
Dried saliva or Cut out part of the surrounding Place each sample in a paper bag or envelope. Store
semen material, if possible. cool and dry.

Otherwise, moisten a swab with water. Air-dry the swabs, then put in the swab wrapper or a
Rub it until it is saturated. folded piece of paper. Package in an envelope. Store
dry and cool.
Urine Put the urine samples in plastic bottles Keep in a refrigerator. Send to the PNP crime lab by
or any other suitable container refrigerated transport.
separately.
Reference or Collect two 20 ml samples and placed Keep the tubes in a refrigerator.
standard samples them in two separate test tubes with
for comparison for screw caps.
drug/ alcohol
analysis

Table 3. The collection and Preservation of Body Fluids

Type of Procedure Packing/Storage
evidence/samples
Samples from Rub the inside of the mouth, teeth, and top Place swabs in a folded pieces of paper or better
mouth and bottom of the tongue with two swabs in the swab wrapper. Place in the envelope from
to take samples from the oral mucous packaging and store it cool and dry.
membrane.
Dried smears of Collect smears with swabs (moistened Air-dry the swabs and put in the swab wrapper or
saliva (licks, with sterile water or tap water). a folded piece of paper. Package in an envelope.
kisses, bites, spit Store dry and cool.
etc.), blood, and
semen
Samples of finger For each hand, use one moistened swab Place the swab in a folded piece of paper or swab
rub and rub cuticles and fingertips. paper and package in an envelope. Then the store
dry and cool.
Specimen for drug Place 10 ml of venous blood in a vacuum Keep the tubes cooled.
or alcohol analysis tube (with a grey stopper) and 20 ml of
urine in two test tubes with screw caps.

Table 4. Collection and Preservation of Fibers

Type of evidence/ Procedure Packing/Storage
samples
Fibers on Remove the whole object. Place it in wrapping paper or paper bags.
removable objects
Invisible fibers Pick up fibers with forceps. Small or fine samples should be taped on
found in large transparent film and placed in an envelope
objects (such as Systematically tape the whole surface of the and place picked up fibers in a folded piece of
car seats, sofas) sampled material with 15 cm lengths of paper and inserted in an envelope.
transparent tapes. Use new tapes after
pressing it a few times. After the whole Place the transparent film with adhered tape
pressing procedure, mount the pieces of tape in a separate envelope for each object.
on transparent non-sticky film.
Take also a reference sample, as described
below.
Fibers in hair Place the tape systematically across the hair. Same as above on invisible fibers.
Collect using fiber tape.
Reference Cutaway a piece of fabric or clothing if the Tape the materials into a transparent film and
sample/s material cannot be removed or cut or pull the packaged individually in envelopes. Samples
 threads, making sure that all colors are could also be wrapped in paper and sealed
included. carefully. Always seal it with tape, even when
using Ziploc or self-sealing packages.

Table 5. The collection and preservation of hairs

Type of Procedure Packing/Storage
evidence/samples
A hair found on Remove the whole object. In wrapping paper, paper bags.
removable objects
Visible hairs Use the tape lift method. A tape Put the transparent films in an envelope.
attached to a transparent fil is
used for collection.
Place hair/s samples in a folded piece of paper and
Use forceps to pull out individual
seal.
long hairs.

Table 6. The collection and preservation of latent footwear prints

Type of Procedure Packing/Storage
evidence/samples
Found on Take the object/s to the police station for Place each object in a suitable
removable further examination. paper package so that the prints
materials are not destroyed.
On non-removable Search with very oblique light. Photograph Place each object in a suitable
materials, e.g., any prints. Lift prints as described on the paper package so that the prints
floors, bank previous page. Roll out foil for electrostatic are not destroyed.
counters lifting on the relevant surface. Proceed as for
normal electrostatic lifting. After lifting, the
foil can be carefully rolled up.

Table 7. The collection and preservation of articles (found) in clothing

Type of Procedure Packing/Storage
evidence/samples
Clothing, bedding, Take all the material, if possible. Put each object in a separate and sealed
and other types of Mark the bedding, showing which package, as described below.
fabrics end is the foot and which is the
head.
Dry clothes, General purposes, e.g., Put in bags or sacks, fold double and seal with
bedding etc. examining body fluids or injuries tape.

If the purpose is to examine Spread out the garment on clean wrapping

gunshot residue paper. Put clean wrapping paper on top and roll
it up. Seal with tape at both ends and write an
accurate description of the contents on the
package.

Wet or moist General purposes, e.g., Put each piece of material in a plastic bag.
clothes, bedding examining body fluids or injuries. Then, place it in paper packaging and seal with
etc. tape. Open and allow to dry on arrival at the
police station. Avoid contamination. If the

If the aim is to look for flammable
liquids or tear gas
If the aim is to examine GSR
Loosened material All person whose clothes are to
from clothing be seized must take off their
shoes and stand on a piece of
clean wrapping paper.
Shoes and boots
material is sent to the PNP CL, pack it following
the instructions for dry objects above.
Pack each type of material immediately in a
fire bag and seal it according to the
instructions on the bag.
The same as for drying clothes. See above.
When the person has undressed, fold the paper
and put it in a paper bag, folded and sealed
with tape.
In separate paper bags/sacks that are folded
and sealed with tape

Table 8. The collection and preservation of soil, plants, and construction materials
Type of evidence or Procedure Packing/Storage
samples
Soil (from the crime Take about ten samples, at least two from Pack each sample in a plastic or glass
scene) the questioned site and eight from the container with a tightly fitting cap, e.g.,
surroundings within a radius of about 3-4 a film canister. Dry the samples unless
meters. they are to be sent to the PNP CL
immediately

Take samples, consisting of about 0.5 dl,

Cont’d.: from varying depths, whenever
necessary. Take photographs of the site.
Soil (under a When footwear prints are secured, let any
footwear print) soil sticking to the cast remain. Take
eight more soil samples in the
surroundings, as described above.
Shoes, clothing, Remove the whole object if possible. Do Package in paper bags or sacks, fold
other articles from not touch any material deposited on the double and seal with tape.
the suspect(s) or object.
victim(s)
Plant material from Take away the whole plant, if possible. If Package the plant in folded newspaper
the crime scene there are any flowers or parts that tend to and put it in a paper sack. Transport to
stick to clothes, etc., make sure they are the PNP CL as soon as possible. If it
included. It is a good idea to photograph cannot be transported immediately, let
the site. the plant material dry in the air and
then put it in a fire bag
Construction Take representative samples of bricks, Package in suitable containers.
materials light concrete etc. Many such materials Material with the consistency of
raise a great deal of dust; bear in mind the powder should be packaged in plastic
risk of contamination. tubes or small boxes.
Safe insulation If a safe has been broken, take a sample Package in containers with tightly
of the insulation. 1 or 2 cm3 is enough. fitting caps.
Table 9. The Collection and Preservation of Tool Marks
Type of evidence or Procedure Packing/Storage
samples
Found in removable Pick up the material. Insert in a package, suitable for its
material size
Found in non- Cut or saw away the part of the material Insert in a suitable package,
removable material where the mark is, if possible. depending on the size of the
material.
If not, make a cast of the mark with brown
Mikrosil. Sketch the location and orientation Casts can be attached to
of the mark. fingerprint cards, with the sketch
drawn on the card itself.
Collect paint, wood, or other similar material
from the surrounding material. Cut out paint
Package in bags or a folded paper
flakes with a scalpel.
that is placed in an envelope.
Paint flakes must not be collected with tape.

Cut mark/s Locate the cut marks on wires and cable and
cut off the end. Make sure to label or mark
ends that were cut off by the investigator.
Careful not to use the same tool in taking
samples.
Tools Never compare a tool with the questioned Seized tools must be packed in
mark by placing it in the mark. such a manner that the cutting
edge or equivalent is not
damaged. Take care not to
displace deposits of paint.

Table 10. The collection and preservation of glass

Type of Procedure Packing/Storage
evidence/samples
Glass from the For analysis purposes, remove a piece of glass of at Pack the pieces of glass
crime scene for least 1 cm2 from each pane in the window-frame and in plastic tubes or boxes.
reference purposes package separately. Collect all the broken glass for
physical matching purposes.
Glass from the If possible, take out the whole sash. First, attach any Pack in cardboard
crime scene to loose pieces of glass with tape. Collect all the pieces of boxes. Make sure the
establish from glass from the floor/ground. If the sash cannot be pieces of glass do not
which side the removed, loosen as much glass as possible from it. break.
glass was broken Mark each piece to show where it is from.
Glass from clothes Pick up pieces of glass with forceps or collect by Package small
and footwear shaking the material and vacuum cleaning. Shoes with fragments first in folded
pieces of glass in the soles can be sent to the PNP crime paper and then in small
lab to collect the glass. Clothes can also be sent to the plastic boxes or tubes.
PNP crime lab to search for and collect the glass. Pack larger pieces of
glass in plastic boxes.
Do not use tape to
collect glass fragments.
Table 11. The collection and preservation of paint
Type of Procedure Packing/Storage
evidence/samples
Paint from crime Collect paint flakes with a scalpel. Include some of the Pack in bags or a
and accident material underneath, if possible. Flakes of paint must not folded paper that is
scenes be collected with tape. Reference paint samples from all placed in an envelope.
the layers of paint are taken from the objects involved.
Take reference samples from material next to any
damaged material. Check for any cross transfers of
paint. In the vent of such transfers, collect reference
Cont’d.:
samples from both objects.
Collect any intact paint flakes that it may be possible to Pack in a small plastic
match with the paint on the damaged object physically. box.
Protect the edges of these flakes.

Table 12. The collection and preservation of materials from fire scenes
Type of Procedure Packing/Storage
evidence/samples
Residual liquids Close the original Place empty original packages/bottles in fire bags
from the fire scene package/bottle if it is and seal per the accompanying instructions.
undamaged and does not Package liquid that is poured into a glass bottle in
leak. Otherwise, pour the a transport container together with vermiculite.
liquid into glass bottles of
Place the transport container in an outer cardboard
the type used in sampling
box; the package now meets postal distribution
kits for diesel fuel.
requirements. Place an original package
containing liquid in a fire bag, seal it and place it in
a cardboard box together with vermiculite
Spilled liquids can be
Package the kitchen roll with absorbed liquid in a
soaked up with kitchen rolls.
fire bag. Seal the bag following the accompanying
Send a piece of the kitchen
instructions.
roll too as a blind sample

Material from a fire Collect any material that Package in fire bags and seal following the
scene for may contain flammable accompanying instructions. Prevent holes from
flammable liquid liquid residues, e.g., carpets, forming in the bag by wrapping sharp objects in
analysis wooden floors and kitchen rolls etc.
insulation.
Large pieces of material that cannot be cut up
should be packaged in large unused metal boxes
with tightly fitting lids.

Table 13. The collection and preservation of materials from explosions

Type of Procedure Packing/Storage
evidence/samples
Explosives Collect all residues of suspected Package in clean, dry glass vessels
explosive materials at the crime scene. (tubes) or plastic vessels with tightly
In the case of large quantities, send only fitting lids. Package in test
pea-sized pieces to the PNP crime lab tubes/plastic containers. Do not use
for investigation. Pack.
 screw caps. Only a few grains can be
sent by mail.
Explosive remnants Moisten a clean cotton glove or rag with Package in sealed fire bags or glass
acetone. Wipe surfaces that are jars with airtight seals.
suspected of being soiled with
explosives. Let the glove/rag dry in the
air for a few minutes. Also, take a zero
sample of both of the surroundings and
the sample.
Explosives Collect all intact explosive packaging Package in sealed fire bags or glass
packaging and fragments that are found at the jars with airtight seals.
crime scene.
Detonators, e.g., Undetonated or home-made detonators
blasting caps are to be recovered by specially trained
personnel.
Collect all fragments of detonated Package in sealed fire bags or glass
blasting caps that can be found on the jars with airtight seals.
scene.
Batteries, electrical Collect all material that may be Package in sealed fire bags or glass
wiring, timers, tape connected with the bomb. Look out for jars with airtight seals.
etc. material that may be connected with
timing devices.

Table 14. The collection and preservation of firearm and bullets and other weapons
Type of evidence/ Procedure Packing/Storage
samples
Firearms found or Keep calm and take your time. Safety first! Wet or bloodstained weapons must
received • Photograph the weapon on site: where be dried at room temperature
was it? before being packaged in a suitable
• Do not handle the weapon without gloves box. Weapons found in water must
on account of fingerprints. be saturated with thin lubricating oil
• Always point the barrel of the gun in a safe and sent to the PNP crime lab
direction (barrel, chamber and receiver)
Pistols Take out the magazine, leaving the The bolt is especially important.
cartridges inside. The aim is to prevent oxygen in the
air coming into contact with the
Raise the slide catch lever and, if possible, metal, causing it to rust and destroy
thumb it up to arrest the slide in the open some evidence.
position.
Double-barreled Point the weapon in a safe direction. Mark and place in a dry plastic
rifles evidence bag.
Open the rifle. Some rifles have ejectors that
eject the cartridge cases. Watch where they
land!

Make a note of the make and the location of

any cartridges/cases before removing them.
Other types of Get help from weapons experts, preferably Mark and place in a dry plastic
firearms scene-of-crime officers or the PNPCL; evidence bag.
alternatively, from weapons instructors,
firearms dealers, military personnel etc.
 Bullets and Bullets and cartridge cases must not be
cartridge cases handled with tools that make marks (such
as pliers and forceps).
Moist or blood-stained materials must be
air-dried at room temperature. Rust or
oxidization may destroy evidence.
Wrap each bullet in a kitchen roll or
similar material and package in
small plastic boxes. Write any
notes on the box, never on a bullet
or case.

Bear in mind the risk of blood infection from

blood-stained materials.
Bullets trapped in Take both overall and detailed photographs Mark and place in a dry plastic
an object of the trapped bullet in an object. Place evidence bag.
together with a measurement scale or
reference.

Take away the whole object, if possible. If

not, uncover the area where the bullet is
located. Leave a good deal of the material
surrounding the bullet.

If the bullet must be uncovered on-site,

remove the material around the bullet
carefully to be detached without being
touched.

If possible, avoid damaging the entry hole.

Sharp objects like Fasten (do not use tape) the object
knives, hammers, in a cardboard box so that it is not
axes, etc. moved in transit.

Evidence Packaging and Sealing

Acceptable packaging containers (depending on the type of evidence) include:
1. Paper bags
2. Plastic bags (clear plastic is preferred for drug cases)
3. Metal cans (typically arson)
4. Small glass vials for typical arson and liquid drugs
5. Boxes - sturdy cardboard
6. Manila envelopes

Acceptable seal:
1. Tamper-proof evidence tape
2. Heat seal
3. Reinforced packaging tape

The following are NOT acceptable seals: Manila Envelope Clasps, Ziplock Bags and Staples
 A package is sealed if the contents are properly secured in place, and the seal of the container
was not tampered. The SOCO specialist sealing the evidence shall place his initial or individual
identifier across the seal or tape on the package.
Information on each package should minimally include:
1. Name of the Agent
2. Agency case number
3. Item number
4. Date
5. The investigator’s identifier
Additionally, the packaging of evidence should include:
1. Where the item was found
2. By whom
3. Date & time found
4. Description of item