• Introduction
• Lesson
• Task

Lesson

The last important step of crime scene investigation is searching and packaging the evidence. There are several different types of search methods that you will learn about in the following activity. These include the line or parallel method, the grid method, the zone and the spiral method.

As far as collecting the evidence once it is found, one individual is responsible for packaging the evidence. This allows for a consistent manner of collecting, packaging, marking, sealing and preserving the evidence. Most items are first placed in a primary container and then inside a secondary container. The evidence is then sealed with tape and initialed and dated by the collector.

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Another extremely important factor in collecting evidence, is maintaining the chain of custody. Without the chain of custody, evidence may not be allowed in court. The chain of custody shows who has had the evidence in their possession. Without the chain of custody, evidence will not be admissible in court.

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Learn more about the Chain of Custody.