Advanced Biological Collection Techniques

For any forensic evidence, the first and most important step is the evidence collection. If improperly collected, the value of the evidence can deteriorate and become untestable. In this class, biological evidence collection and packaging techniques will be discussed in depth on how to best collect and preserve biological evidence for forensic testing. Within these discussions, we will also discuss the utilization of chemical field-testing and an alternate light source to help best identify scene samples to be collected for further testing at a laboratory. Additionally, biohazard considerations and contamination prevention of the evidence will also be discussed. Attendees will have the opportunity practice hands-on some of the evidence collection techniques and field-testing methods discussed.

Objectives

• Identify what are common origins of different biological evidence
• Understand the basics of Locard’s Exchange Principle and how evidence can be deposited
• Understand proper personal protective equipment to protect against evidence contamination
• Understand the basics of what presumptive chemical testing is and how to best utilize sampling techniques
• Understand the basics of what an alternate light source is and how to best utilize this tool in aide of searching for evidence
• Identify which collection technique is best depending on the sampling attempting to be collected
• How to appropriately package collected biological evidence