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Physical Evidence - Auto Break-In/Tampering

(Examples shown are possible evidence that may be found and collected at the crime scene, but are NOT all inclusive.  The only evidence that cannot be found is that which is not looked for.)
          (click on picture for larger view)

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Broken glass from broken side vent point of entry

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Fingerprints on side and rear-view mirrors

  • Fingerprints on broken side vent

  • Fingerprints on hood (for "hot-wired" vehicles)

  • Fingerprints on inside door handles

  • Cut ends of wire to stolen tape deck

  • Fingerprints on glove compartment

  • Blood on broken side vent and inside vehicle

  • Screwdriver on floor of vehicle (possibly left by suspect)

  • Hairs on front seat (possibly left by suspect)

  • Fingerprints on plastic steering wheel

  • Cigarette butts in ashtray (not victim's)

  • Fingerprints on ashtray

  • Debris on floor of vehicle (to be vacuumed)


Fingerprints on door handles / seat belt hardware

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Footprints leading away from auto

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  • Discarded food packaging
 csr-foodpkg2.jpg (34058 bytes)

Physical Evidence - Sex Offense

  • Footprints outside window (if applicable)

  • Fingerprints on open window

  • Seminal fluid stains on sheet

  • Blood on sheet (suspect's)

  • Pubic hairs on sheet (suspect's and victim's)

  • Head hair on sheet (suspect's and victim's)

  • Torn button from garment on floor (suspect's)

  • Untied shoe on floor (suspect's)

  • Fingerprints on bed stand

NOTE: THE SOURCE OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE WITH GREATEST POTENTIAL VALUE IS THE BODY OF THE VICTIM.

NOTE: AT THIS POINT, SPECIAL CONSIDERATION FOR THE WELL-BEING OF THE VICTIM TAKES PRIORITY. THE VICTIM MAY NOT BE WILLING TO DISCUSS THE EVENT, HOWEVER, THE USE OF TACT AND UNDERSTANDING WILL AID IN THE COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE.

Physical Evidence – Illicit Drug Cases

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Items associated with manufacture: chemicals, containers, grow lights, tools, pill press, etc.

  • ANY item associated with use, distribution, manufacture, transportation, storage, or possession is possible evidence and if processed could link the suspect to the crime.

  • Drug paraphernalia, pipes, bongs, etc.
    (click on links below to see examples)

Marijuana Paraphernalia 
Crack Paraphernalia 
Cocaine Paraphernalia  

  • Items associated with distribution and sale, scales, etc.

  • Documents, ledgers, phone lists, associated with and tending to establish ownership

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 Transportation items: vehicles, etc.

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Drug Packaging, paper or plastic bags, 
tape, concealment material
(see plastic bag processed for prints)

Locate evidence, photograph in place, document generic description (approx. weight, packaging etc.) location found and seizing officer (one person designated to seize evidence, thus limiting chain of custody).

When photographing, utilize a progression of pictures from general to specific. If utilizing video, pan and zoom slowly.

Note: Evidence in drug cases should be processed and collected in the same manner as any other crime scene. The potential for obtaining evidence is limited only by what you are willing to look for.
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