Physical Evidence: Current Trends

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Physical Evidence: Current Trends
Introduction
When a crime has been committed, there is a symphony of people involved in the making sure that the scene is contained and the evidence is collected. In a criminal trial, physical evidence may be a gun, a knife, bloodstained clothing, a latent fingerprint, or a photograph (Garland et. al., 2000, p 412). Additionally, there are two several types of evidence to be collected. More importantly, one should recognize that the methods used today have evolved over time. For example, in the 70’s there was no way to collect DNA evidence without transporting a large laser machine. Fast-forward to the late 1990’s, a portable unit was available for forensic technicians to use which were not only the right …show more content…

There are two forms of physical evidence which are real and demonstrative physical evidence. Real evidence refers to the actual objects that are obtained at a crime scene. Demonstrative evidence is as it implies. It is evidence that is replicated that represents something from the crime. A great example is the crime scene diagram which has gone through an evolution in itself (Garland et. al., 2000, p 412). This began as a drawing but it has evolved into 3D imagining and reenactments. Now that the types of physical evidence have been established, the various components of physical evidence will be explored to include current trends of how these components are …show more content…

When the officer is required to transport the DNA evidence, the environment must be considered. If it is too hot or raining the DNA must be properly stored in a dry, cold or frozen place until it is taken to be processed (2012). Other evidence may have been put in a locked facility before it is processed further by forensics.
Delivery of Physical Evidence
In most cases, the delivery of physical evidence as mentioned with storing evidence is done directly by a law enforcement officer. However, sometimes this is not possible so the evidence may have to be delivered in a package. This package must be wrapped, sealed and initialed before it is shipped. Depending on the evidence, it may require more to be done in the packaging stage. When the law enforcement officer cannot move the evidence due to it having to be processed elsewhere, the delivery method is to have it shipped by the designated way (Garland et. al., 2000, p 425).
Preparation of Physical Evidence for use in

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