Physical Evidence Handbook

Texas Department of Public Safety

   See also the instructional videos on "Evidence Collection"

Techniques of Evidence Handling

The true value of evidence can be realized only if proper care has been used in observing the simple rules – scientific and legal – that should govern the journey of physical evidence from its discovery to its final appearance as a court exhibit. The steps in this procedure may be described as follows:

1. Security of the scene and the evidence
2. Discovery of the evidence
3. Documentation of the evidence (via photography or sketches)*
4. Collection of the object(s) or sample(s)*
5. Packaging of the evidence (to include properly sealing the packaging)*
6. Submission to the laboratory*
7. Laboratory examination
8. Custody of the evidence pending trial
9. Transportation to court
10. Exhibition in court

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

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