|
STEP 4
DEBRIS COLLECTION |
| Dried
Fluid (or Dried Secretions) |
| Semen and
blood are the most common secretions deposited on the
victim by the assailant. There are also other secretions,
such as saliva, that can be analyzed by laboratory
personnel to aid in the identification of the perpetrator. |
| It is
important that the medical team examine the victim’s body
for evidence of foreign matter and that a swab be taken
and a smear made for each separate secretion. |
| If
secretions, such as dried blood or seminal fluid, are
observed on parts of the victim’s body during the
examination, the material should be collected by taking a
smear and a swab. A different swab and smear should be
used for every secretion collected from each location on
the body. These extra supplies are not provided for in the
Kit. Use available hospital supplies and label. |
| Dried
Fluid Collection Procedure |
| Dried
secretions are collected by moistening a swab slightly
with distilled water and swabbing the indicated area.
After the smear is taken and the slide prepared, the slide
should be returned to a mailer and allowed to dry, then
the mailer is labeled and sealed with tape. |
| If no
cardboard tube is available, the cotton swab should be
placed in an envelope or paper bag, which is then labeled
and sealed. The examiner must be sure to indicate on the
label the location of the secretion on the victim’s body. |
| Fingernail
Scrapings and Clipping |
| Fingernail
scrapings are collected as potentially useful evidence of
cross-transfer or identification. During the course of a
physical crime, the victim will be in contact with the
environment as well as the assailant. Trace materials,
such as skin, blood, hair, soil and fibers (from
upholstery, carpeting, blankets, etc.), can collect under
the fingernails of the victim. |
| Be aware that
the collection of this evidence, particularly the
clippings, may be highly intrusive to the victim. |
| Fingernail
Scrapings and Clippings Collection Procedure |
| NOTE: Do not
collect clippings if there is no indication of broken
fingernails. |
| It should be
determined from a victim whether or not he/she scratched
the assailant’s face, body, or clothing. Collect evidence
specimens if fibers or other materials are observed under
the victim’s fingernails. If fibers or other materials are
observed under the victim’s fingernails, the nails should
be scraped, one hand at a time, using the stick provided
in the Kit. |
| If fingernail
damage is present, the nail should be clipped proximal to
the damage. This is a function that victims may want to
perform themselves and should be encouraged to do so. |
| It is
important that scrapings and clippings be made for each
hand over a separate piece of paper. Scrapings should be
placed in one envelope and clippings in another. Fold the
paper and place in small, individual envelopes. |
| The attending
medical personnel should complete the labeling information
for each envelope making certain to differentiate between
"left" and "right" hand on the labels. The envelopes
should then be sealed with tape. |
| Bite Mark
Evidence |
| Bite marks
may be found on the victim as a result of a sexual assault
or other violent crimes and should not be overlooked as
important evidence. Bite mark impressions can be compared
with the teeth of a suspect and can sometimes become as
important, for identification purposes, as fingerprint
evidence. |
| The
collection of saliva and the taking of a photograph of the
affected area are the minimum procedures that should be
followed in cases where a bite mark is present. Saliva,
like semen, demonstrates blood group factors
characteristic of their donor. Therefore, the collection
of saliva from the bite mark should be made prior to the
cleansing or dressing of any wound. If the skin is broken,
swabbing of the actual punctures should be avoided when
collecting dried saliva. |
| It is
important that photographs of bite marks be taken
properly. It is recommended that a representative of the
local law enforcement agency be contacted to provide the
proper instructions on how to take photographs of bite
mark evidence or to take the photographs, if appropriate. |
| In many bite
mark cases it is also vital to have a threedimensional
cast made. Whenever possible, a dentist or a forensic
odontologist should be called to examine the bite mark,
make the cast and document further findings. |
| Hospitals and
the Forensic Laboratory can coordinate efforts to contact
a qualified forensic odontologist who can assist in this
process. In order to keep the flash of the camera from
“washing out” the bruise and show different signs of bite
marks and bruising, local law enforcement recommends
taking at least three photographs of each target area: (1)
straight on; (2) at a slight angle; and (3) at an
increased angle. A macro lens for close-up photographs is
recommended. If using a “point and shoot” or Polaroid
camera, stand back at least an arms length (or 3 feet)
from the target area. Even if the area being photographed
appears clear in the view finder, the camera will not
clearly depict that in print. When in doubt, ask for
suggestions from the responding officer or investigator. |
| Bite Mark
Collection Procedure |
| In cases
where a bite mark is present, the minimum procedures that
should be followed are the collection of saliva and the
taking of a photograph of the affected area. |
Saliva is
collected from the bite mark area by moistening a swab
with distilled water and gently swabbing the affected
area, following the same procedure as instructed for other
dried fluids.
To demonstrate the size of the bite mark, a ruler should
be placed adjacent to but not covering the bite mark, and
then photographed. These supplies are not provided for in
the kit. Please note the presence of bite marks on the
body diagrams before returning the Kit to the Forensic
Laboratory. |
