Evidence Examples
Chips and residue can be analyzed and will indicate a “class” evidence. Can be from a car, fingernail, house, etc. There is a database of over 40,000 different types which can be used to identify a particular make or model of a car.
Paint
There are three types: Arches, loops, and whorls. Investigators can also use a system which is a database used to search for matches found at crime scenes.
Fingerprints
Interview and Examine
Person thought to be capable of committing a crime
Suspect
Person associated with someone suspected of committing a crime
Accomplice
Particles can be found at crime scenes and will be analyzed to determine its color surface characteristics, thickness, density, chemical composition and refractive index. This can help investigators connect the evidence to a suspect, or to another object used in a crime.
Glass
Shoeprints, tire tracks, teeth marks, etc. Can be photographed or lifted with tape or plaster to compare to other brands based on tread pattern
Impression evidence
A fact that has been stated, but has not been proved to be true
Allegedly
Statement of where a suspect was at the time of a crime
Alibi
Any physical location in which a crime has occurred or is suspected of having occurred
Crime scene
Substances can be examined to determine chemical composition to identify the type used and its origin.
Explosives
Can often be matched to weapons or tool marks on the weapon. Investigators can also determine the weapon’s size, shape, and length.
Wounds
A thing that is known or proved to be true
Factual
Oral or written statements given to police as well as court testimony by people who witnessed an event
Testimonial evidence
The original location of a crime or accident
Primary crime scene
Evidence from firearms including ammunition and residue which can be analyzed and then matched to suspects and evidence found at a crime scene.
Ballistics
Flies, beetles, etc. can provide useful clues. Factors like weather conditions, location and condition of the body, and their knowledge of life cycles can help investigators determine time between death and discovery of body.
Insects
Where/how the suspect got to the crime scene
Point of entry
Any material items that would be present at the crime scene, on the victims, or found in a suspect’s possession
Physical evidence
An alternate location where additional evidence may be found
Secondary crime scene
Can reveal where a person has travelled. It can be picked up or left behind. Samples can be examined for chemical composition, plant material, pollen etc. and link it to a crime scene.
Investigators can extract from almost any tissue (hair, fingernails, bones, teeth, and body fluids). This can be used to create a profile that can be compared to profiles from suspects or victims.
DNA
Where/how the suspect left the crime scene
Point of exit
Physical evidence that is found in small but measurable amounts, such as strands of hair, fibers, or skin cells
Trace evidence
Also known as criminalistics, is the application of science to criminal and civil laws, mainly on the criminal side, during criminal investigation