Evidence Submission Guidelines - Minnesota Department of Public ...

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MN BCA Forensic Science Service
Evidence Submission Guidelines
Authorized by: DAS
Issue Date: 03/14/2013
Page 24 of 48 Pages
The next few pages include a helpful table listing collection and packaging guidance for a variety
of Trace-Micro evidence specimens.
Specimen Amount to Take
Standard/Known
Broken Parts
(Physical
Matches)
Amount to Take
Evidence/Unknown
Entire broken part. All broken parts.
Clothing - All
Fabric
Impressions
All outer clothing.
Fibers All outer clothing. All fibers.
Hairs
Glass
25 - 50 pulled hairs
from head and
pubic area
(packaged
separately and
labeled).
At least 1 square
inch from each
broken window
(take from frame -
not from the
ground).
Object the impression
is on.
All
All
Wrapping &
Packaging
Protect from
further
breakage and
damage. Place
in a sturdy
container.
Place each item
of clothing in a
separate clean
brown paper
bag.
Protect the
impression
against loss
through
abrasion.
Place in a
"druggist fold"
or inside a
folded yellow
"Post-It," then
inside an
envelope with
all seams taped
closed.
Place in a
"druggist fold"
or inside a
folded yellow
"Post-It," then
inside an
envelope with
all seams taped
closed.
Use pillboxes,
film canisters,
cardboard
boxes, etc.
Keep each
source separate.
Remarks
Some of the
best evidence,
yet it is often
overlooked.
Avoid the use
of plastic bags.
Air dry wet
items before
packaging.
Use caution in
handling.
Photography
of a fabric
impression is
very difficult.
Fingers or
tweezers are
best. Tape lifts
are acceptable.
Vacuumings
only as last
resort.
A good known
sample
consists of
hairs from all
areas of the
head/pubic
area.
Be aware of
possible
shoeprints on
broken pieces.
All pieces
should be
submitted for
attempt of a