Forensic Pathology for Police - Brainshare Public Online Library

External Examination 135
evidence (hairs, fibers, gunshot residue, etc.) (Disc Image 7.2). Fingernails may
contain debris or even blood or tissue that may link the decedent to a specific location
or suspect and the documentation and collection of such evidence may provide
very important forensic evidence in a particular case. Likewise, the collection of
sexual activity evidence (using a “sexual activity kit”) can be important in certain
cases. In all cases where trace and other evidence on the exterior surface of the
body is considered important or even potentially important, it is essential to collect
the evidence prior to disrupting the body by cleaning it. A common procedure used
in many jurisdictions involves placing paper bags over the hands of the decedent,
prior to transfer to the morgue, in order to preserve any trace evidence that might be
present on the hands/fingers (Fig. 7.5). Identification and collection of such evidence
may be very difficult at the death scene and in many instances, the morgue provides
a more controlled environment for such collection − better lighting allows for better
identification of such evidence. Plastic bags are not appropriate as condensation
can lead to moisture accumulation and destruction, or washing away, of important
evidence.
Fig. 7.5 In some cases, paper (not plastic) bags are placed over the hands at the death scene, in
order to preserve any trace evidence that might be on the hands and/or fingers
Another crucial aspect of the external examination in forensic cases involves the
documentation of injuries (or even the lack of injuries). As such, it is important for
pathologists to identify and describe any injuries that are observed during external
examination. In general, forensic pathologists usually attempt to characterize the
category of injuries seen, such that all blunt force injuries are described as such,
while sharp force injuries, gunshot injuries, asphyxial injuries, etc. are described
separately. Detailed descriptions of these and other injury types are provided in subsequent
chapters within this textbook. With certain major injuries on the skin (and
elsewhere), such as gunshot wounds, sharp force injuries, and other injury types,
pathologists should describe the size, shape, and character of the wound, along with
the exact physical location on the body, with a description of the general location
(for example: lower right abdomen), as well as measurements from the top of the