Reading Assignment for Section 3.1

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 3.1: Evidence Handling and Safety.

What You Will Learn

In this section, you will learn about the critical role of the chain of custody in preserving the integrity and admissibility of evidence in court, including the proper steps for documenting evidence custody. You’ll explore the personal safety protocols essential for handling various types of evidence, such as biological and chemical materials, and the importance of training to minimize health risks. Additionally, you’ll examine how investigators can balance thoroughness with efficiency in evidence collection. Finally, you’ll discover best practices for handling, documenting, and storing evidence, and the legal considerations involved in collecting DNA samples from suspects and victims.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 3.1

• SLO 1: Explain the significance of the chain of custody in maintaining the integrity and admissibility of evidence in court, and outline the steps required to document evidence custody effectively.
• SLO 2: Identify the personal safety protocols necessary when handling various types of evidence, including biological and chemical materials, and discuss the importance of training and policy enforcement in minimizing health risks.
• SLO 3: Evaluate the balance between thoroughness and efficiency in evidence collection, discussing how investigators can prioritize evidence collection without overburdening the investigation or compromising the case.
• SLO 4: Describe best practices for documenting, handling, and storing different types of evidence, such as blood, semen, and saliva, and explain how these practices preserve the evidence’s forensic value.
• SLO 5: Discuss the procedures for collecting standard DNA samples from suspects and victims, emphasizing the legal considerations and the impact of proper handling on the integrity of forensic analysis.