Preserving evidence

Victims of crime

• Avoid touching any evidence where possible
• If there is a necessity to touch the item, use a sterile/clean glove/bin bag (inside out) or
  similar
• If you need to move the item to protect/preserve it, take a close-up photo that has a time
  and date stamp and show where the item was, and its general location
• If you need to cover over the object with something, the cover must not come into contact
  with any part of the item and should be as clean as practicable.   

Visible footprints

Are there any signs of a visible footprint left behind? Particularly a footprint with a pattern from the sole in it? If so, cover the footprint with something like an upturned washing up bowl. Ensure it is big enough to cover the whole print. If the bowl is likely to blow away, place something heavy on top like a stone or similar to keep it in position. Be sure not to touch any part of the footprint. If the footprint is inside, still follow the above procedure to protect it, but if the footprint is in snow, leave it uncovered to avoid it melting.

Tools, cans, bottles and cigarette ends

Have the suspects left behind any items? Any tools or implements, any cigarette ends, bottles or cans? If so, do the same as above, cover them, making sure you do not touch them. If the found item(s) cannot be left outside, for example if the weather is bad, then find a clean and unused bin liner, carrier bag, food bag or similar. Place your hand inside the bag. Pick the item up, touching as little of it as possible, then pull the rest of the bag over the item. Store the item somewhere dry, out of the reach of other people in a place that will not be disturbed. A cupboard, away from children and pets would be a good choice.

Preserving blood or visible fingerprints

Have the suspects cut themselves? Is there any blood present at the scene of the crime? Is there a visible fingerprint at the crime scene, perhaps on some glass or a highly polished surface?

If possible, avoid disturbing the area where the evidence is, keeping children and pets away from it.

Broken glass
If you need to clean up, for pets, dogs or moving about, sweep the glass into a pile, to one side or into a box so it can be assessed if required.

Vehicle Crime

If your vehicle has been broken into, try where possible to avoid driving the vehicle until the Crime Scene Investigator has had chance to examine it.

If entry was gained via a smashed window, leave the broken glass where it is as the Crime Scene Investigator will need to collect a glass control sample, this also applies to a broken window in a house. A glass control sample could be compared to glass found in the hair or clothing of a suspect.

If the offender has removed documents or other items from the glovebox, these should be left in situ until the Crime Scene Investigator attends as the items may be suitable for fingerprinting or could be sent to the fingerprint development lab for chemical treatment to potentially recover fingerprints left by the offender.