Republic of the Philippines

PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY

Lagonoy Campus

Module 3

Physical Evidence

Name of Student: _____________________________ Week Number: 3

Course Code: FOR3 Name of Faculty: Nena Angela M. Vargas

Course Title: Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology

Objectives:

1. Identify the value of "physical evidence" in criminal investigation

II. Lessons

What is Physical Evidence?

Physical evidence refers to any material object introduced in a trial for the purpose of proving a fact in
issue based on its demonstrable physical characteristics. This includes all or part of any conceivable
object.

Physical evidence found at a crime scene in small but measurable amounts are called trace evidence.
Such evidence include body fluids, DNA, fingerprints, hair and fibers, paint, glass, explosives, ballistics,
impressions, questioned documents, and so on. The identification of physical evidence can help
determine the truth during the investigation of a crime.

Physical evidence can be classified according to the following:

 Physical nature - microscopic, solid, liquid, gaseous, etc. drug test, drug
 Type of examination to be conducted analysis, paraffin test, etc.

There are several types of physical evidence that are likely to be found at the scene of a crime, and can
be analyzed scientifically, including those listed below.

DNA- any tissue from the victim or suspect, such as hair, fingernails, bones, teeth

Body fluids - saliva, blood, sweat, semen, and urine of the victim or suspect
 Republic of the Philippines
PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY
Camarines Sur

Impressions - tool marks, shoe prints, fingerprints, bite marks, tire tracks, etc.

Weapons - characteristics of firearms, ammunitions, and residue; chemical composition of

Questioned documents - printing method or paper and ink used in forged documents,
handwriting style, counterfeit bills, ransom notes, etc.

Miscellaneous trace evidence, such as dust and dirt, fibers, soil, glass, paint, skeletal remains,
fracture matches, etc.

Value of Physical Evidence

It has already been mentioned that physical evidence is much more reliable than testimonial evidence,
and the value of the former over the latter is enumerated below.

Human factor - Compared with testimonial evidence, which may change, physical evidence "can't lie,
quit, die, forget, or get fired;" in addition, the source of testimonial evidence may also be lost, thus
losing the connection between the original and the court version

Physical properties - Physical evidence cannot cons of change, whereas testimonial evidence is based
solely on interpretation that can change or be erroneous

Circumstantial Variability

If any type of physical evidence is found and subsequently associated with a suspect where he or she
had no right to be, then upon proper identification, the evidence may:

 Establish proof beyond reasonable doubt;

If the physical evidence is found for a period during which a suspect may have had legitimate right to be
(i.e., innocent access), then the evidence may:

 Have no significance; and

Collection of Physical Evidence

The scene of the crime operation (SOCO) team must have several main goals in mind during the process
of collecting evidence from a crime scene: reconstruct the crime, identify the person who committed
the crime, preserve the evidence for analysis, and collect such evidence in a way that will make them
stand up in court.
 Republic of the Philippines
PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY
Camarines Sur

Trace Evidence

Trace evidence constitute the most common type of physical evidence, which an investigator and/or
crime scene specialist is likely to encounter. Trace evidence refers to microscopic materials found at a
crime scene, such as hair, blood, glass particles, foot/tire impression, fiber, or paint, to name a few.

The collection of evidence begins once a crime scene has been thoroughly processed, and the locations
of the evidence have been recorded. The collection process begins with the collection of the evidence
that is most likely to be easily lost. Priority can also be given to special evidence or objects that must be
moved to a new location. Afterwards, collection continues along the crime scene trail or in some other
logical manner. Photographs should also be taken continuously so that investigators can reveal layers of
evidence not previously documented because they were hidden from sight.

Most pieces of evidence are collected and placed in paper containers, such as envelopes, packets and
bags, whereas liquid items are transported in leak-proof and non-breakable containers. Meanwhile,
evidence for cases of arson are usually placed in air- tight metal canisters. Only large quantities of dry
powder should be collected and stored in plastic bags, while moist or wet evidence (blood, plants, etc.)
from a crime scene can be collected in plastic containers at the scene itself and then transported back to
an evidence receiving area if the storage time in plastic is two hours or less. This is done to prevent
contamination of other pieces of evidence in the scene. Once it is placed in a secure location, wet
evidence-whether packaged in plastic or paper-must be removed and allowed to completely dry a
ambient temperature. That evidence can then be repackaged in a dry paper container.

It is important to note that evidence containing moisture should not be packaged in plastic or paper
containers for a period exceeding two hours. This is because moisture facilitates the growth of
microorganisms, which can destroy or alter the quality of the evidence collected.

Trace evidence might also include illicit drugs, chemicals, paint and gun-shot residues (GSR), and glass. A
SOCO member can also use a pair of tweezers, lidded plastic containers, a filtered vacuum device, and
even simple knife to expertly collect trace evidence. The investigator should also have a biohazard kit on
hand, which contains booties, face mask and gown, disposable latex gloves, and a biohazard waste bag.

Guiding Principles in the Collection of Physical Evidence

There are several guidelines in the collection of physical evidence. These help ensure that the
appropriate protocols are followed, resulting in the generation of useful evidence.

1. Sufficiency of sample- sufficient weight, volume, or pieces of sample for analysis should be submitted
so that a series of lab tests can be performed

2. Standard for comparison- a standard should be submitted so that comparative analysis can be
performed and facilitate the evaluation of unfair trade completion
 Republic of the Philippines
PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY
Camarines Sur

3. Maintenance of individuality- different specimens should be packed individually to prevent

4. Labeling and sealing- individually packed specimens should be labeled and sealed properly to avoid
confusion in the preparation of requests and documentations

III. Activity

1. Discussion

IV. Assessment

1. Oral Recitation

V. Suggested References:

1. PCinsp Lourdeliza Gural CEJES, MBAand PCINSP Margarita Libres-Etis, MBA – Forensic Chemistry and
Toxicology (2014)
2. Arlyn M. Dascil-Canete- Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology
3. Dean Ma. Cristina B. Sangil and Arlyn M. Dascil Canete- Laboratory Manual for Forensic Chemistry
and Toxicology
4. Beaune Villaraza-Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology Methods of analysis