• From the text:
  • Chapter 3: Digital Forensics
  • Chapter 6: Trace and Materials Evidence
• From the free, downloadable resource at the web page Crime Scene Investigation Guide (Links to an external site.): Section C: Processing the Scene
• From the free PDF copy at the web page Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward (2009) (Links to an external site.): Chapter 5: Descriptions of Some Forensic Science Disciplines
• The video Evidence and Forensics: Due Process (Links to an external site.)
• From the video Forensic Science in Action: From Crime Scene to Courtroom (Links to an external site.):
  • Segment 1. Discovery of a Crime Scene 03:45
  • Segment 2. Crime Scene: Evidence Collection 03:03
  • Segment 3. Gathering and Documenting Evidence at the Crime Scene 01:47

You are also strongly encouraged to review the recommended resources, as they will help you explore the different types of evidence, as well as proper packaging and processing.

In your paper, address the following:

• Explain why it is important to secure the crime scene and provide examples.
• Identify possible ways that evidence might be contaminated.
• Identify different methods that might be necessary to document evidence at a crime scene.
• Identify different collection methods that might be used at a crime scene.
• Explain chain of custody and why it is important.
• Identify the repercussions of failure to protect evidence or establish chain of custody.
• Explain how an investigator or forensic expert differentiates between what is or is not evidence.