NCJ Number
209425
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 29 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2005 Pages: 41-42,44,45
Date Published
March 2005
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes Product Identification Coding (PIC); the locating and utilizing of discarded crime scene items to assist investigators in finding new leads and establishing times, dates, and locations for people and items.
Abstract
Every crime scene tells a story. A discarded cigarette butt, soda can, or music CD left behind at a crime scene can speak volumes. There are times when an obvious piece of evidence is passed by without realizing its value in potentially solving a criminal case. Mass produced items, from toys and books to soda cans are documented and tracked from the moment of their creation to the time they are put on the shelves for purchase. Almost every manufactured item contains a printed code. If an investigator learns to read product DNA or Product Identification Coding (PIC), a virtual universe of information, rich with possible leads will be afforded him/her. Investigators must realize the value of product DNA. There are many items that may be found discarded at a crime scene, such as store receipts that show date, time, store location, cashier’s name, items purchased, and the credit card number of the buyer. In addition, the UPC scanning code will lead an investigator to the manufacturer. This article describes product DNA from product codes as an invaluable tool to assist criminal investigators in establishing potential leads with the potential to solve a case.