NCJ Number
211019
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 32 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2005 Pages: 72,74,78
Date Published
August 2005
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article provides guidelines for processing a vehicle for evidence.
Abstract
Until the type of crime in which a seized vehicle may have been involved is determined, investigators should assume that all types of evidence are present and should be preserved. Some evidence should be collected before transporting the vehicle from the seizure scene, such as chunks of soil in wheel wells and on the undercarriage. Tow truck operators should be instructed not to enter the vehicle unless absolutely necessary, and then only when wearing gloves and masks. The final inspection area should be secure and provide temperature regulation. The author explains how to document the identification of the vehicle without compromising evidence in and on the vehicle. The most common types of evidence collected from vehicles are fingerprints and photographs; however, other types of evidence will be useful if the vehicle has been associated with more serious crimes. In the event that other types of trace evidence may be sought after an initial evidence search, the interior of the vehicle should be left untouched so as not to contaminate other trace evidence. The general rule is to record and collect evidence from the outside to the inside of the vehicle. Potential evidence items include fingerprints, DNA, hair, fiber, paint, drugs and drug paraphernalia, paper, and ballistic evidence. The article contains separate sections that describe the lifting of fingerprints; the collection of DNA; the obtaining of hair, fiber, and paint evidence; and the collection and use of ballistic evidence.