Preservation and Recovery of Evidence

Importance of Evidence Preservation

Evidence preservation is critical in maintaining the integrity of an investigation.
It prevents the loss, alteration, or contamination of evidence, which could compromise the case.
Strong forensic practices can lend credibility and reliability to the judicial process.
Swift and accurate preservation can aid in identifying and locating the suspect more efficiently.

Securing the scene immediately upon discovery is a basic and fundamental step in evidence preservation.
Physical barriers, such as tape or cones, are used to keep unauthorised individuals out.
Only necessary personnel should be allowed into the scene to prevent contamination.
A crime scene log should be maintained to record all individuals who come in and out of the scene.

Evidence is recovered from the crime scene by trained forensic specialists using appropriate collection tools.
Use of gloves and face masks can prevent the transfer of the investigators’ DNA to the evidence.
More delicate types of evidence, such as fingerprints or trace materials, should be collected using specific forensic tools and techniques.
Objects with potential evidence should be packaged individually to avoid cross-contamination.
Photographic documentation of the evidence in its original location provides a visual record of the scene.

Each piece of evidence should be placed in a new, clean container for transport.
Containers must be properly sealed, labelled and accompanied by a chain of custody form when transported.
The integrity of the seal should never be compromised; this includes not opening sealed evidence unless necessary and in a controlled environment.

Evidence should be stored in a secure, environmentally-controlled area.
Lab examination should be done in a systematic manner and all observations should be carefully documented.
Re-examination might be necessary, so preservation of the evidence condition throughout the process is crucial.

Knowledge on preservation and recovery of evidence will help to provide reliable, unbiased and uncontaminated result in forensic studies.
It is critical that these procedures are done correctly to render the evidence admissible in court.