1. Rubber Gloves: Investigators and personnel wear rubber gloves to prevent contamination of evidence and to protect themselves from potential biohazards.
2. Evidence Bags: Plastic bags of various sizes are used to safely store and preserve physical evidence. These bags are usually resealable and often come with features to help maintain the chain of custody.
3. Evidence Collection Kit: A comprehensive kit may include various tools, such as tweezers, forceps, brushes, and a magnifier, for collecting different types of evidence like hair fibers, fingerprints, or trace materials.
4. Fingerprint Collection Kit: Specific tools are used to collect fingerprints, including brushes, powders, and adhesive lifting tape, depending on the surface involved.
5. Swabs and Collection Devices: Sterile swabs and other devices like scrapers or adhesive lifters are used to gather trace materials, such as blood, DNA, and other substances, from surfaces.
6. Sealable Containers: Larger items like clothing may require sealable bags or containers to prevent loss or damage. Evidence packaging might also include tamper-evident tape to maintain chain of custody.
7. Forceps and Tweezers: These tools allow for precise handling of small pieces of evidence, such as fragments or hairs, without direct contact.
8. Magnifying Glass: A magnifying glass or loupe is used to closely examine the evidence at the scene, helping investigators identify and document any important details.
9. Crime Scene Tape and Markers: Crime scene tape and various markers help secure the area and mark the locations where evidence is found.
10. Biological Evidence Collection Kit: When collecting evidence related to potential biohazards, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face shields, masks, and protective suits, is used to ensure safety. Specialized evidence collection containers and protocols may be employed to preserve and transport biological evidence appropriately.
11. Scales and Measuring Devices: Precise measurement tools are important when documenting the dimensions, lengths, and distances related to evidence.
12. Field Notes: Investigators use notebooks and pens to record observations, take detailed notes, and create sketches or diagrams at the scene.
13. Photography and Videography Equipment: Cameras are used to thoroughly document the scene, evidence location, and any relevant details.
14. Metal Detectors and Ground-Penetrating Radar: These devices help detect buried or concealed objects or evidence underground.
15. Evidence Drying Equipment: This may be used to properly dry out wet or damp evidence to avoid contamination or further damage.
These tools are just a few examples of the various implements used in collecting physical evidence. Different specialized tools may be necessary depending on the specific type of crime, the nature of the evidence, and the surface or environment where it's found.
