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Forensic Chemistry: Evidence Examination Stages

This document provides an overview of forensic chemistry and the role of forensic chemists. It discusses the stages of forensic chemistry practice, including evidence collection, examination, communicating results, and court testimony. Basic equipment used in evidence examination is also identified. Proper evidence collection, preservation, labeling, and submission procedures are outlined. The responsibilities of forensic chemists in criminal investigations and the "Six Golden Rules" of forensic chemistry practice are described.

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47 views8 pages

Forensic Chemistry: Evidence Examination Stages

This document provides an overview of forensic chemistry and the role of forensic chemists. It discusses the stages of forensic chemistry practice, including evidence collection, examination, communicating results, and court testimony. Basic equipment used in evidence examination is also identified. Proper evidence collection, preservation, labeling, and submission procedures are outlined. The responsibilities of forensic chemists in criminal investigations and the "Six Golden Rules" of forensic chemistry practice are described.

Uploaded by

sleader566
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Republic of the Philippines

NORTHERN ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY Y


NISU – Victorino Salcedo Campus,
Sara, Iloilo Reg. No. 97Q19783

Course Code : FORENSIC 106


Descriptive Title : FORENSIC CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY
Term and Academic Year : 2nd Semester, AY 2023-2024
Department and Year Level : BSCRIM 3
Professor : FEA L. DE LA CRUZ & MARLON OSITA

Module 1, Lesson 2
Practice of Forensic Chemistry and Equipment Used in
Examination

[Link]
In this lesson, you shall be able to know and understand the works of forensic chemistry and its relation to
criminal investigation, this will help you in having a foundation in conducting of collection, preservation and
submissionof physical evidence in the laboratory as future law enforcer. In addition, the lesson will enlighten your
mind of how important physical evidences are in the performance of duty of personnel attached in criminal justice
system.
Read and understand the discussion and answer the questions that follow. Perform the activity and keep
update via messenger the process and date of submission.

Time Frame: 6 hours Date of Submission:

II. Learning Outcomes


At the end of the lesson you must have:
1. discussed the work of a forensic chemist in relation to Criminal investigation;
2. identified the basic equipment used in physical evidences;
3. explained the process of collecting and preserving of physical evidences; and
4. discussed method of submitting physical evidence for examination
III. Learning Contents
Practice of Forensic Chemistry
The work of a Forensic Chemist is divided into four stage stages

1. Collection or reception of the specimen.


2. The actual examination.
3. The communication of the results of the examination
4. Court appearance.

Stages in the practice of forensic Chemistry


1. Collection or reception of the physical evidence to be examined. It is important that as much as possible,
the chemist would personally collect the specimen for the said examination. But the usual case is that the
chemistwill only depend on the intelligent assistance of the investigators/ law enforcers in the collection.

Suffiencient of samples-Insufficient amount of sample will lead to an incomplete examination. Examination of


physicalevidence is being taught and practice in forensic chemistry not for them to conduct the physical
examination in the practice of their profession but to know how much sample is needed to complete the
examination by the forensic chemist.
Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY Y
NISU – Victorino Salcedo Campus,
Sara, Iloilo Reg. No. 97Q19783

 Standard for comparison- If no standard sample there will be no basis for comparison. There are cases
thatblood, hair are the evidences found, and these need standard of sample to be used as the basis for
comparison.
 Maintenance of Individuality-Each evidence collected I any areas of the crime scene should be pack
andlabeled separately. This is to avoid contamination of evidence
 Labelling and sealing – Evidence that was collected with no label will not be accepted in Forensic
Laboratoryand that it will have no value in court even though it has a good report because identification
of the same is impossible.
Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY Y
NISU – Victorino Salcedo Campus,
Sara, Iloilo Reg. No. 97Q19783

2. The actual examination of the specimen. Before conducting chemical examination. The Forensic Chemist
assigned will take note the container or package of the physical evidence with paying attention to the
markingsand label on each container if it’s properly sealed. The description should be noted vividly. All
these packages will be presented during court proceeding so it must be kept properly. After that the next
step is to weigh the solid sample or get the volume of the liquid sample and record in the logbook because
this is important in the report writing. After Forensic chemist conducted the physical examination, the
forensic chemist will proceed in performing the Chemical and instrumental analysis. Forensic then will
make written report pertaining to the results his/ her examination. Lastly, the physical evidence will then
be pack again/ preserved retaining the original package or container and will be submitted to the physical
evidence custodian, property packed and labeled.
3. Communication of the result of the examination- The requesting party will be given the copy of the
result ofexamination in the form of written report, where it clearly states the proper description of the
physical evidence as received as well as the marking in the submitting officer, the date and time
received and the findings/ result of the examinations.
4. Court appearance. If the case is brought to court, aside from the written report the forensic Chemist, they
maybe asked/ summoned by the court to give oral testimony.

Format of Evidence Collection/ Submission

Case Number

Description of Enclosed Evidence

Submitting Agency/ Division

Telephone Number

Victim’s Full Name

Suspect’s Full Name

Evidence Bag Sealed By

(Print name and sign)

Date/ Time Sealed


Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY Y
NISU – Victorino Salcedo Campus,
Sara, Iloilo Reg. No. 97Q19783

Role of the Forensic Chemist in the Scientific Investigation

A Forensic Chemist, as a man of science, performs laboratory examination on physical evidence submitted
tothe crime laboratory in order to expedite the investigation of a crime by the investigating party. He/ She has the
following responsibilities:

1. Conducts qualitative and quantitative determination of abused drugs as well as volatile substances.
2. Conducts chemical examination of explosives and/ or explosive ingredients.
3. Conducts examination of explosives and / or explosive ingredients.
Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY Y
NISU – Victorino Salcedo Campus,
Sara, Iloilo Reg. No. 97Q19783

Conducts gunpowder examination on clothing for possible gunshot range.


4. Conducts chemical- toxicological examination of human internal organs, gastric contents, blood, water, food
sample and other substance.
5. Conducts examination of fake products in cases of unfair trade competition
6. Conduct blood alcohol determinations
7. Examines urine samples and other body fluids for the presence of abused drugs.
8. Conducts researches related to case being examined.
9. Testifies and give expert opinion in court.
10. Give lectures on forensic Chemistry and Chemical toxicology to various schools, universities, and police training
centers and investigating units.
11. Responds to queries of all investigating units and render expert opinion on matters related to the application
of chemical principles for the purpose of assisting investigators to develop investigative leads.

Six Golden Rules in the Practice of Forensic Chemistry

1. Go Slowly. The goals is always to have a good outcome of our work, don’t hurry just take all the time
necessary to compete your case , no matter how urgent it may appear or that so much pressure is laid on
you to give
2. Be thorough. Careful analysis must be done in every pieces of physical evidences, and not just to make
qualitative analysis, if quantitative and instrumental analysis is possible.
3. Take notes. Clear, understandable notes of every specimen collected and/ or received must be done.
4. Consult Others. Seeking advice when needed must be done, especially when you handle or received a
case which is not familiar to you consulting other who have handled the same case or your superior will
help you.
5. Use Imagination
6. Avoid complicated theories. The simplest explanation which is understandable by even those tha have
very limited knowledge on the technical aspect

Equipment used in the Forensic Examination

Some of the most common laboratory equipment used in examination of forensic evidence:

1. HPLC ( High Powered Liquid Chromatography) – This scientific equipment is used


for the qualitative and quantitative determination of volatile or non- volatile
compound based on the chromatographic separation of its components

2. Ultra- violet spectrophotometer- It is used for the qualitative and quantitative


analysis of organic compounds.

3. EMIT ( Enzyme Multiple Immuno Assay Technique) – it is used for screening of drug abused samples.

Module 1, Lesson 2 Practice of forensic Chemistry and Equipment use in Examination Page | 12
Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY Y
NISU – Victorino Salcedo Campus,
Sara, Iloilo Reg. No. 97Q19783

4. SEM ( Scanning Electron Microscope)- This scientific is used for the physical
identification of various questioned specimens. It is a software- controlled digital
scanning electron microscope used to produce sticking images over a wide range of
manig=fication ( 3*3,000,000*) on rough or covered surface of minute specimen
such as hair, fibers paint particles, drugs metal etc.

5. FTIR ( Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy) – Used for the


identification of pure organic substance. It identifies organic substances
particularly abused drugs and explosive ingredients based on their
characteristics functional groups. In layman’s term, the resulting spectrum
could be referred to as the fingerprints of the substance.

6. Microscope – used to examine object objects that are too small to be seen by the naked eye.

Searching/ Collecting Physical Evidence

The crime scene should be searched methodically, carefully, thoroughly and orderly. Using the four (4) W’s and
One (1) H these are the what, where, when, why, and How. WHERE is the perfect time to collect the physical evidences.
WHAT – is the exact / correct evidence that need to collect that would help you in identifying the suspects/ perpetrator
of crime. WHERE- can you find/ locate these pieces of physical evidence. WHY- are you collecting these physical
evidence. And lastly, HOW are you going to collect them.

These are some of the basic considerations to a good search and a good method of collection of physical
evidences.

1. Upon arriving at the scene of the crime as investigator photograph the whole crime scene in a full view as soon
as possible before collection of any physical evidence. From eye level to present the normal view, focusing first
in the most fragile area. This will preserve the initial condition or appearance of the crime scene or the physical
evidence in the crime scene. Important evidence must be photograph twice in :
a. A medium distance photograph that shows the evidence ad its position to other evidence
b. A close- up photograph that includes the scale and fills the frame.

These can help you especially in remembering the location of physical evidences after collection. And also served as
preservation of the actual look of the evidence.

2. Use a search pattern such as grid, strip or spiral and be alert for all evidence. Though every investigators have
their technique in collecting evidence but these method would help you especially in having fast, easy and to
avoid contamination of other evidence since you are using accurate method in the search suited to the area of
the crime scene. Having a guide to where to start and end your collection is much safer and will give you
assurance that all evidence would be collected.
3. Wear gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints and also for personal protection.
4. As much as possible two person should observe evidence in place during recovery and immediately mark for
identification, if possible mark directly in the evidence. Seal and mark all evidence packages in the crime scene.
Assign one person to serve as evidence custodian.
5. Do not excessively handle evidence after collection.
6. Obtain known standards

Module 1, Lesson 2 Practice of forensic Chemistry and Equipment use in Examination Page | 13
Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY Y
NISU – Victorino Salcedo Campus,
Sara, Iloilo Reg. No. 97Q19783

7. Make complete evaluation of the crime scene and check if all physical evidences have been collected properly
and ensure that all are properly secured because once you leave/ release the crime scene, re-entry may
require a warrant.

Evidence Submission and requesting for evidence examinations:

All request for evidence examinations should be in WRITING addressed to the NBI/ PNP Forensic Laboratory and should
contain the following information.

 The submitting contact person’s name agency, address and telephone number;
 Description of the nature and the basic facts concerning the case as they pertain to the laboratory
examinations.
 The name or names of and descriptive data about the individual or individuals involved ( subject, suspect,
victim or a combination ) and the agency assigned case identification number; and
 A list of the evidence being submitted herewith (enclosed ) or under separate paper/ cover.
 Herewith is limited to small items of evidence that are not enlarged by transmitting in an envelope. Write all
marking in the envelop before placing evidence inside to avoid damaging or altering the evidence. The written
communication should state: Submitted under separate cover by (state the method of shipment) are the
following items of evidence. ( clearly describe each evidence )
 State what type of examinations are requested.
 State where the laboratory report should be sent.
 If immediate result is needed, state the reason or reason for an expeditious examination.

The following are the guidelines in the proper preservation and safekeeping of evidence.

1. Proper chain of custody shall always observed


2. All examined pieces of evidence (drugs and other paraphernalia, explosives, firearms, etc.) shall be personally
turned over by the examiner on case to the evidence custodian. The latter, in turn shall execute its
documentation by recording a received as well as released evidence for court presentation. No examiners shall
keep in the possession evidence once examined.
3. Evidence shall be properly placed in suitable dry containers for proper preservation and shall be placed inside
the concrete evidence room.

Firearms evidence shall be kept in a separable evidence shall be kept in a separate evidence room especially designed
for the purpose. However, hazardous evidence such as explosives and other inflammable evidence such as explosives
and other inflammable evidence are photographed after examination with its corresponding case number before
turning it over to Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit (EODU) with proper receipt for safekeeping or proper disposal.

IV. Learning Assessment

General Instruction:
Read and understand the following questions/ instruction per activity, use extra sheets of long bond paper for your
answers and prepare them for submission and compilation.

Part A. Essay: Answer the following questions:


1. Discuss the importance of forensic chemist’s work and its relation to criminal investigation. ( Minimum of 50
words)
2. Explain the importance of proper collection, preservation and submission of evidence. ( Minimum of 50 words)
3. Below is the image and labeled parts of a microscope, identify the function of each part.

Module 1, Lesson 2 Practice of forensic Chemistry and Equipment use in Examination Page | 14
Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY Y
NISU – Victorino Salcedo Campus,
Sara, Iloilo Reg. No. 97Q19783

V. Enrichment Activity/ Output


Instruction: Give your opinion about this, your answer must not be less than 50 words.

1. Identify the stages in practice of forensic chemistry and write down your observation on the current
practice of these stages base on news, or events happened in the community.
2. Prepare at least five (5) pieces of physical evidence and make your own chain of custody form and fill
it up showing the correct chain of possession.
3. Discuss in your own words the guidelines in the proper preservation and safekeeping of evidence.

[Link]

Dascil A.M & Santos R.Q, (2021) Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology, Wiseman’ Books Traidig,Inc. Quezon, Manila

F. M (2018), Handbook/ Manual in Forensic Chemistry, Wiseman’ Books Traidig,Inc. Quezon, Manila

Yadav M., Tiwari A. (2017) Forensic toxicology and its relevance with criminal justice delivery system in India
[Link]
[Link]
Toxicology History [Link]
science/forensic-
toxicology#:~:text=Basic%20concepts%20of%20forensic%20toxicology&text=Therefore%2C%20it%20can%2
0be%20defined,analytical%20chemistry%20and%20fundamental%20toxicology.

----End of Module 1, Lesson 2----

Module 1, Lesson 2 Practice of forensic Chemistry and Equipment use in Examination Page | 15

Common questions

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Technology like FTIR is significant due to its ability to identify substances based on their unique spectral fingerprints, crucial for identifying drugs or explosive materials with precision. SEM aids in producing high-resolution images of minute particles, which can be critical in linking evidence to suspects or reconstructing crime scenes. The use of these technologies enhances accuracy and reliability in forensic analyses, thereby supporting more conclusive interpretations and outcomes in investigations .

Effective documentation involves clearly labeling evidence with case details, photographing the crime scene and evidence from multiple perspectives, and maintaining a meticulous log of the evidence chain of custody. Utilizing systematic search and collection methods (like grid or spiral search) helps in systematic documentation. Designating a dedicated evidence custodian to track and manage all evidence entries ensures organizational coherence and reduces mishandling risks .

The chain of custody ensures evidence integrity by providing a documented trail that details each individual who handled the evidence, thus preserving its originality and ensuring it is not tampered with. After examination, evidence is formally transferred to an evidence custodian, who maintains records of the receipt and release of evidence, securing it in appropriate conditions. This detailed documentation is crucial for legal presentation and prevents the loss or alteration of evidence .

Proper labeling and sealing are crucial for evidence admissibility because evidence that lacks a label is not accepted in forensic laboratories and holds no value in court, even if it is accompanied by a strong report. The inability to identify unlabelled evidence makes it impossible to authenticate or trace back to the original collection at the crime scene, thereby leading to its inadmissibility in legal proceedings .

Requests for forensic evidence examination must be in writing and directed to the appropriate forensic laboratory. They should include the submitter's contact information, a description of the case relating to the laboratory examinations, details of individuals involved, the agency case number, and a list of evidence. The request should specify the types of examinations needed and the desired destination for the laboratory report. If expedited results are necessary, the reason must be clearly stated .

A Forensic Chemist performs several roles including conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis of drugs, chemical examination of explosives, and instrumental analysis of various substances. Initially, the chemist reviews the packaging and labeling of the evidence. Following this, they measure the substance and conduct both physical and chemical examinations. The results are documented in a written report provided to the requesting party, and the forensic chemist may also present oral testimony in court if required .

The collection and preservation of physical evidence at a crime scene should be meticulously executed by photographing the crime scene before collecting evidence, ensuring an orderly search pattern like grid or spiral, and using gloves to avoid contamination. Important evidence must be marked immediately, preferably directly on the item, and sealed. An evidence custodian should oversee the secure handling and documentation of all evidence, and evidence must not be excessively handled post-collection to prevent contamination .

Forensic chemistry relies on various scientific instruments to identify and analyze physical evidence. EMIT (Enzyme Multiple Immuno Assay Technique) screens drug abuse samples, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) provides detailed images of specimens, and FTIR (Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy) identifies organic substances such as drugs based on their functional groups. Microscopes are used to examine minute objects invisible to the naked eye. These instruments enhance the accuracy and depth of analysis, crucial for obtaining concrete and reliable results in investigations .

Proper preservation and safekeeping of evidence involve maintaining a secure chain of custody, storing evidence in suitable containers to prevent degradation (e.g., dry containers for organic materials), and placing hazardous items such as explosives in specifically designed rooms. Proper documentation through receiving and releasing logs ensures evidence is accounted for at all times, and photographing dangerous evidence before its disposal further preserves its integrity for court proceedings .

A forensic chemist's testimony in court can significantly affect the trial's outcome by providing expert interpretations of the forensic evidence that may corroborate or refute claims made by the prosecution or defense. Their analysis can affirm the presence of substances that link a suspect to a crime or validate the testing methods used, strengthening the credibility of the evidence. Their expert status may sway the jury when the scientific evidence is integral to the case outcome .

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