Republic of the Philippines
AKLAN STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences
New Washington, Aklan
BS Criminology
Forensic 3
Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology (Lab)
Basic Investigative Tools in Forensics
THESE TOOLS HELP INVESTIGATORS FIND, COLLECT, PROTECT,
AND ANALYZE EVIDENCE TO SOLVE CRIMES
1. Observation Tools
Used to examine and collect visible and hidden evidence
Flashlights - helps investigators see clues in dark or hidden areas
Magnifying Glass - Used for examining small details, fibers, or tiny marks
Camera - Documents the crime scene through photos or videos; ensures evidence is
preserved exactly as found
2. Collection Tools
Used to gather physical evidence carefully and without contamination
Gloves and tweezers - protect evidence from contamination; Allow careful handling of small
or delicate materials
Evidence Bag/Envelopes - Store collected items such as fibers, bullets, and documents;
labeled for proper documentation
Swabs - Used to collect biological samples (blood, saliva, etc)
3. Measurement and Documentation Tools
Used to record the crime scene accurately
Measuring tape or ruler - measures distances, sizes, and locations of evidence
Crime Scene Sketch Tools - Notebook, Pencil, graph paper; used to draw the layout of the
crime scene
Markers/Evidence Flags - numbered tags placed beside evidence for identification in photos
4. Analytical Tools
Used in basic laboratory analysis
Microscope - Examines small evidence like fibers, hair, or soil particles
Chemical Test Kits - For quick identification of drugs, blood, other substances
5. Fingerprinting Tools
Used to identify suspects through fingerprints
Fingerprint Powder and Brush - Reveals latent fingerprints on surfaces
Lifting Tape - Lifts the developed fingerprints and preserves them
6. Safety Tools
Protect investigators and maintain the integrity of evidence
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Gloves, masks, suits, goggles to avoid
contamination or exposure
First Aid Kit - Ensures safety during crime scene operations
Additional Tools
Evidence Collection Kits
Blood Collection
Bindle
Coin envelopes
Disposable scalpels
Distilled water or single use sterile water droppers
Evidence identifiers
Drying box
Latex gloves
Photographic ruler (ABFO scales)
Presumptive chemicals
Swabs
Fingerprint
Adhesive and gelatin lifting materials
Brushes
Chemical enhancement supplies
Cyanoacrylate (super glue) wand/ packets
Fingerprint ink pads, cards and card holders for exemplar collection
Flashlight
Forensic light source
Lift cards, including 8 ½” x 11” card stock
Lift tape
Measurement scales
Powders
Bloodstain Pattern Documentation
ABFO scales
Calculator
Laser pointer
Permanent markers
Protractor
String
Tape
Electronic and Digital Evidence Recovery
Anti-static bags
Bubble-wrap and other packing materials
Cable tags and ties
CDs and 3½-inch diskettes
Faraday Bags
Hand truck
Nut drivers, hex and star-type
Pliers: needle-nose and standard
Rubber bands
Magnifying glass
Printer paper
Secure-bit drivers
Screwdrivers, non-magnetic flat-blade and Philips-type
Tweezers, small non-magnetic
Wire cutters
Excavation and Evidence Recovery
Cones/markers
Evidence identifiers
Hand tools (hammer, chisel/screwdriver, forceps, hand saw, box cutter, drywall saw, etc.)
Metal detectors
Paintbrushes
Shovels/trowels
Sifting screens
String
Weights
Wooden/metal stakes
Impressions–footwear, tire tracks and tool mark
Bowls/mixing containers
Boxes
Casting Kit (e.g. Duplicast©, Mikrosil© or polyvinylsiloxane (PVS) materials, silicone-type sealant)
Dental stone
Evidence identifiers
Material for forms
Measurement scales
Permanent markers
Snow print wax
Stirring sticks
Water
Pattern Print Lifter
Chemical enhancement supplies
Electrostatic dust lifter
Gel lifter
Wide format lift t ape
Trace Evidence Collection
Acetate sheet protectors or clear secondary liners
Bindle paper or weigh paper for bindles
Butcher paper
Clear packing/sealing tape 2 ½ to 4 inches wide
Cotton-tipped swab
Flashlight (oblique lighting)
Forceps/tweezers ( disposable or clean smooth tipped)
Glass jars, bottles, vials with air-tight, screw-on lids
Metal friction lid cans with fitting lids
Slides and slide mailers
Trace evidence vacuum with disposable collection filters
Transfer pipettes (glass or plastic)
FOUR BASIC PRINCIPLES IN EVIDENCE COLLECTION, HANDLING, AND
PRESERVATION
1. PRESERVATION OF THE CRIME SCENE
The first principle is to maintain the integrity of the crime scene. Investigators must ensure the area is
protected from contamination, disturbance, or loss of evidence.
Key Points:
* Secure the scene with barriers or tape
* Limit entry only to authorized personnel
* Document everyone who enters and leaves
* Prevent actions that may alter evidence (touching items unnecessarily, stepping on traces, moving objects).
Why it matters:
Contamination can lead to misleading results, loss of evidence value, or court inadmissibility.
2. PROPER COLLECTION AND PACKAGING OF EVIDENCE
Evidence must be collected carefully and packed in a way that preserves its physical, chemical, and
biological integrity.
Key Points:
* Use appropriate tools ( gloves, tweezers, evidence bags, containers).
* Follow correct procedures for each type of evidence:
Wet/biological evidence - air dry first, pack in paper bags
Trace evidence - use bindles, tweezers, or tape lifts
Firearms - unload before packaging, place in rigid boxes
* Label each item clearly (date, time, collector, description)
Why it matters: Proper collection prevents breakage, degradation, or cross-contamination. It ensures the evidence
remains usable in laboratory analysis.
3. MAINTAINING CHAIN OF CUSTODY
The chain of custody is the documented, unbroken record showing who had possession of the evidence from
collection to presentation in court.
Key points:
* Every transfer (who, when, where, why) must be documented
* Evidence must be sealed with tamper-evident packaging
* Logs must be complete and accurate
Why it matters: An unbroken chain of custody ensures credibility. If broken, the court may reject the evidence due to
doubts about authenticity or tampering.
4. PREVENTING CONTAMINATION and DEGRADATION
Evidence must be protected from environmental factors and human actions that could alter its condition
Key Points:
* Use gloves, masks, and proper PPE
* Avoid talking, sneezing, or coughing over evidence
* Keep evidence away from heat, moisture, direct sunlight, and strong chemicals
* Store biological evidence in appropriate temperature-controlled environments
Why it matters: Contamination (mixing of DNA, fingerprints, chemicals) and degradation (rotting, fading, decay) can
compromise the reliability of forensic results
Sources:
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NOTE FOR REVIEW: No need to memorize all the items in the list.
Focus on the Common tools and more on understanding.