Something legally submitted to a competent

tribunal as a means of ascertaining the truth of

any alleged matter of fact under investigation before

it.

Webster’s Dictionary

Definition of Evidence

Types of Evidence• Testimonial Evidence:• Any evidence given in

the form of a statement made, under oath, usually in response to questioning.

Types of Evidence• Physical Evidence: • Any type of evidence

having an objective existence –

• Having size, shape, and dimension.

What is the Value of Physical Evidence?

• It can prove a crime has been committed or can establish key elements of a crime.

• i.e. Torn clothing, bruises can establish an altercation.

• Gasoline present in a carpet sample can indicate an intentional setting of a fire.

What is the Value of Physical Evidence?

It can place a suspect in contact with the victim or the crime scene.– Trace evidence:– Hairs, fibers present on a subject can link

an individual to a specific person or specific place.

Value of Physical Evidence

• It can establish the identity of a particular individual present at the crime scene.- latent finger print evidence.

• It can exonerate the innocent.

• It can corroborate an individual’s testimony.

Benefits of Physical Evidence

No personality factors affect it’s weight.

No memory to fail by the time of the trial.

It carries its argument into the jury room.

Types of Physical Evidence

• Friction ridge Structure

- Finger, palm or sole impressions.

- Latent – Visible– Plastic or patent

Types of Physical Evidence

• Impressions: Shoe or tool marks

- Three dimensional– Two Dimensional – Striations

Types of Physical Evidence

• Physiological Fluids: – Blood– Saliva – Semen– Sweat

Types of Physical Evidence

• Trace Evidence (microscopic in nature)– Hair– Fiber– Glass– Paint– Soil

Search Methods

Strip Method

Grid Method

Circle Method

Zone Method

Vehicle Search

Crime Scene Sketching

A crime scene sketch is an illustrative diagram that accurately depicts the scene and shows relevant locations of items within the scene.

Crime Scene Sketching To draw a sketch, you will need:- 2 people, one to take actual measurements

and the other draws diagram / records exact measurements.

- Measuring equipment: steel tape measure, roll-a-tape.

- Paper: graph or blank.- Clipboard / drawing surface.- Writing instruments (lead pencil and eraser)- Drawing Template

Outdoor Sketching Methods

Coordinate Methods - Use two fixed walls or streets.

Polar / Radial Method – Use a single fixed point and compass readings

Triangulation – Use where there are no local reference points.

Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)