Handling Blood Evidence, Essay Example

Since blood, evidence is biological and subject to rapid deterioration the procedure and collection of these samples is truly essential in order to preserve the evidence. This procedure aims at providing san outline for the proper method for handling blood samples as evidence. The importance in following the procedure stems from the need to collect and analyses blood samples without the effect of deterioration occurring.

The policy on the procedure on effective handling of blood evidence affects all the parties involved in the evidence handling. The procedure affects the individuals who collect transport and analyze these samples. The policy affects the methods of collection, transportation, storage and analysis of the samples.

The procedure starts with the securing the samples at the scene and protection of the scene to avoid deterioration. In the collection process, the investigators should ensure the protection of the scene and blood spots or items containing blood samples identified. The investigators should then move quickly to the process of evidence collection giving priority to spots or items with more blood evidence or less deterioration. The items collected should include items such as weapons with blood samples or even blood stained cloths. The blood spots on the scene should also be collected through photos and picking of specimens from the spots and patterns. The bagging of these blood samples should be in bags or containers that prevent the samples from deterioration. Where necessary the samples preserved with the use of other substances provided the creditability of the same not compromised. Tagging of the evidence is also essential for proper identification and at a later period. The details on the tags should include the date of evidence collection and preferably the time of collection. The investigators or the person collecting and bagging the evidence is also necessary for effective analysis and reporting. The place of collecting the evidence may be included in the tags and location of the samples which may include the scene setup (whether it was on the ground or wall), and spot the sample picked.

When the investigators collect evidence, the procedure for its analysis becomes necessary to obtain the evidence required. The quick deterioration of this evidence dictates the immediate delivery of the samples to a laboratory for analysis. The custody of the evidence transfers from the investigator who analyses the evidence and then submits what is necessary to relevant authorities. The evidence should be stored in proper conditions to avoid deterioration or destruction. The blood evidence more so the wet blood evidence not preserved with the use of chemicals kept refrigerated but not frozen. Dry blood evidence kept in airtight bags and away from heat.

Where the shipment of the evidence to a laboratory for analysis is necessary, the packaging must preserve the evidence. The packaging of the evidence include a Styrofoam cooler which has a freezer brick inside, ice should not be used in the cooler as the ice will liquefy and destroy the evidence. The evidence should then be mail to the desired laboratory trough certified mail. For the transfer of custody, an envelope with the request form from the laboratory is necessary on the package. The request form will transfer the custody of the samples from the investigator to the laboratory.