Environmental contamination occurs when heat, humidity and related elements will damage any kind of clues that are at the scene of the crime. While human factors, are when investigators, emergency personnel and the family could touch something (effectively contaminating the crime scene). Once this happens, is the point that it is more difficult for investigators to establish that a particular individual was at the location. ("Contamination Issues," 2001) ("Collecting Evidence at a Crime Scene," 2012)
To address possible contamination issues a number of tools must be used in conjunction with each other to include:
Having everyone wearing protective gear: A common challenge that will occur at any crime scene is human contamination. To prevent this from happening, everyone must wear protective gear to include: rubber gloves, suits and shoes. This will ensure that any kind of evidence is focused on: the perpetrators and victims. ("Contamination Issues," 2001) ("Collecting Evidence at a Crime Scene," 2012)
Isolating the crime scene: This will occur by having law enforcement officials move onlookers away from the area and begin talking with close confidants about the incident. When this happens, all evidence is protected from being inadvertently damaged. At the same time, this is forcing investigators to focus on key events (which is: improving the accuracy of the information collected). ("Contamination Issues," 2001) ("Collecting Evidence at a Crime Scene," 2012) (Warington, 2005)
Collecting any kind of samples in a timely manner: Weather related factors could have an impact on the quality of physical and impression evidence. When this happens, it will make it difficult for investigators to amass key data from the crime scene (such as: DNA). As a result, law enforcement officials must be prepared to quickly collect all samples within a few of hours of the crime being committed. ("Contamination...
This is because human and environmental factors will have an effect on the quality that is collected. When this happens, it will make it difficult for investigators to show that someone was at the crime scene. This increases the chances that key evidence will be thrown out based on these factors. To prevent this from happening, select procedures must be utilized at all times to address these challenges. ("Contamination Issues," 2001) ("Collecting Evidence at a Crime Scene," 2012)
Conclusion
Clearly, the way that evidence is collected is a major factor that will link a suspect to the crime. As a result, issues such as: contamination and investigative techniques will face increasing amounts of scrutiny. To deal with these challenges, there should be a focus on using protective measures that will improve quality. When this happens, investigators can clearly show how a suspect is associated with the crime that was committed. Therefore, addressing these issues will effectively mitigate current and future challenges about any kind of evidence that is collected.
References
Collecting Evidence at a Crime Scene. (2012). Video Jug. Retrieved from: http://www.videojug.com/interview/collecting-evidence-at-a-crime-scene-2
Contamination Issues. (2001). USDOJ. Retrieved from: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/publications/bulletins/dna_4_2001/dna5_4_01.html
Lotter, K. (2012). Evidence Collection. Suite 101. Retrieved from: http://suite101.com/article/evidence-collection-at-a-crime-scene-a94219
Warrington, D. (2005). Crime Scene Investigation. Forensics Magazine. Retrieved from: http://www.forensicmag.com/article/crime-scene-contamination
