Soil Examinations

Soil is the natural accumulation of weathering rocks, minerals, and decomposing plants. Soil may contain manmade materials such as brick, roof shingle stones, concrete, glass, and paint. Soil development is influenced by geologic parent material, relief, climate, biological activity, man, and time. Soil examinations can determine whether soils share a common origin by comparing color, texture, and composition

Do not cross contaminate.

IMPOUNDING OFFICER PROCEDURES

******CAUTION******

AIDS has a short life span when exposed to air.  However, HEPATITIS can live for years in the open air.  Hepatitis contaminated evidence has been frozen and thawed years later.  The virus was shown to still be alive.

DO NOT TAKE CHANCES.  ALWAYS USE GLOVES AND WHEN POSSIBLE, FACE PROTECTION.

1. Collect soil samples as soon as possible because the soil at the crime scene can change dramatically.

2. Collect soil samples from the immediate crime scene area and from the logical access and/or escape route(s).

3. Collect soil samples where there are noticeable changes in color, texture, and composition.

4. Collect soil samples at a depth that is consistent with the depth from which the questioned soil may have originated.

5. If possible, collect soil samples from alibi areas such as the yard or work area of the suspect(s).

6. Submit a map identifying soil sample locations.

7. Do not remove soil adhering to shoes, clothing, and tools. Do not process tools for latent prints. Air dry the soil and the clothing and package separately in paper bags.

8. Carefully remove soil adhering to vehicles. Air dry the soil and package separately in paper bags.

9. Submit known and questioned soil in separate leak proof containers such as film canisters or plastic pill bottles. Avoid using paper envelopes or glass containers. Pack to keep lumps intact.

10. Complete the evidence tag and attach it to the packaging.  Attach a Bio-Hazard sticker to all items of evidence that may contain body fluids.

11. Complete the Property Evidence report.

12. Place the properly packaged evidence into an evidence locker.  Note the location on the property-evidence report.

13. Place the yellow and green copy of the property-evidence report in the property-evidence basket in the Evidence Processing Room.

EVIDENCE OFFICER PROCEDURES 

STORAGE:

1. Ensure proper packaging; refer to example board in the evidence processing areas.

2. Place one barcode on the item and the corresponding barcode on the property receipt.

3. Place the item in a location best suited to the size of the item.  See the evidence room guide.

4. Using the barcode reader, scan the location of the shelf and then scan the barcode affixed to the item.

5. Place the item in numerical order by case number.

DISPOSAL

1. Upon authorization or disposition of the case, see ‘General Disposition of Items.'

Revised 11/05/03