Evidence Matters

By: Hilary Rodela, Lead Digital Content Writer for Taction USA

Evidence can add everything to a case. Though there are many other elements of investigation evidence can play one of the most important roles. Even the lack of evidence can be a solid lead in a case. Cold cases are often solved by the analysis of physical evidence. It is for this reason that evidence should be carefully and thoughtfully collected from the beginning.

A few rules of thumb to always remember:

-Collect more evidence than less. Use logic to determine what is relevant but the more collected the better.

-Document each piece of evidence well and properly. This includes taking at least three photos of each piece of evidence (farther out, closer, close up) if not more. 

-Package evidence properly. The evidence you found may be used in court quickly or may be stored indefinitely; either way use the proper packaging materials. 

-Maintain chain of custody and ensure each step is written down. 

-Do your best. Once a crime scene is released you do not have a second chance to process the scene. 

-Take good photos and write detailed reports. This way if the case grows cold, someone can pick it up and review it as if the incident occurred yesterday.