FBI Handbook of Crime Scene Forensics by Federal Bureau of Investigation Read Free Book Online Page A

importance to merit the dedication of federal resources to the state, local, or international case. These criteria shall be met with a written statement from the division head (Special Agent in Charge). FBI entities may submit cases directly.
    Follow the evidence submission directions, including Requesting Evidence Examinations and Packaging and Shipping Evidence .
Write-protect the original media. Never use the Pause operation when viewing original video recordings.
Submit original evidence (e.g., negatives, videotape, CD) whenever possible because it contains the greatest level of detail. If the original media is unavailable, submit first-generation photographic prints, videotapes, or digital files of the evidence, being careful not to introduce further compression.
Process all film prior to submitting. Bank surveillance film should be processed by the bank’s security company according to manufacturer specifications.
When requesting forensic examinations based on video images, queue the original videotape to the approximate time of the pertinent area. State in a communication the date and time of the pertinent area and use the date-time stamp on the images or the counter indicator (set from the beginning of the tape at 000). If prints from the relevant frames are available, submit them for reference.
Arrest or known photographs of suspect(s) for comparison with questioned images must depict the suspect(s) from many angles similar to the questioned images. If a facial comparison is requested, ensure that the face or head of the suspect(s) fills more than half the frame. If questioned images show tattoos or marks, include photographs of the same areas of the body on the known suspect(s).
When taking known photographs for comparison with questioned images, use 35 mm film or digital equivalent (at highest resolution settings to minimize image compression).
Do not mark or cut items submitted for comparison (e.g., clothing or firearms) where they are visible in the questioned images.
Physical items such as clothing and firearms must be submitted to the Laboratory for other examinations such as trace evidence, ballistic, or fingerprint analyses before they are submitted for image comparison.
If photogrammetry is requested, include the dimensions of the scene to the nearest eighth of an inch and include a diagram or print from the relevant images indicating the location of the measurements. Include one diagram or print for every angle used in the scene. Do not touch or move the surveillance cameras.
Submissions for comparison with the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Reference File must be limited to no more than 30 images. Call 703-985-1393 for specific instructions.
When submitting such evidence as a videotape or data card, label the outer container “FRAGILE, SENSITIVE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT” or “FRAGILE, SENSITIVE AUDIO/VIDEO MEDIA” and “KEEP AWAY FROM MAGNETS OR MAGNETIC FIELDS.”
Address the outer container as follows:
    FORENSIC PROGRAM
BUILDING 27958A
ENGINEERING RESEARCH FACILITY
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
QUANTICO VA 22135
    Ink Examinations
    Examining inked writing in conjunction with other techniques (e.g., handwriting analysis, watermark identification) can provide details regarding document preparation. The composition of writing inks varies with the type of writing instrument (e.g., ballpoint pen, fountain pen, porous-tip pen) and the date of the ink manufacture. In general, inks are composed of dyes in solvents and other materials that impart selected characteristics. Ink analysis usually is limited to comparisons of the organic dye components. When ink formulations are the same, it is not possible to determine whether the ink originated from the same source to the exclusion of others. Examinations cannot determine how long ink has been on a document.
    Questions concerning ink evidence should be directed to 703-632-8441. Follow the evidence submission directions, including Requesting Evidence