Forensic Tools

Crash Course:
Forensic Tools

Per the National Institute of Justice

In the old days…

Travel sized post mortem analysis kit

Victorian toolkit

The old kit (Hans gross~1893)

Blotting paper, plaster of paris

Tape measurer, bar of soap

Old school forensics

A modern look:
First Responders

First responders (police)

Bindle paper,Biohazard
bags,Consent/search forms, Crime
scene barricade tape, First-aid kit,
Flares, Flashlight and extra
batteries, Markers (e.g, business
cards, chalk, spray paint),Notebook,
Paper bags,Personal protective
equipment -PPE(e.g., gloves,
booties, hair covering, overalls and
mask).

Crime scene
personnel
(the CSI’s)

Crime scene personnel (police officers, csi techs)

BBBindle paper, Biohazard bags, Camera (plus
memory cards, back up battery, remote flash, tripod and remote cord), Evidence seals/tape, Footwear casting materials, Graph paper and pencils, small ruler or straight edge, Latent print kit, Measuring devices, Multifunction utility tool, Notebook, Paper bags (various sizes), Permanent markers, PPE, Placards, Plastic resealable bags (various sizes), Scales for photography, Spray paint,Syringe/knife tube, Tweezers(disposable)

Collection kits

Evidence kits

Blood Collection:Coin
envelopes,Distilled
water,Evidence identifiers,
Latex gloves, Photographic
ruler (ABFO scales), Sterile
swabs, Test tubes/test tube
rack

Fingerprint Kit: Black and white
film, Brushes, Chemical enhancement
supplies, Cyanoacrylate (super
glue) wand/packets, Flashlight,
Forensic light source, Lift cards,
Lift tape, Measurement scales,
One-to-one camera,Powders.

Open Ended

Which tool/tools have use seen used most often on TV?

Open Ended

Which tool were you most surprised to see being used in Forensics?

Poll

What was your favorite tool from the "classic" kit?

• Plaster of Paris (for impressions)

• Bar of Soap (bite marks)

• Blotting Paper (drop evidence)

• Tape Measure (gotta measure stuff)