Metals

This section details how to properly locate, document, collect, label, package, store, and preserve metals during fire scene evidence collection and for subsequent use in testing or legal proceedings. Metals evidence can be in different forms, including melted beads, shavings, filings, and fragments. Metals are also part of components like wiring and may be involved as substrates in toolmarks and impressions. Key factors in determining which fire scene evidence collection procedure to use for metals include the form of the metal, whether it is part of a larger object, and the type of metal it is. Follow the procedures in this section to implement metals and fire scene evidence collection best practices. If you are unsure which metals fire scene evidence collection procedure to use or do not have sufficient experience to execute the procedure, consult your laboratory prior to collection.

 

Select a type of evidence to review its collection and packaging procedures.

Remember to also review the Checklists prior to collection and prior to releasing the scene.