Wisconsin State
Crime Laboratory

Physical Evidence Handbook - 8th Edition

The Wisconsin Department of Justice, State Crime Laboratories released in June of 2009 the 8th edition of the Physical Evidence Handbook. This handbook is a significant revision to the last edition. Existing chapters have been updated and the following chapters added:

Chapter 3, Video and Audio Recordings
Chapter 4, Crime Scene Sketch
Chapter 5, DNA Evidence and Standards
Chapter 9, Footwear and Tire Examinations
Chapter 10, Footwear and Tire Impressions
Chapter 12, Major Case Prints
Chapter 13, Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)
Appendix B - Collection Kits

This handbook is offered in the belief that increased knowledge leads to understanding and that understanding leads to excellence. It was written to provide information regarding the Laboratory requirements surrounding collection and preservation of physical evidence. This handbook is not intended to be a comprehensive treatment of all the factors involved in a criminal investigation.

The staff of the State Crime Laboratories has revised and updated this 8th edition of the handbook in the hope that it will continue to be of value to our customers. Grateful acknowledgement is made to Laboratory staff members for their many contributions to the work.

A hardcopy version of this book is available through the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Document Sales. Visa® or MasterCard® orders may be placed at 1-800-DOC-SALE (362-7253).

Online Physical Evidence Handbook Please use the links below to access the different chapters of the Physical Evidence Handbook. Each chapter is a bookmarked PDF file for ease in finding topics and information. Table of Contents

Introduction 1 Evidence Integrity 2 Forensic Photography 3 Video and Audio Recordings 4 Crime Scene Sketch 5 DNA Evidence and Standards 6 Sexual Offenses 7 Bite Marks 8 Firearms and Ammunition 9 Footwear and Tire Examinations 10 Footwear and Tire Impressions 11 Latent Prints 12 Major Case Prints 13 Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) 14 Burglary 15 Building Materials 16 Glass 17 Tool Marks 18 Paints 19 Metals 20 Clothing and Fabrics 21 Hairs and Fibers 22 Woods and Sawdust 23 Fracture and Tear Matches 24 Vehicles 25 Autopsy 26 Identification of Unknown Deceased 27 Dental Identification of Human Remains 28 Toxicology 29 Poisoning 30 Controlled Substances 31 Arson 32 Explosives, Bombs and Fireworks 33 Questioned Documents Appendix A Bloodborne Pathogens Appendix B Collection Kits Index