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ASTM E1492-05

(Practice)

Standard Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory

Standard Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Prior to being presented in court, a foundation must be established showing how evidence was collected, who collected the evidence, where it was collected, who has had custody of the evidence, how the evidence has been processed, and when changes of custody have occurred.
If the procedures outlined in this practice are followed, the chain of custody with respect to the evidence while it is in the custody of the forensic laboratory will be protected.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes procedures and techniques for protecting and documenting the integrity of physical evidence with respect to suitability for scientific testing, and admissibility as evidence in criminal or civil litigation.

General Information

Status
Historical
Publication Date
14-Jul-2005
ICS
07.140 - Forensic science
Technical Committee
E30 - Forensic Sciences
Drafting Committee
E30.11 - Interdisciplinary Forensic Science Standards
Current Stage
Ref Project

Relations

Replaces
ASTM E1492-92(1999) - Standard Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
Effective Date
15-Jul-2005
Replaced By
ASTM E1492-11 - Standard Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
Effective Date
01-Jun-2011
Referred By
ASTM E2997-16 - Standard Test Method for Analysis of Biodiesel Products by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Effective Date
15-Jul-2005
Referred By
ASTM E3085-17 - Standard Guide for Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Tape Examinations
Effective Date
15-Jul-2005
Referred By
ASTM E1610-18 - Standard Guide for Forensic Paint Analysis and Comparison
Effective Date
15-Jul-2005
Referred By
ASTM E1412-19 - Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace Concentration with Activated Charcoal
Effective Date
15-Jul-2005
Referred By
ASTM E2937-18 - Standard Guide for Using Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Paint Examinations
Effective Date
15-Jul-2005
Referred By
ASTM E2224-23a - Standard Guide for Forensic Analysis of Fibers by Infrared Spectroscopy
Effective Date
15-Jul-2005
Referred By
ASTM E2125-19 - Standard Practice for Microcrystal Testing in Forensic Analysis for Phencyclidine and Its Analogues
Effective Date
15-Jul-2005
Referred By
ASTM E1843-20 - Standard Guide for Sexual Violence Investigation, Examination, and Evidence Collection Protocol
Effective Date
15-Jul-2005
Referred By
ASTM E3294-22 - Standard Guide for Forensic Analysis of Geological Materials by Powder X-Ray Diffraction
Effective Date
15-Jul-2005
Referred By
ASTM E3234-20 - Standard Practice for Forensic Paint Analysis Training Program
Effective Date
15-Jul-2005
Referred By
ASTM E3296-22 - Standard Guide for Using Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography and Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in Forensic Polymer Examinations
Effective Date
15-Jul-2005
Referred By
ASTM E2327-15e1 - Standard Practice for Quality Assurance of Laboratories Performing Seized-Drug Analysis
Effective Date
15-Jul-2005
Referred By
ASTM E2451-21 - Standard Practice for Preserving Ignitable Liquids and Ignitable Liquid Residue Extracts from Fire Debris Samples
Effective Date
15-Jul-2005

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ASTM E1492-05 - Standard Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science LaboratoryASTM E1492-05 - Standard Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
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ASTM E1492-05 - Standard Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:E1492–05
Standard Practice for
Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence
1
in a Forensic Science Laboratory
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1492; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope numbering may adopt similar case numbers to those assigned
by field investigators, consistent with Practice E1459.
1.1 This practice describes procedures and techniques for
4.1.1.1 Record case numbers in a permanent laboratory
protecting and documenting the integrity of items of physical
record along with the following information: case number, date
evidence with respect to suitability for scientific testing, and
the case was opened, and the submitter of the evidence.
admissibility as evidence in criminal or civil litigation.
4.1.1.2 If delivered in person, identify the person delivering
2. Referenced Documents
the evidence and record that person’s name in the record of the
2
chain of custody.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1.1.3 Maintain a record of the chain of custody. Include in
E860 Practice for ExaminingAnd Preparing Items ThatAre
therecordatleastthefollowinginformation:casenumber,item
Or May Become Involved In Criminal or Civil Litigation
number, description, person submitting the evidence, person
E1459 Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related
receiving the evidence, and date the evidence was received.
Documentation
4.1.2 If requested, provide a signed evidence receipt to the
3. Significance and Use
submitter.
4.1.3 When a case number is assigned, create a case file
3.1 Prior to being presented in court, a foundation must be
identified by the case number.
established showing how evidence was collected, who col-
4.1.4 In addition to the case number, identify each item with
lected the evidence, where it was collected, who has had
a sequential item number.
custody of the evidence, how the evidence has been processed,
4.1.5 If evidence received is other than as stated on the
and when changes of custody have occurred.
container or accompanying documents, or if the condition of
3.2 If the procedures outlined in this practice are followed,
the evidence is not as stated on the accompanying documents
the chain of custody with respect to the evidence while it is in
or container document the discrepancy, and notify the client or
the custody of the forensic laboratory will be protected.
submitting agency as soon as possible.
4. Procedure
4.1.6 Retain any packaging material necessary to maintain
the chain of custody or which may be relevant to the integrity
4.1 Identifying the Evidence:
of the evidence.
4.1.1 When evidence from a particular incident is first
4.2 Documenting Test Procedures:
brought to the laboratory, assign it a unique numeric or
4.2.1 Each individual laboratory shall maintain a current
alphanumeric case number, and use that case number to
record identifying what evidence is in the laboratory for
identify the submitted evidence and all subsequent items of
analysis, its current status, and the date the evidence is
evidence submitted from the same incident or case. Laboratory
removed from the laboratory.
4.2.2 Whenever practical, retain in a case file all notes, test
1
data, and other documentation generated during the inspection
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic
Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.11 on Interdisciplin-
of the sample. Otherwise, keep summary information or
ary Forensic Science Standards.
photocopies of original notes in the case file and refer to the
Current edition approved July 15, 2005. Published August 2005. Originally
location of the original documentation.
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 1999 as E1492–92(99). DOI:
4.2.3 Retain copies of reports generated as the result of the
10.1520/E1492-05.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
examination or inspection of evidence in the case file.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
4.3 Documenting Alteration of Evidence:
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
4.3.1 Do not alter a piece of evidence any more than is
the ASTM website.
absolutely necessary to obtain a valid analysis.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E1492–05
4.3.1.1 It is recognized that there are some types of analyses 4.4 Storage:
which require the consumption or substantial alteration of
...

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1.1 This guide covers techniques and procedures for the use of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) in the forensic analysis of geological materials (to include soils, rocks, sediments, and materials derived from them such as concrete), to enable non-consumptive identification of solid crystalline materials present as single components or multi-component mixtures.  
1.2 This guide makes recommendations for the preparation of geological materials for powder XRD analysis with adaptations for samples of limited quantity, instrumental configuration to generate high-quality XRD data, identification of crystalline materials by comparison to published diffraction data, and forensic comparison of XRD patterns from two or more samples of geological materials to support criminal investigations.  
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4.1 A training program provides the theoretical foundation and practical skills necessary for a trainee to become a qualified forensic hair examiner.  
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5.1 This guide is designed to assist an examiner in the selection of appropriate sample preparation methods for the analysis, comparison, and identification of fibers using IR spectroscopy. IR spectroscopy can provide additional compositional information than is obtained using polarized light microscopy alone. The extent to which IR spectral comparison is conducted will vary with specific sample and case evaluations.  
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1.1 Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a valuable method of fiber polymer identification and comparison in forensic examinations. The use of IR microscopes, coupled with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, has greatly simplified the IR analysis of single fibers, thus making the technique feasible for routine use in the forensic laboratory. This guide provides basic recommendations and information about IR spectrometers and accessories, with an emphasis on sampling techniques specific to fiber examinations. The particular method(s) employed by each examiner or laboratory will depend upon available equipment, examiner training, sample suitability, and sample size.  
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 TLC is an inexpensive and simple technique that could be used to complement other analytical techniques within a general analytical scheme related to forensic fiber examination.  
5.2 Consider the forensic analysis of fiber colorants using TLC for single fiber comparisons only when the sample size is adequate (that is, enough colorant can be extracted for analysis) and it is not possible to discriminate between the fibers of interest using other techniques, such as comparison microscopy and MSP. Larger fibrous units (for example, thread or tuft) can be treated as an individual sample if determined to be homogeneous. Do not treat fibers that cannot be directly related to each other as a collective sample for the purposes of TLC.  
5.3 The extraction procedures carried out prior to TLC analysis can provide useful information about dye classification. TLC can provide qualitative information about dye components. Similar colors made up of different dye components can be differentiated using this technique. The application of TLC may serve to discriminate between fibers or it may support the possibility of fibers sharing a common source.  
5.4 TLC can be prohibitively difficult or undesirable in some circumstances. Short lengths of fibers or pale-colored fibers can lack adequate amounts of colorant necessary to be examined by TLC. Dye extraction from some fibers can be impossible (2, 3). Some fiber types do not truly extract, but change or lose color. Reactive dyes are covalently bonded to the fiber and typically cannot be removed by conventional extraction methods, but can be released from cotton and wool by disrupting the fiber by enzymatic or chemical digestion, respectively (1). The desire to preserve evidence from deleterious change or for possible analysis by another examiner can preclude removing the color or employing a destructive method for analysis.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide is intended as an overview of the Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) of fiber colorants (or individual dye components) present in dyed fibers. It is intended to be applied within the scope of a broader analytical scheme for the forensic analysis of fiber samples. TLC could provide information that cannot be obtained through other color analyses (such as microspectrophotometry (MSP)) (1).2  
1.2 This standard is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic casework (see Practice E3255).  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

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Standard Practice for Use of Color in the Visual Examination and Forensic Comparison of Soil Samples

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Color is an easily observable characteristic of soils and is integral to the taxonomic classifications of soils (6-8); factors including parent material, hydrology, vegetation, and extent of soil weathering, can affect soil color, making color a valuable diagnostic tool for forensic examination purposes.  
4.2 Soil color is sufficiently variable among soils to be used for differentiation of many soils in forensic examinations (9, 10) (see Section 6 for the test method for color determination and comparison criteria) as determined by visual characterization in the Munsell color system.  
4.3 Instrumental techniques are suitable for color determination of soil evidence but are not covered within this practice.  
4.4 Color determinations of soil samples are also used within soil provenance assessments to provide investigative leads or aid in searches. Interpretation of soil color for soil provenance is case-specific and beyond the scope of this practice, but the methods of color determination (6.5.1 to 6.5.2) and documentation (6.7) described here should be applied to soil color within soil provenance cases.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers visual color determination of soil/geologic material within the context of a forensic examination and is intended for use by laboratory personnel.  
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1.2 Units—Units in the Munsell color system are used throughout this document.  
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Standard Guide for Forensic Examination of Fabrics and Cordage

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The construction, composition, and color of textiles contain useful comparative characteristics for forensic examinations. Textiles are observed in a variety of constructions: woven, knit, nonwoven, or in combination. The range of colors in which textiles are offered in the marketplace is vast and constantly changing due to styles and seasons.  
5.2 A complete characterization of the fabrics, including their construction, and other materials used in the assemblage of a textile (for example, sewing thread) is a critical component of a comprehensive forensic fabric or cordage examination.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide is intended to assist individuals and laboratories that conduct examinations of fabrics and cordage for the purposes of analyzing and comparing types of fabric, cordage and damage. A complete characterization of the fabrics, including their construction and other materials used in the assemblage of a textile (for example, sewing thread), is a critical component of a comprehensive forensic fabric or cordage examination.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 This standard is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic case work  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

  • Guide
    6 pages
    English language
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  • Guide
    6 pages
    English language
    sale 15% off
ASTM
ASTM E3316-22(Guide)
Standard Guide for Forensic Examination of Hair by Microscopy

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 A microscopical hair examination is conducted to determine if the item is a hair; from a human; from a particular somatic region; characteristic of a broad geographically-assigned ancestral group; characteristic of a particular growth phase; damaged; symptomatic of disease, condition, or disorder; forcibly removed; chemically altered (for example, dyed or bleached); suitable for microscopical comparison; suitable for DNA analysis; and similar to or different from a known sample (4-9).  
4.2 Most often, hairs from the head and pubic regions of the body are used for microscopical comparisons. There is usually more interpersonal variability in the characteristics of head and pubic hairs than in the hairs from other somatic regions. Head hairs usually show more interpersonal variation than pubic hairs. Hairs from other somatic regions may also be compared, but these comparisons are usually limited and less frequently conducted. Accordingly, this guide primarily considers human head and pubic hair comparisons.  
4.3 Microscopical hair comparisons are not a means of individualization (10). This limitation is to be stated in any communication (for example, reports, testimony) when an association is reported.  
4.4 Additional analyses can be performed on hairs that have been chemically altered (for example, dyed hair) or have trace materials on the surface (for example, glitter). Such techniques are beyond the scope of this document.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers procedures used by forensic laboratory personnel in the forensic examination of hair by microscopy, including microscopical comparisons and classification of hair samples.  
1.2 This guide addresses instrument setup, hair collection, sample handling techniques, and the use of various microscopes in the examination and comparison of hair.  
1.3 This guide addresses the benefit of following microscopical examinations with DNA analysis.  
1.4 This standard is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic casework.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

  • Guide
    9 pages
    English language
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