Ever wondered how crime scenes actually get processed and evidence... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
823
•
10 Dec 2025
•
Processing of Evidence Explained - Unit 3 AC 1.3
learningaboutpeople
@learningaboutpeople2
1 / 3
Physical Evidence Collection and Processing
Physical evidence includes fingerprints, blood, hair, and fibres - basically anything you can physically touch at a crime scene. Thanks to Locard's exchange principle from the early 1900s, we know that material is always being transferred between people and places, which is brilliant news for investigators.
When police arrive at a scene, they establish a common path to prevent contamination from all the different professionals trampling about. SOCOs (Scene of Crime Officers) and CSI teams wear white suits for serious crimes or just gloves and masks for minor ones - they're not trying to leave their own DNA everywhere!
Different evidence needs different collection techniques. Patent fingerprints are visible (like bloody prints), plastic fingerprints leave permanent imprints, but latent prints are invisible and need special powders or chemical dyes to show up. For trace evidence like hairs and fibres, investigators either pick them up individually with tweezers (tedious but thorough) or use the lifting method with tape.
Top Tip: High intensity lights make hairs and fibres glow, making them much easier to spot during collection.
Evidence Transfer, Storage and Analysis
Everything must be labelled and documented when moved - this chain of custody tracking is absolutely vital for court proceedings. Fingerprints get lifted onto cards with specialist tape or photographed and uploaded to IDENT1, the UK's fingerprint database (only containing prints from people who've been through the criminal justice system).
Storage requirements vary massively depending on evidence type. Biological evidence like blood needs cold storage to keep enzymes alive for DNA extraction. Trace evidence gets stored separately to prevent cross-contamination, while hairs need dry environments to avoid mould and decay.
Analysis happens in forensic labs where scientists examine evidence under microscopes. For fingerprints, they look for loops, arches, and whorls - in the UK, they need a 10-point ridge match plus peer review before confirming a match. Fibres get analysed for whether they're natural, synthetic, or manufactured, which can link suspects to crime scenes.
Real Example: Roy Witten was caught for stabbing someone after his fingerprints were found on glass at the scene.
Testimonial Evidence Processing
Testimonial evidence covers anything written or spoken - witness statements, suspect interviews, victim accounts. This works alongside physical evidence to build the complete picture of what happened and when.
Police collect testimonial evidence using cognitive interviews with open-ended questions that help people remember details without leading them towards specific answers. Interviews happen at police stations, keeping witnesses and suspects separate so they can't influence each other's memories.
Everything gets tape recorded and written down, then transferred to the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) using encrypted systems. Recordings are transcribed (expensive but necessary), and witnesses must sign statements to verify they're genuine.
Admissibility is crucial - evidence gets rejected if it involves hearsay (repeating someone else's story), forced confessions (using threats or violence), or entrapment (tricking suspects into admissions). The Central Park Five case shows how dangerous false confessions can be when five teenagers were wrongly convicted after being interviewed for seven hours without parents present.
Remember: Vulnerable witnesses can give pre-recorded evidence instead of attending court, making the process less traumatic for them.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content in Criminology
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Processing of Evidence Explained - Unit 3 AC 1.3
learningaboutpeople
@learningaboutpeople2
Ever wondered how crime scenes actually get processed and evidence gets used in court? Understanding how physical and testimonial evidence moves from crime scene to courtroom is crucial for anyone studying criminology or forensic science.
Physical Evidence Collection and Processing
Physical evidence includes fingerprints, blood, hair, and fibres - basically anything you can physically touch at a crime scene. Thanks to Locard's exchange principle from the early 1900s, we know that material is always being transferred between people and places, which is brilliant news for investigators.
When police arrive at a scene, they establish a common path to prevent contamination from all the different professionals trampling about. SOCOs (Scene of Crime Officers) and CSI teams wear white suits for serious crimes or just gloves and masks for minor ones - they're not trying to leave their own DNA everywhere!
Different evidence needs different collection techniques. Patent fingerprints are visible (like bloody prints), plastic fingerprints leave permanent imprints, but latent prints are invisible and need special powders or chemical dyes to show up. For trace evidence like hairs and fibres, investigators either pick them up individually with tweezers (tedious but thorough) or use the lifting method with tape.
Top Tip: High intensity lights make hairs and fibres glow, making them much easier to spot during collection.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Evidence Transfer, Storage and Analysis
Everything must be labelled and documented when moved - this chain of custody tracking is absolutely vital for court proceedings. Fingerprints get lifted onto cards with specialist tape or photographed and uploaded to IDENT1, the UK's fingerprint database (only containing prints from people who've been through the criminal justice system).
Storage requirements vary massively depending on evidence type. Biological evidence like blood needs cold storage to keep enzymes alive for DNA extraction. Trace evidence gets stored separately to prevent cross-contamination, while hairs need dry environments to avoid mould and decay.
Analysis happens in forensic labs where scientists examine evidence under microscopes. For fingerprints, they look for loops, arches, and whorls - in the UK, they need a 10-point ridge match plus peer review before confirming a match. Fibres get analysed for whether they're natural, synthetic, or manufactured, which can link suspects to crime scenes.
Real Example: Roy Witten was caught for stabbing someone after his fingerprints were found on glass at the scene.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Testimonial Evidence Processing
Testimonial evidence covers anything written or spoken - witness statements, suspect interviews, victim accounts. This works alongside physical evidence to build the complete picture of what happened and when.
Police collect testimonial evidence using cognitive interviews with open-ended questions that help people remember details without leading them towards specific answers. Interviews happen at police stations, keeping witnesses and suspects separate so they can't influence each other's memories.
Everything gets tape recorded and written down, then transferred to the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) using encrypted systems. Recordings are transcribed (expensive but necessary), and witnesses must sign statements to verify they're genuine.
Admissibility is crucial - evidence gets rejected if it involves hearsay (repeating someone else's story), forced confessions (using threats or violence), or entrapment (tricking suspects into admissions). The Central Park Five case shows how dangerous false confessions can be when five teenagers were wrongly convicted after being interviewed for seven hours without parents present.
Remember: Vulnerable witnesses can give pre-recorded evidence instead of attending court, making the process less traumatic for them.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
8
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Similar content
Investigative Techniques Overview
Explore the essential investigative techniques in criminal investigations, including intelligence databases, forensic analysis, profiling methods, surveillance strategies, eyewitness testimony, and expert interviews. This summary provides insights into the strengths and limitations of each technique, highlighting their relevance in solving crimes and ensuring justice.
Criminology13
Criminal Justice Overview
Explore key concepts in criminal justice, including the trial process, roles of court personnel, types of offenses, and evidence handling. This comprehensive summary covers essential topics such as jury strengths and weaknesses, the role of the CPS, and the impact of media on trials. Ideal for students preparing for assessments in criminology. Achieved a B grade.
Criminology13
Unit 3 Coverall
How to answer each AC for the Unit 3 Controlled Assessment
Criminology12
Roles in Criminal Investigations
Explore the effectiveness of key personnel in criminal investigations, including forensic scientists, police officers, and the Crown Prosecution Service. This summary evaluates their strengths, weaknesses, and the impact of their roles on case outcomes. Ideal for students studying forensic science and criminal justice.
Criminology13
Evaluating Crime Scene Roles
Explore the effectiveness of key personnel in criminal investigations, including crime scene investigators, pathologists, police officers, and the Crown Prosecution Service. This summary highlights their roles, qualifications, and the impact of their work on justice outcomes, with real case examples illustrating successes and failures. Ideal for criminology students and those studying the criminal justice system.
Criminology13
Most popular content in Criminology
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user