Organic Versus Inorganic
Before we explore the more detailed differences between organic, and inorganic evidence, what is needed is the basic explanation between both. Organic evidence would include, however not limits to the following: most drugs, and toxic agents, or materials, of an organic nature, ignitable liquid agents, any and all biological fluids, such as blood, saliva, semen, vomit, sweat, breast milk, or water separated during the process of levidity, in death.
Inorganic materials, would include, however not limited to: items of metal, glass, bullets or projectiles from any firearms or weaponry, primer agents, paints, industrial oils, or compounds concrete, or mortars, and construction materials of any fabricated materials.
The first examinations that are preferable in any criminal investigations would be DNA of the organic materials. This examination would assist in establishing manner of death or crime, statistics about the characteristics of those involved, whether suspected perpetrator or victim, health aspects or wither persons, determination of whether medications or illicit drugs were in use.
In the case where a suspicious circumstance involving death has occurred, such evidence will determine, cause, time of death, position of the body, whether there was a physical altercation, with evidence, such as defensive wounds which would be evidence, by cuts, or bruising in the body. This evidence would be organic in nature, as pertains to the human body.
One of the most important aspects in the cases of suspected homicide is time of death. This evidence provides determination, as to when the suspected incident occurred, in relation to the circumstances. Timelines are extremely important in order to determine whereabouts of victims and suspects. Further examination of the area will assist to determine how many people were involved.
However in all cases, there is a specific and tightly adhered to standard of investigation, utilized chain of procedure in order to sustain evidence in a manner consistent with the majority of acknowledged means.
First before walking into the suspected area, make a detailed and wide observance of the area, where the suspected crime occurred. This will insure you establish a primary cognizance of the surroundings. Touch nothing without proper latex gloved and use covers for your shoes. In fact, if you are not part of a specialized evidence teams, notify them or to place/s in question, before further actions.
Certain circumstances will preclude that such as hearing noises, actions, or calls for help. Otherwise, stay out. If you smell gas, solvents, see a fire occurring, and sense someone is in the house, that would constitute another exceptional circumstance, as well.
As far as inorganic evidence such as the materials mentioned forehand, do not touch with bare hands, under any circumstances. Evidence such as fingerprints, human DNA, would be ruined, or greatly compromised.
Fingerprints are collected with special powders to extract them in a proficient manner. Black fingerprint powders are used on lightly colored or transparent surfaces, while white powders are used on faker ones. When discovered, it’s recommended that they be photographed immediately, several times per prints, and then extracted with a special adhesive that will lift off the print in a proficient manner, not to obscure this evidence.
These fingerprints should then be analyzed through a database, in order to determine if they belong to a known person, with a documented criminal History. Analysis would also determine the time the fingerprint occurred, to establish a timeline in accordance to detail this person’s whereabouts in relation to the suspected crime. There as specialized chemical and forensic examinations to establish such facts.
Inorganic materials will determine what was used, in regards to weaponry, especially firearms. Ballistics, used in the examination of bullets, will determine the size and caliber, of the bullets or projectiles, type of weapon used. If the weapon used, for example was a hunting rifle, or military weapon, that would also be determined.
If the crime involved explosives, examination for compounds, mixtures, and other materials, should be determined. In fact all the inorganic materials listed, have been used to construct explosive devices, including nails, and thumbtacks Paints, compounds and solvents of any manner contain combustible qualities.
There are collection procedure, and chemical analysis, that will determine, as to whether these were used, where suspicious acts of arson, or bombs were used in relation to criminal activities. Items should be collected in special bags, and immediately examined within a certain time period or the evidence will degrade. All evidence will degrade, according to their composition, organic more quickly, in most circumstances.
Intense and detailed chemical and spectrographic analysis is extremely necessary to insure quality of the all evidence collected, as long as taken in a highly careful manner. The prosecutor teams will be presented with all this evidence to determine, the manner of criminal activity, and to what degree, when presenting their case in a court. All these are vital to insure a fair conviction.
Mel J. Fleming II, Peace Officer Standards and Training Certified Rio Hondo College, Whittier, California, 1990
Organic Trace Evidence: Collection from Crime Scenes. http://voices.yahoo.com/organic-trace-evidence-collections-crime-scenes-78782.html
R. Saferstein: Introduction of Forensics for Criminalist:
Forensic Talk: A Forensics Weblog http://harfordmedlegal.typepad.com/forensics_talk/forensic-evidence-analysi.html University of Virginia Dept of Forensics