French scientist Edmond Locard, was an early pioneer in forensic science. He believed that when two objects came into contact with the other, each of these objects would leave or transfer particles to the other. This became known as "Locard's Exchange Principle". Locard was also credited with setting up the worlds first modern crime laboratory in the beginning of the 20th century.

As an Evidence Technician (ET), I followed Locard's principle in every case I worked. I was responsible for the collection and preservation of evidence found at a crime scene. Other responsibilities included taking photographs of anything related to a crime. This could be as diverse as taking a photo of a cut finger to photographing a homicide or suicide.

The collection of physical evidence is one of the most important factors that an ET faces. The recovery of a piece of headlight from a hit and run auto accident, to that of developing a latent fingerprint found at a burglary or homicide, are just a couple of examples which show the importance of recovering and collecting evidence properly. This could mean the difference between a successful prosecution of a suspect or having the case thrown out of court. 

An ET must be responsible for insuring that all evidence collected is packaged properly. One of the cardinal rules of evidence collection/preservation is NEVER package and seal anything that is wet. There is nothing worse then collecting blood soaked clothing, and then putting that clothing in a plastic bag which does not breath (allow air inside) after being sealed. With no air, the blood on the clothing can deteriorate very quickly. If this happens, the evidence is now altered and may be useless at trial. 

The best way to package this type of evidence would be to place it in a paper bag for transport. Once at the station, the clothing can be removed and placed in a drying locker (locker with inside fan) or left out to air dry. After the clothing has dried, it can then be packaged back into the paper bag and sealed. The paper bag even sealed, allows air to flow in and out of the bag. Therefore, the clothing and blood would not deteriorate as it would in a plastic bag, and the evidence is preserved.

Since I worked nights, I can remember many times when I left the evidence office with the drying locker full and several clothes lines stretched out with blood soaked clothing hanging from them, waiting to be dried and packaged. I'm sure that the morning evidence office clerk was very happy with me during my time with the department. Think about it......how would YOU like to start your day like that! 

I could go on and on about the different cases that I was involved in as an ET. Even today, most of the cases still require some type of confidentiality. Let's just say that I LOVED being an ET. I provided a service to the community which not many people were aware of. When they did become aware of it, they were either glad I knew what I was doing or afraid of what I might find out!

Continue on to learn about my experience as a Computer Sketch Artist.