Crime Scene Considerations

The forensic examination of soils can contribute to the investigation of crime in many ways including identifying possible locations of interest or associating a person(s) or vehicle with the scene of an alleged crime. There has been a resurgence of interest in the forensic examination of soils and laboratory analysis can achieve high levels of information and discrimination. However, the latter will only be meaningful if the crime scene is properly processed paying attention to evidence recognition, recording, and recovery. For soils, sampling is especially important and requires critical thinking to define an appropriate sampling strategy. As soils form a part of a more complex ecosystem, soil experts may need to work as part of a team at the crime scene. To do so, soil scientists require a good understanding of crime scene practice and the potential contribution of other disciplines. They do not need to be crime scene experts and should be guided by crime scene examiners. Soil scientists need to meet relevant forensic standards at the scene to ensure the integrity and potential admissibility of their findings in court.