After reading this chapter you will be able to:

5.1 Discuss the three roles or functions of physical evidence in the criminal investigation process and define class characteristic and individual characteristic forensic evidence.
5.2 Identify the most important guidelines that should be followed in managing major crime scenes and collecting evidence from them.
5.3 Discuss the different types of DNA, where it can be found, and how it can be used in criminal investigations.
5.4 Discuss the applications of DNA, including CODIS, familial DNA searching, DNA phenotyping, Rapid DNA, and DNA sweeps.
5.5 Identify the biological evidence from which DNA can be obtained and discuss the methods of collecting this evidence.
5.6 Discuss other types of forensic evidence, including fingerprints, bite marks, shoeprints, firearms, and drugs.
5.7 Discuss the role of crime laboratories in criminal investigations and identify the forensic science speciality areas.