How to Collect Hair & Fiber Evidence at a Crime Scene

The video begins by explaining that oblique lighting is used to search for hairs and fibers at a crime scene. It advises against using vacuum cleaners for collection as they can pick up old evidence, emphasizing the importance of focusing on recent evidence. Once located, hairs and fibers can be collected accordingly.

The first method demonstrated is the drug or pharmacy fold. This involves folding a piece of paper in three ways, with space for information about the evidence. The video shows how to carefully place the hair or fiber into the fold, photograph it with or without a scale, and then seal the folded paper to prevent the evidence from falling out.

The second collection method uses a sticky note. A clean package of sticky notes is recommended. After finding the hair or fiber with oblique lighting, the sticky part of the note is gently pressed onto the evidence to pick it up. Care must be taken not to smash the root of the hair. The sticky note with the evidence is then folded and placed inside a drug/pharmacy fold.

For both collection methods, after the evidence is secured, the drug/pharmacy fold should be labeled with information about where and how the evidence was collected. It is then sealed and can be placed inside a larger envelope for transport.