The Difference Between Preliminary Field and Laboratory Testing

[WLOs: 1, 2, 4] [CLOs: 2, 3, 4, 5]

Handling and processing evidence is an integral component of crime scene management because it lays the foundation for everything the court must consider when weighing the admissibility of evidence. For the most part, the courts prefer testing being carried out in a laboratory setting. However, there are exceptions, such as times when an initial examination also yields valuable information. In this assignment, you will differentiate between testing that might be done on-scene versus in the laboratory, identify testing that might be subject to preliminary testing, as well as compare the different results yielded by preliminary field versus laboratory testing. Support your assignment with examples from this week’s required material(s) and/or a minimum of three other scholarly or credible resources and properly cite any references.

Prior to beginning work on this assignment, please review the following:

You are also strongly encouraged to review the list of recommended resources, as they may assist you with this assignment.

In your paper, address the following:

• Identify what types of evidence might be subjected to preliminary or field testing.
• Describe at least two types of testing that might be done on scene.
• Differentiate between why some evidence can and should be subjected to preliminary testing on scene, while other types should not.
• Explain how the on-scene test compares to laboratory testing.
• Compare and contrast the results yielded by preliminary field versus laboratory testing.
• Compare and contrast the admissibility of on-scene versus laboratory testing at trial.

The Difference Between Preliminary Field and Laboratory Testing paper