Clothing Collection Best Practices: More than Fashion in a Paper Bag

Clothing frequently serves as a critical source of forensic evidence, often retaining biological, trace, and pattern information. This presentation will review the forensic nurse’s role and responsibilities in the collection of clothing evidence. Participants will examine foundational principles for clothing collection, packaging, labeling, and documentation to support evidence integrity and admissibility. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining chain of custody and avoiding cross-contamination through proper handling and storage techniques. 2.0 Continuing Education Hours will be provided after successful completion of the course.

Objectives:

1. Identify best practice concepts in clothing collection as evidence.
2. Analyze clinical case studies for application of standards of forensic evidence collection.
3. Describe the steps involved in proper sealing, storage & chain of custody.
   
4. Discuss the use of photography and forensic documentation when clothing is collected as evidence.
5. Define the concept of “chain of custody".