Investigators package really small items like hair primarily by placing them into paper folds called bindles or druggist folds. These small packets are then sealed inside envelopes or small paper containers to ensure the evidence does not fall out or become contaminated during transport. Tweezers are typically used to carefully collect hair samples, which are often placed inside the paper bindle. Additionally, if the hair is attached to an item, the entire item may be submitted in a sealed paper bag without attempting to remove the hairs unless absolutely necessary to prevent loss. Key practices include:
- Using tweezers for collection.
- Placing hairs in paper folds (bindles).
- Sealing the bindle in an envelope or paper bag.
- Packaging items containing hairs in separate paper bags.
- Avoiding plastic bags to prevent contamination and degradation.
- Collecting control hair samples from suspects and victims for comparison.
This method preserves the hair evidence's integrity and facilitates laboratory analysis, including microscopic examination and potential DNA testing when follicles are present.
