ASTM E3272-21

4.1?This guide describes good practices for the collection (5), packaging, and preservation (8.3) of soils in criminal forensic investigations. Some of the information in this guide is demonstrated in its companion video, which is available on-line and is intended as a complementary resource to this guide (6).

4.2?Individual agencies can use this guide to develop agency-specific procedures regarding the collection of soils for forensic applications.

1.1?This standard provides guidance to instruct crime scene professionals in good practices for the documentation, collection, and preservation of soil and other geological evidence for use in criminal investigations. Sampling for environmental geology is outside of its scope. It is designed as a resource for professionals whose job responsibilities include the collection and preservation of soil evidence and for forensic scientists to enable them to advise crime scene investigators.

1.2?The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.3?This standard cannot replace knowledge, skills, or abilities acquired through education, training, and experience (Practice E2917), and is to be used in conjunction with professional judgment by individuals with such discipline-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities.

1.4?This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5?This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.