What kind of evidence might a CSA need to package?

A Crime Scene Analyst (CSA) is responsible for collecting, preserving, and documenting evidence to ensure it can be accurately analyzed and presented in legal proceedings. Physical items collected from a crime scene, such as weapons, clothing, fingerprints, or other relevant objects, hold significant value in forensic investigations. These items can provide critical insights into the events that occurred during the crime and may assist in linking a suspect to the scene or corroborating witness statements.

Packaging physical evidence properly is essential to maintain its integrity and prevent contamination. Each type of physical item requires specific packaging methods to ensure it is secured and documented appropriately, preserving its condition for subsequent examination. This aligns with the CSA's expertise in handling evidence and understanding the protocols necessary for forensic analysis.

Other types of evidence, such as written witness statements, personal belongings, or officer’s activity logs, do play roles in an investigation and may be important for context or supporting documentation, but they do not require the delicate packaging techniques necessary for physical items collected directly from the crime scene. As such, they do not fall under the purview of what a CSA typically focuses on regarding physical evidence handling.