Crime scene investigators are called to all types of crime scenes and at all hours. Because they need certain tools and equipment to perform their duties, criminalists usually keep a well-stocked toolbox, which contains the items they most often need. The box may literally be a toolbox or tackle box, but can be anything that is easily carried to the scene. Here's what's in it:
Crime-scene tape to cordon off the area
A flashlight
Latex gloves and paper shoe covers
A magnifying glass and tweezers for collecting trace evidence
A pen, logbook, and sketchpad
Measuring tapes and rulers
Digital camera, as well as a camera with black and white and color film and several different lenses
An assortment of paper, plastic, and glass containers to store collected materials
Sealable evidence bags
Portable alternative light sources such as laser, ultraviolet, and infrared
Basic fingerprint kit with powders and lifting tape
Casting kit for three-dimensional shoe and tire impressions
Gunshot residue detection kit
Chemicals to locate occult bloodstains — such as Luminol
Serology kit for sampling blood and other biological fluids