You are reviewing a case where a
criminal investigator collected
evidence from a fire scene. He
gathered about a quart of ash and
soot debris from several rooms
surrounding the point of origin. He
stored the debris in a new, clean
paint can filled about three-
quarters full. Seeing several pieces
of timber, he believed may have
contained accelerant residue, he cut
them and placed them in airtight
plastic bags. A short time after the
fire, a suspect is arrested and
searched. A cigarette lighter was
found on the suspect and was
seized for evidence prior to
booking. What mistakes, if any,
were made? What would you
suggest should have occurred
differently?