Packaging Evidence

Packaging evidence correctly is crucial for limiting liability to the agency, reducing errors from occurring, and reducing costs for accidents that might happen. All evidence must be adequately sealed to prevent the error from happening and must contain the agency case number, item number, crime classification, date, and a brief description of the materials collected.

February 06, 2017 | 5 minutes read

What to do with Seized Evidence

The case is closed, and the suspect is convicted. With no need to store seized evidence, what should law enforcement do with it? Is destruction always required?

January 16, 2017 | 9 minutes read

Electronics & Jewelry Evidence Handling, Packaging, and Storing Standards

Handling electronics and jewelry as evidence requires specialized packaging, storage, and documentation. Special considerations include preventing tampering, ensuring secure storage, and avoiding damage during handling.

January 02, 2017 | 4 minutes read

Evidence Room | Packaging Manual

A packaging manual is crucial for any agency’s evidence room, setting standards for handling and maintaining evidence. Addressing these issues promptly ensures your agency meets the expected standards for maintaining evidence integrity.

December 19, 2016 | 7 minutes read

Evidence Room | Procedures Manual

Outline procedures in public safety to define activities clearly. Use software to automate tasks and streamline evidence management. Define roles, processing, destruction, and reporting standards to ensure proper handling of evidence and property.

January 18, 2016 | 14 minutes read

Financial Evidence Packaging | Evidence Management

Handling counterfeit currency, checks, bonds, deposit certificates, stock statements, and investment funds evidence properly is the first step in catching fraud criminals.

January 04, 2016 | 5 minutes read

How to collect physical evidence in inclement weather

We do not get to pick our crime scenes. Instead, our crime scenes select us through random chance and whatever crazy schedule we might be working. Crime Scene Investigators must play with the hand we were dealt with by the suspect(s) and random chance. Crime scenes are presented to us in the extreme cold, extreme […]

July 27, 2015 | 3 minutes read

Packaging and labeling evidence

Adherence to the proper handling, packaging and labeling of evidence will not only reduce the inherent cost to correct any errors, it will mitigate potential liability to the agency.

April 06, 2015 | 5 minutes read

Packaging and submitting physical evidence

Let’s discuss physical evidence for a few minutes. I’m talking about the actual process by which an item or items comes into the evidence room. Your agency, no doubt, already has its own policies and procedures that cover it, but maybe we can stimulate conversation and, perhaps, give you some pointers that may help. First […]

February 16, 2015 | 2 minutes read

How to handle found property in the evidence room

Found property, though not always linked to a crime, must be handled like evidence. Retain detailed records, check serial numbers with NCIC, and ensure proper packaging. Consider publishing a list to help return items to owners.

February 09, 2015 | 2 minutes read

How to handle biohazards, blood, and urine samples in the evidence room

Unfortunately, police officers and evidence custodians have to handle biohazard materials such as blood and urine from time to time, in and outside the evidence room. Following strict rules and procedures when handling such materials not only will protect your health, it will also protect other personnel handling the same items multiple times, as this […]

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