Internal Fixtures.
Evidence rooms will be equipped with the following fixtures:
o
Containers for high value items.
These include narcotics and contraband,
weapons, and ammunition.
-
At least one container will be used for added security of high value
items. This includes currency, jewelry and watches, weapons, ammunition,
and significant quantities of narcotics and contraband evidence.
High
value items will not be stored in the same drawer or section of a
container as narcotic or contraband evidence.
-
Small amounts of narcotic or contraband evidence (such as marihuana
residue, marihuana cigarettes, or a pillbox of capsules) may be stored in
bins or on shelves with other evidence.
Significant quantities of
narcotic and contraband evidence and firearms and ammunition will always
be stored in secure containers.
-
A separate
container
for
each
category
of
sensitive
evidence
is
not
required.
-
The containers may be field safes, filing cabinets, lockers, or locally
made containers.
They must be able to be secured with at least one
approved locking device. All weapons and ammunition will be secured in an
approved Class 5 container.
-
Containers that weigh less than 300 pounds will be secured to the
structure to prevent unauthorized removal.
This may be done with an
approved chain secured to the container. The chain is then fastened to a
radiator, water pipe, an eyelet installed for this purpose, or other
similar object.
When several containers are used, they may be fastened
together. The containers and any chains attached to them will be secured
with approved locking devices.
o
Shelves and bins. The evidence room will be equipped with bins, cabinets, or
shelves as space permits.
This will allow neat and orderly arrangement of
evidence.
The use of adjustable shelves is recommended whenever possible.
Uniform sized envelopes are recommended when storing small items (controlled
substances) on shelves. They are arranged numerically by document number.
o
Work table. Whenever possible, evidence rooms should be large enough to hold
a table or desk. This is for the custodian to use while processing incoming
and outgoing evidence.
o
Refrigerator.
A refrigerator is not required to be a permanent fixture in
the evidence room. However, one will be readily available to be used in the
evidence room when perishable or unstable items must be stored.
When controlled substances used as training aids are stored in evidence
storage facilities, they will be secured in a separate Class 5, GSA approved,
1-39
MP2004
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