security container.
Controlled substance training aids will not be secured in
containers containing evidence.
Evidence will not be stored in the Class 5
container used to secure controlled substance training aids. This provision is not
subject to waiver.
Temporary Evidence Facility Security
A temporary evidence facility may be needed according to the sizes, amounts, and
types of evidence collected. The physical location of the CID or MP element or the
time when the evidence is acquired must also be considered.
Safe or Filing Cabinet.
During nonduty hours, a safe or a secure filing cabinet
will be used for temporary storage of evidence pending release to the evidence
custodian.
Access to the safe or filing cabinet will be restricted to the duty
agent, MP duty investigator, or MP desk sergeant. A key-opened padlock should be
used in lieu of a combination padlock.
One key should be secured in a separate
envelope. The envelope is put in the safe that contains the combinations and extra
keys to padlocks to the evidence room.
If available, each person may keep a
container for this purpose.
There should be at least three temporary containers
depending on the volume of evidence handled.
Then duty personnel have an
individual container for use during weekends.
This will limit the change in
custody of evidence when duty personnel change during weekends and the evidence
custodian is not available. Temporary containers will be secured to the structure
or fastened together as previously described.
Containers Express.
A salvaged CONEX can be made into an acceptable temporary
evidence room. The CONEX must be weatherproofed. If openings are cut, steel mesh
must be welded to the internal walls. Two steel straps, at least 2-inches wide and
1/4-inch thick, will be up on the front side of the CONEX. They should be mounted
so that they completely span the width of the door. The straps will be hinged or
hung from eye bolts welded to the internal walls. The upper strap will be mounted
about 18 inches from the top of the door. The lower strap will be mounted the same
distance from the bottom.
The free end of the strap will be slotted to fit a
staple of heavy patterned steel. The straps will be secured with padlocks of the
type described previously. Whenever a CONEX is used as an evidence room, it will
be put near a 24-hour operational activity. This is to assure routine observation
by that activity's personnel.
Building or Enclosure.
A separate building or fenced enclosure may be used when
there are--
o
Unusually large items of physical evidence (such as motor vehicles).
o
Large amounts of recovered property that cannot be placed in the evidence
room.
A fenced enclosure will be used only when there is no suitable building.
Normally,
evidence
that
requires
a
fenced
enclosure
may
be
processed,
photographed, and after consulting with the SJA, released.
If an enclosure or
MP2004
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