2.
Explanation of Terms.
a. Evidence. This is anything that tends to aid in determining the truth
of a matter.
Evidence may also furnish proof of a fact.
Evidence may be
physical or testimonial. This lesson deals only with physical evidence.
b. Evidence Depository. This is a storage room or facility constructed in
accordance with AR 195-5. It is where items of evidence are secured.
c. Controlled Substance.
A drug, or other substance, listed in the
current schedules of Title 18, USC, Section 812, as "controlled."
General
categories included in this lesson are narcotics and derivatives of the
cannabis sativa plant.
Also included are amphetamines, barbiturates, and
d. Found Controlled Substance. This is a drug or substance as defined in
paragraph 2c above, but which is not of value as evidence. Such substances are
processed in accordance with AR 195-5; the purpose is to remove them from
public access.
e. Chain of Custody.
This is a chronological written record of those
persons who have had custody of the evidence.
The record begins with the
initial acquisition of evidence until its final disposition.
f. Primary Evidence Custodian.
As an additional duty, this person is
assigned responsibility for operation of an evidence depository.
g. Alternate Evidence Custodian.
As an additional duty, this person is
appointed to act as the primary custodian during temporary absences.
h. Evidence/Property Tag (DA Form 4002).
This form is attached to a
container or to a single item of evidence. It is a means of identification and
control.
i. Evidence/Property Custody Document.
This form is used to record the
acquisition, chain of custody, and disposition of evidence.
This form is
referred to throughout this lesson as "custody document." A completed DA Form
4137 is included at Figure 7-2.
j. Evidence Custody Document Files. This is the file folder maintained by
the evidence custodian. It contains physical evidence custody documents.
k. Evidence Custody Document Suspense Files. These files contain a copy
of custody documents for evidence currently on temporary release for courts-
martial. Such release could be, also, for evidence investigation under Article
32, UCMJ, or analysis at a USACIL. Too, when the original custody document is
sent to the SJA for approval of disposition, this action is noted in these
files.
l. Evidence Ledger.
This ledger is a bound record-type book (Federal
Stock Number: 7530-00-286-8363). It is maintained by the evidence custodian.
MP0100
7-2
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