investigator, or results of laboratory examination.
(See Figure 7-1 for an
example of an evidence ledger.)
5.
Maintenance of Evidence.
a. All changes in custody of evidence will be recorded in the "Change of
Custody" section of the custody document.
Each person is responsible for
preserving the integrity of the evidence while under his control. Each must do
so by maintaining the change of custody on the original document and any
copies.
b. Evidence may be removed from the depository only for permanent
disposition. Or it may be removed temporarily for a specific purpose.
c. The location of the evidence within the depository will be noted in
pencil on the bottom margin of the custody document.
Changes will be kept
current by erasure of the prior entry and notation of the new location.
d. The original copy of the custody document will accompany the evidence
when it is temporarily released. The most common reasons for such temporary
removal are:
(1) Transmittal to the USACIL for forensic examination.
(2) Presentation
at
court-martial
or
hearing
conducted
pursuant
to
Article 32, UCMJ.
e. When evidence is removed from the depository, the first copy of the
custody document will be placed in suspense. At least three suspense folders
will be maintained as follows:
(1) "USACIL" folder holds evidence on temporary release to Article 32
investigating officers, courts, or SJA officers. Such release may also be to
other persons for legal proceedings.
(2) "ADJUDICATION" folder holds evidence on temporary release to the
same people as noted in (1) above.
(3) "PENDING DISPOSITION APPROVAL" folder is maintained when original
copy is sent to the SJA for disposition approval.
f. Often a crime lab examination is needed. If so, the evidence custodian
will prepare a DA Form 3655 (Crime Lab Examination Request) in an original and
two copies. In rare cases, the crime lab request may be prepared by the agent
and sent directly.
This may be done without submission through an evidence
custodian. In such cases, the DA Form 3655 will contain instructions for the
lab to transfer the evidence to the proper evidence depository.
(1) Detailed instructions for completing DA Form 3655 will be found in
Appendix F of this subcourse.
7-5
MP0100
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