sure to inform them that your fingerprints are on it. Submit a set of your fingerprints for elimination.
Preservation of evidence includes preserving the security of the evidence. It also includes preserving its
chain of custody. Each person in the chain is responsible for the care, safekeeping, and preservation of the
evidence under his control. Persons in a chain of custody are identified on the DA Form 4137 (Evidence/Property
Custody Document), which is initiated when the evidence is acquired. This form, known as the custody
document, is a multipurpose form. It is a receipt for acquiring evidence. It is a record of the chain of custody of
evidence and authority for final disposition. And it cites the final disposition and/or witnessing of destruction of
the evidence.
Evidence is stored in a key-type field safe or other high security container for temporary storage of evidence
during other than normal duty hours. The evidence custodian is responsible for the evidence when you or other
competent authority involved in the investigation, like a trial counsel, are not using it.
Evidence that you obtain must be tagged before it is submitted to the evidence custodian. Tagging should
be done at the crime scene when the evidence is collected, at the place where it is received, or as soon as possible
thereafter. Attach DA Form 4002 (Evidence/ Property Tag) or its equivalent to each piece of evidence to identify
and control it. When pieces of evidence are grouped together, like tools in a tool box, and listed as one item on
DA Form 4137, only one tag is used. When heat seal bags are used, affix a self-adhering DA Form 4002 to the
bag.
RECOMMENDED METHODS FOR HANDLING SPECIFIC ITEMS OF EVIDENCE
ITEM
METHOD
Use your fingers on knurled grips. Do not touch smooth grips or smooth
metal parts. Use the tip of the grips. Do not touch the magazine base of
pistols. Place in a box, bracing the weapon at front and rear.
Paper money, documents, paper
Use tweezers. Do not place tweezers over any obvious smudge. Place
each item in a clean envelope or bag.
Broken glass
Use your fingers on the edges of larger pieces. Do not touch flat
surfaces. Use tweezers on pieces too small for your fingers. Do not
grasp over any obvious smudges. Wrap pieces individually in clean
tissue, and place in a box, and stabilize to prevent rubbing, shifting, or
breakage.
2-25
MP2002
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