first entry under the Released By column is the signature, name, and grade or title of the person from whom the
property was taken. If the person refuses or is unable to sign, enter his name on the form and write "Refused" or
"Unable to sign" in the signature block. If the evidence was found at the scene or if the owner cannot be
determined, write NA in the signature block.
Under Purpose of Change of Custody column write "Evidence." Or, if you are also the evidence custodian,
write "Received by Evidence Custodian." If the evidence you are listing is nonfungible evidence sealed in a
container, note this information in this block as "Sealed in a (state the type of container here)." And whenever
custody of sealed fungible evidence changes, note in this column "Sealed container received, contents not
inventoried." This may be abbreviated as "SCRCNI."
If and when any change of custody occurs, it is the responsibility of the person in control of the evidence at
that time to ensure that entries of the change are made on the original DA Form 4137 and all appropriate copies.
The importance of keeping accurate and complete custody documents cannot be overemphasized.
WRAPPING, PACKING, AND TRANSMITTING EVIDENCE TO THE LAB
When evidence is to be sent to the lab you must ensure its security and chain of custody are not violated. A
package wrapped for shipment to the laboratory should contain evidence from only one investigation. Each item
of evidence within the shipping container should be in its own separate package. Violation of this procedure can
result in contamination of evidence and problems in the chain of custody.
Complete DA Form 3655 (Crime Lab Examination Request) in an original and two copies. Instructions for
completing this form are outlined in Chapter 5 of AR 195-5. Keep one copy of the form in the investigative case
file. The original and the other copy of the form will go with the evidence to the laboratory. Your photographs
and sketches are often very useful to the lab examiners, particularly in violent crimes. Consider including copies
of them when you send evidence to the laboratory.
Pack each item in a way that will minimize friction and prevent it from shifting, breaking, leaking, or
contacting other evidence. Pack in cotton or soft paper, items that are particularly susceptible to being broken,
marred, or damaged.
Wrap each item of evidence separately. Label each item to correspond with its entry on DA Form 3655 and
pack it securely in a shipping box. Documentary evidence may be placed in an envelope. Seal the box or
envelope containing the evidence with packaging tape. Place your initials or signature across the sealed flap of
the envelope or across the paper tape used to seal the box. Cover your initials or signature with transparent tape.
Place the original and one copy of DA Form 3655 and the original of DA Form 4137, obtained from the
evidence custodian, in an envelope. Seal it, and
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MP2002
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