than actually collected. This would make the MP or agent, plus the evidence custodian, responsible for
property that was not collected.
k. Chain of Custody. This is the remaining portion of the front of DA Form 4137. Each entry
lists the item by number, the date it was seized, and the person from whom the property was originally
taken. A name is included whether or not the person signs for the item. A "N/A" is marked when the
property is from a crime scene or found.
(1) The Received By block should contain the signature and name of the SA or MP who
originally received the property. Only the original copy needs to be signed. However, the signature
should be legible on all copies through the carbons.
(2) The Purpose of Change of Custody block is for a brief statement describing why the
evidence changed hands. In Figure 203, there are five different reasons given as to why one person
released custody to another person. Make sure that there are no lapses in the chain of custody; nor any
unnecessary persons involved in the handling of evidence.
(3) The Chain of Custody section continues on the back of the form (see Figure 2-4). The
last entry in this section documents what action will be taken with the property. The last entry under the
PURPOSE column will indicate disposal action, return of item to owner, or transfer of the evidence to
another activity.
(4) This documenting procedure is followed each time the evidence changes possession.
When you review a Custody Document, check for continuity in change of custody and purpose for the
change.
l. Back of DA Form 4137. The rest of the form is to document the final disposal action and
authority. This section is usually completed by the evidence custodian for those Custody Documents
held by him.
(1) The SA or MP originally receiving the evidence may pencil in an expected disposal
action. This is helpful when the property owner's name does not appear elsewhere on the form.
However, that entry must be checked by the evidence custodian and then typed or inked in before he
requests disposal authority.
(2) Final Disposal Action is indicated in one of three ways.
o RELEASE -- If evidence is to be released, the item number(s) and owner or unit
name must appear on the first line.
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