WIXLIB

Evidence PackagingGuidelinesMay 2009

Basics The primary purpose of theProperty/Evidence Control Section isto provide for the secure storage of allproperty which is in the custody of thepolice department until such time thatit is needed for analysis, court, orauthorized for final disposition.

Basics Standardized packaging of evidencewill enhance the likelihood thatproperty will be maintained in itsoriginal condition.

Basics Additional benefits include thereduction of potential for injury and amore efficient means of storing,identifying, and retrieving property.

Standard Materials The following is a list of standardizedpackaging materials:

Standard Materials “AA” Envelopep– 6” x 9” Manila Envelope– Used primarily for, but not limited to, storingsmall quantities of narcotics, jewelry, D/LAAA

Standard Materials “A”A Envelope– 9” x 12” Manila EnvelopeA

Standard Materials “Knife”Knife Box– 13 ¾” x 3 ¼” x 2 ¼” Corrugated Box– This box can be used for items other thanknives such as small tools (screwdrivers)

Standard Materials Handgun Box– 12 ½” x 6 ¼” x 2 ¼” Corrugated Box– This box is restricted in use to packaginghandguns only

Standard Materials Rifle Box– 51” x 7” x 3” Corrugated Box– This box is restricted in use to packaginglong arms only (i.e. rifles, shotguns, etc)

Standard Materials “C”C Box– 8” x 8” x 8” Brown Shipping Box– Note Bar Code Label placement

Standard Materials “D”D Box– 24” x 12” x 10” Brown Shipping Box– Note Bar Code Label Placement

Standard Materials “E”E Box– 12” x 12” x 12” Brown Shipping Box

Standard Materials “F”F Box– 24” x 10” x 6” Brown Shipping Box– Note Bar Code Label Placement

Standard Materials “G”G Box– 24” x 16” x 12” Brown Shipping Box

Standard Materials Large Paper Bag– Large Paper Bag– Note placement of Barcode label– Use for bedding and bulky clothing

Standard Materials Large Evidence Tube– For use with items such as machetes andshort swords– Note placement of Barcode label

Standard Materials Small evidence box– For use with items ammo and small tools– Note placement of Barcode label

Standard Materials Media Packaging– Standard plastic cases or paper sleevesdesigned specifically to protect CD andDVD’s

Standard Materials Sexual Assault Kits– Provided by area Hospitals and meet statelab requirements– Bar code labels to be affixed to back side

Standard Materials Tags– Cardboard tags with wire attachments

Standard Materials TwistTwist-tiesties or Cable-tiesCable ties (flex cuffs)– Used primarily to secure items withinboxes (knives, firearms, etc)

Standard Materials Plastic Tubes– To be secured in paper envelope andlabel affixed to envelope.– Used primarily for securing hypodermicneedles

General Guidelines Remember that above all, propertyshall always be packaged in such amanner as to provide the bestprotection for the item and tominimize risk of injury to the handler.

General Guidelines Property shall be packaged in thesmallest container that willaccommodate it without risk ofdamage to the property

General Guidelines Envelopes/Bagse opes/ ags sshalla notot be stustuffeded tothe extent that the packaging nolonger has the basic appearance of anenvelope/bag.– Example: a large item that creases theenvelope/bagl/b or significantlyi ifil shortenshthe height should be stored in a box ofappropriate size– Also consider weight factors – use a boxif the envelope will rip

General Guidelines Boxes must be properly closed so thatall sides are flat.– If they are unable to be closed properlyproperly,they will not stack nor fit properly on thestorageg shelves or bins.– Bar code labels must never be placed onthe top or bottom of the box but ratheron a side.

General Guidelines Three sizes of paper bags are availablefor use.– Theyy must not be over filled and must be able to have thetop folded over and sealed with the Bar code label affixedto the front of the bag.

General Guidelines Large or irregular shaped items, whichcannot be packaged in thestandardized envelopes, bags orboxes, shall be wrapped inbrown/gray packing paper and sealedwith evidence tape.

General Guidelines Items that do not requireqspecialppprotectionof the surface area and are to large for abox shall be tagged rather than wrapped– i.e. bongs, jugs, baseball bats, TV, CRT Screen,etc– Firearms turned in for destruction Blood Alcohol Kits and Sexual Assault Kitsshall be submitted without furtherpackaging.packaging

General Guidelines The next section is a series ofg“How to” guides

Packaging CDCD--RPlace thePlth CDCD-RR or DVDinside the cardboard staticprotected container.Seal the container and initialas usual affixing bar codelabel to the container signingand dating the label

Packaging Biohazards Needles & Syringes– Single needles, or small quantities, shallbe placed in a plastic tube prior to beingplaced in an appropriate sized envelope.– Large quantities shall be placed in anappropriatepp psized box– Must be ppackagedgseparatelypy from anyyother evidence

Packaging BiohazardsUse thUthe plasticl ti ttubeb fforneedles or syringesUse the “BIOHAZARD” tapeto seal the tube openingAfter sealing the tube it mustbe placed inside anenvelope or small box andthe barcode label affixed tothe exterior package

Packaging BiohazardsPlace thePlth sealedl d andd ttapeddplastic tube into anappropriate sized envelope(depending on quantity oftubes)Seal envelope and initial asusual affixing bar code labelto the envelopep signingg g anddating the label

Packaging Guns & Ammo Handguns / Rifles– Handguns are packaged in a HandgunBox– Rifles or Shotguns are packaged in a RifleBox– All Firearms should be secured to the boxbyy utilizingg a twist-tie or cable-tie

Packaging Guns & AmmoRemove thRthe source offammunition from any firearmto be placed into storage.Rounds will be left in themagazine while the roundchambered in the weaponwill be removedremoved. Themagazine and round will beplaced in a sealed packagesuch as a small white boxand then placed in the gunbox with the weapon.

Packaging Guns & AmmoEnsure thatEth t theth gun isiunloaded. Store automaticpistols with the slide lockedback to the rearrear.

Packaging Guns & AmmoSecure the revolver with plastic ties and place it in thebox. As with automatics, rounds will be removed fromre ol ers placed in a separate container and thenrevolvers,sealed in the same box as the gun.

Packaging Guns & AmmoUse ONE piece of tape to seal the seam of the box

Packaging Guns & AmmoPlace the Bar code label as demonstrated in the example over oneth endthed off ththe bboxRefer to previous slide for taping guidelinesWrite your initials across the tape as usual

Packaging Guns & AmmoUnloaded Rifles/Shotguns will be placed in Rifle boxes.

Packaging Guns & AmmoUse a cable-tie to keep the bolt open.

Packaging Guns & AmmoSeal the lip with tape, it is not necessary to seal ends of the box.Initial as usual.Place Bar code label over end of box as in handgun box example

Packaging Guns & AmmoAmmunition originating froma firearm is to be sealed in aseparate container and thenplaced in the same gun boxas the weapon. Do notremove rounds from themagazine. After packagingthe loaded magazine,gpplaceit in the gun box with theweapon.

Packaging Knives Knives– Knives are packaged in a “Knife” Box– All knives, or any other item that maycause injury if not secured properly,properlyshould be secured to the box by utilizinga twist-tie or cable-tie

Packaging KnivesKnivesKiththatt open shouldh ld bbestored in the closed positionand wired shutThe same applies toautomatic knives,knives or switchblades. They should bewired to stay in the closedpposition.

Packaging KnivesPoke two holes into the bottom of the “Knife” box or use existingholes.

Packaging KnivesPlace the knife into the box, and secure it to the box with wire or a twist-tie.

Packaging KnivesSeal both ends and the seam with evidence tape

Packaging KnivesAfter sealing ends carefully place bar code label over one end as inexampleWrite your initials across the tape as usual

Packaging KnivesWhy is it so important that you secure the knife to the box?If left unsecured, a bladecan easily slip under theflapsYou wouldn’twouldn t want to beresponsible for a handlerslicing their finger open,especiallypy not knowingg whatpossible biohazards couldbe present on the blade.

Packaging KnivesWhy is it so important that you secure the knife to the box?You can see whyYoh usingsing an enenvelopeelope to store kniknives,es or other items thatcould cause injury, is a bad idea.

Packaging KnivesWhy is it so important that you secure the knife to the box?E en these kniEvenkniveses cocouldld open uppdduringring handling and ccutt someonesomeone.

Packaging KnivesWhy is it so important that you secure the knife to the box?Please, use the “Knife” Box, and secure the knife to thebox.Failure to do so will result in refusal to accept your evidenceThe hands you protect may be your own!

Packaging Currency Money– Money should never be packaged withany other items–UU.S.S Currency shall be packaged separatefrom foreign currency– Counterfeit currency shall be packagedseparatepfrom legal-tendergcurrencyy

Packaging Currency Follow examplep of pplacingg the double labelson currency envelopes Remember to use the double count rule andboth officers must sign labelFront sideBack side

Packaging Narcotics Very important:– Narcotics should not be packaged withANY OTHER ITEMS Not with other types of narcotics Not with money Not with a cell phone Especially not with Paraphernalia– “Paraphernalia“Phli must beb packagedkd separately.”l ”

Packaging Narcotics Marijuana– Less than 30 grams Package all grams together in one packageper owner– More than 30 grams Package 30 grams separately per ownerRoach holders, pipes, butts and other paraphernalia will only be worked ifthey are the only evidence in the case. remember, “Paraphernalia must be packaged separately.”

Packaging Narcotics Narcotics Unless information is provided to the contrary, thechemist need only identify the amount of controlledsubstance that would bring the highest penaltyaccording to appropriate statutes. Once the highestpenalty class is obtained, no further analysis will bedone. (per ILSL) Syringes, spoons, crack pipes and other drugparaphernaliahli willill onlyl bbe analyzedld if theyh are thehonly evidence in the case remember, “Paraphernalia must be packaged separately.”

Packaging Narcotics CapsuCapsuleses aandd Pillss– 2 Pills or less Package 1-2 pills together in one package perowner– More than 3 Pills Package 1-21 2 pills together in one package perowner Package the remaining pills in anotherpackagek remember, “Paraphernalia must be packaged separately.”

Packaging Narcotics Multiple types of Narcotics– Each type of narcotic shall be packaged separately.– Sending samples to ISCL Each drug shall be individually bagged in Kapak envelope and sealed,then placed in a separate container for transportation to ISCL.Reminder all narcotics must beplaced inside a heat sealedpKapak Pouch and then placedinside the appropriatepaper/cardboard container remember, “Paraphernalia must be packaged separately.”

Packaging Narcotics Paraphernalia– Paraphernalia items shall be packagedseparately from narcotics– Different types of paraphernalia shouldbe wrapped separately to preventcontamination of other paraphernalia.pp remember, “Paraphernalia must be packaged separately.”

Packaging Narcotics The most important thing whenpackaging narcotics is to preventcross-contaminationcrosscontamination of the drug. ThisThi isi whyh ParaphernaliaPhli MUST NOTbe packaged with narcotics. remember, “Paraphernalia must be packaged separately.”