Evidence Handling Procedures

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Questions and Answers

Which items are considered for safekeeping based on their estimated value?

Items with a serial number above $50.00

Items of distinguishable identifying characteristics

Items with an estimated value less than $50.00 (correct)

Items voluntarily turned in with any monetary value

What should be done with recovered money specifically set aside for safekeeping?

It must be transferred to the supervisor immediately

It can be deposited unless it is recovered drug-buy money (correct)

It must always be photographed before deposit

It should be assessed for silver content before deposit

How long will safekeeping property be held by the Property and Evidence Unit?

60 days

90 days

40 days (correct)

30 days

What type of currency does not require photographing when held for safekeeping?

Monies held exclusively for safekeeping Signup and view all the answers

What must officers do if they choose not to recover an item for safekeeping?

Document the action taken in their Daily Activity Log Signup and view all the answers

Which circumstances allow for discretion when recovering property for safekeeping?

The existence of a supervisor's approval Signup and view all the answers

What classification field is designated for items of evidentiary value in the report writing system?

Evidence Signup and view all the answers

What should be marked in the report writing system for property recovered for safekeeping?

A classification field specifically labeled 'Safekeeping' Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following items is NOT explicitly mentioned to be packaged separately from safekeeping items?

Controlled substances Signup and view all the answers

When evaluating multiple items for safekeeping, how should they be considered?

As individual items for separate value estimation Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition will currency or coins be held as evidence at the Property and Evidence Section?

If they contain special markings or characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following requires members to adhere to a specific directive when handling it?

Electronic Data Storage Devices Signup and view all the answers

Which type of item is specifically mentioned to contain items that have potential for decomposition?

Narcotics Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with all U.S. currency or coins regarding their total amount?

The amount for each denomination should be recorded separately. Signup and view all the answers

What must be done with items like liquids and batteries in terms of packaging?

They should be packaged separately. Signup and view all the answers

Who should be contacted for assistance regarding electronic data storage devices?

The Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory Signup and view all the answers

What must occur before items of evidence can be released from the scene of an incident?

Approval from the lead investigating detective Signup and view all the answers

What is the procedure regarding photographing items before their release at a crime scene?

Arresting officers must be present for the photograph to be valid Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for large or significant value items to be released from the incident scene?

Photograph of the item and known ownership Signup and view all the answers

What should be noted in the report if perishable property is released?

The reason for release due to perishability Signup and view all the answers

Who will be contacted if a claimant refuses to take custody of perishable property?

The officer's supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What happens to items if the owner or responsible agent is not known at the time of incident?

They are transferred to the Property and Evidence Unit Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the appearance of the member who photographed the evidence in court?

They will only appear if subpoenaed as a witness Signup and view all the answers

What must happen if the officer cannot determine the ownership of perishable property?

The property must be transferred to the Property and Evidence Unit Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct way to secure a firearm when packaging it for recovery?

Only one strip of tape on the top and bottom of the box with zip ties Signup and view all the answers

How should ammunition inside a handgun be packaged?

In a small sealed envelope secured inside the gun box Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of barcodes that can be affixed to a handgun box?

Two Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if problems with unloading a firearm are encountered?

Transport the loaded firearm to the Kansas City Police Crime Lab Signup and view all the answers

Where should the name, serial number, CRN, and date be written when securing a firearm?

Across the seals on both the top and bottom of the box Signup and view all the answers

How should spent shell casings be packaged?

Separate from firearms in their own packaging Signup and view all the answers

How should a firearm be recorded in the reporting system?

As one item including the ammunition within the magazine Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken with ammunition that did not come from the magazine or firearm?

Place it in a sealed envelope and package it separately Signup and view all the answers

What determines whether possession of stolen property valued between $150 and $750 is charged as a state misdemeanor or a city charge?

The county's prosecutor's decision. Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstance can recovered stolen property be released instead of being retained as evidence?

The claimant agrees to take the property back. Signup and view all the answers

What is required of the business representative who is acting as an agent for the complainant in a theft case?

To photograph the stolen items and bring them to court. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum retail value for possession of stolen property that allows for charges to be filed in a state court?

$750 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following items can be handled differently than others when recovered as evidence?

Perishable items. Signup and view all the answers

Which condition does NOT apply to the recovery of stolen property as evidence?

The property is determined to be non-perishable. Signup and view all the answers

What information should a sworn member document in the Incident Report regarding stolen property?

Whether photos of the items were taken and who has custody of them. Signup and view all the answers

What potential issue might prevent the transport of recovered stolen property to storage?

The officer does not have approval from a supervisor. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Evidence Classification and Packaging

Items of evidentiary value marked with "Evidence" in report writing system.
Controlled substances examined only upon request by the Kansas City Police Crime Lab.
Evidence and safekeeping items packaged separately to maintain integrity.
Specific items requiring separate packaging include:
- U.S. Currency/Coins: Document total amount for each denomination.
- Narcotics and paraphernalia.
- Items prone to decomposition, precious metals, firearms, and electronic data storage.

Currency Handling

Currency with evidentiary value typically deposited unless it has special markings aiding prosecution.
Special considerations for safekeeping items include items valued under $50 or lacking identifiable features.
Officers evaluate property worth with discretion; multiple items considered separately.
Recovered drug-buy money and high-value currency held for safekeeping, no photography needed for deposit.

Safekeeping and Property Regulations

Items marked with "Safekeeping" classification held for 40 days.
Property and Evidence Unit contacts known owners for scheduled release.
Guidelines on stolen property include:
- Value of $750 or more leads to state charges; less than $750 leads to city court.
- Large and/or perishable items may not be recovered as evidence without supervisor approval.
Shoplifting items can remain with the business representative for municipal court evidence.

Evidence Release Protocol

Evidence not released from incident scene without approval from lead investigative detective.
Photograph taken prior to any property release, with officers present for testimony validation.
Large, perishable items can be released to known claimants, noted in reports if perishable.
Property transferred to Property and Evidence Unit if claimant is unknown or refuses.

Firearms Packaging

All recovered firearms must be unloaded; secured with zip ties and taped at top and bottom.
A magazine and its ammunition packed in separate envelope and recorded as one item in the reporting system.
Ammunition not from the magazine must be packaged separately, along with spent shell casings.
Maximum of two barcodes on firearm box, placed on the bottom; transport loaded firearms to Crime Lab if unloading is problematic.

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Description

This quiz covers the procedures for evidentiary value items in report writing and the classification of controlled substances by the Kansas City Police Crime Lab. Learn about the recovery, packaging, and labeling of evidence, as well as the separate handling requirements for various items. Understand the importance of proper evidence management in crime investigations.