Evidence Submission Procedures for Implied Consent

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of maintaining proper chain-of-custody when mailing evidence?

To ensure the evidence is securely packaged

To prevent tampering with the evidence (correct)

To allow for evidence to be returned by courier

To keep a written record of the evidence (correct)

Which mailing service is recommended for sending evidence?

Only the U.S. Postal Service

Standard ground shipping options

Next-day delivery services exclusively

Any major mailing service, including UPS and Federal Express (correct)

What is not required for submitting DUI/DUID kits for implied consent cases?

Email notification

RFLE (correct)

Evidence description

DUI/DUID Submission Information Sheet

Why is registered mail suggested for sending evidence?

It allows the sender to maintain security and a written record Signup and view all the answers

What should be included if additional space is needed for pertinent facts?

A separate document with more information Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the return address when mailing evidence?

Street or route number Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the last copy of the request form when mailing evidence?

Retain it for personal records Signup and view all the answers

How should the jurisdiction of the offense be indicated?

By naming the specific location Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended way to package items of evidence?

In a sealed, initialed evidence container Signup and view all the answers

When hand carrying evidence to the laboratory, which of the following should be done?

The entire request form should accompany the evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is one requirement when using the U.S. Postal Service for mailing evidence?

Proper chain-of-custody must be maintained Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended before traveling to pick up evidence?

Call the laboratory Signup and view all the answers

What information must be included when submitting RFLEs via email or fax?

Description of evidence containers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following must be itemized when submitting evidence?

All evidence with descriptive data Signup and view all the answers

Who must sign the evidence mailing documentation?

Both the submitting and receiving officers Signup and view all the answers

What label must be affixed to potential biological evidence?

Biohazard Signup and view all the answers

What should not be used to seal evidence containers?

Staplers Signup and view all the answers

What is important to avoid when making subsequent evidence submissions under the same case number?

Duplicating item numbers Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of the RFLE (Request for Laboratory Examination)?

It helps track the chain of custody for evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the RFLE?

To communicate desired examinations and comparisons Signup and view all the answers

What must be included alongside the printed name of the individual submitting evidence?

Their signature and submission date Signup and view all the answers

What is required to have noted on biological evidence if applicable?

HIV (AIDS) warning Signup and view all the answers

When submitting evidence via email or facsimile, what specific detail must the RFLE describe?

The evidence containers Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence pickup is advised for large or fragile items?

Personal pick-up Signup and view all the answers

What should be included inside the mailing container but outside of the evidence container?

RFLE Signup and view all the answers

Which items are prohibited from being mailed as evidence?

Firearms and ammunition Signup and view all the answers

What should be indicated on the mailing container when sending evidence?

Attention: Evidence Receiving Signup and view all the answers

What information should be included on the submission form to facilitate communication?

E-mail address and cellular number Signup and view all the answers

What type of marker should be used to fill out the request form?

Ballpoint pen Signup and view all the answers

What should not be used to indicate the jurisdiction of the offense on the form?

FIPS code Signup and view all the answers

How should different items of evidence be numbered in the evidence container?

A unique item number for each item Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if an item of evidence needs to be resubmitted?

Reuse the original item number Signup and view all the answers

What must be done with magazines before submitting firearms?

Magazines must be removed and unloaded. Signup and view all the answers

When submitting cartridges or shotshells for comparison examinations, how should they be packaged?

In a separate rigid or padded container. Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended device to indicate a firearm is in a safe condition before submission?

A safety appliance like a chamber flag or zip-tie. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when submitting a revolver?

A zip-tie should be looped through two empty chambers. Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstance is it acceptable to leave cartridges in a magazine for submission?

When requesting DNA or Latent Print examinations. Signup and view all the answers

What should be ensured about a firearm's magazine during the submission process?

It must be unloaded if no fingerprint or DNA exams are requested. Signup and view all the answers

What is one exception that allows a firearm to remain loaded during submission?

If the firearm is damaged or rusted. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of submitting firearms and ammunition safely?

To ensure safety and preserve evidence integrity. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

DUI/DUID kits submitted for implied consent cases require only the DUI/DUID Submission Information Sheet, rather than an RFLE.

Mailing Evidence

When mailing evidence to the lab, detach and keep the last copy of the request form for records.
Send the original and remaining three copies to the lab.

Hand-Carrying Evidence

When hand-carrying evidence to the lab, bring all copies of the request form.

Lab Receipt

Upon receiving evidence, the examiner will sign the request form and return a copy to the submitting officer as a receipt.

Submitting RFLEs via Email/Fax

Include information on evidence containers in the email or fax cover sheet.
- Use a format like "Item #1 a plastic bag containing (describe the item) or Item #2 a paper bag containing (describe the item)."

General Submission Considerations

Clearly state the investigative reason for submission.
If potential biological evidence, stamp "Biohazard" in red or affix a biohazard warning sticker.
Include an HIV warning if applicable.
Do not mail wet biological evidence.
Do not mark directly on evidence unless specifically instructed to do so in discipline-specific sections of the Evidence Handling Guide.
Do not use staples to seal evidence containers, especially not with document evidence.

RFLE Key

Section 1: The investigating officer's name.
Section 2: Your agency's telephone number.
Section 14: The jurisdiction where the offense occurred.
Section 15: How the evidence should be returned. Arrange for pickup as soon as possible after receiving results due to limited storage space. Call the lab before picking up evidence.
Section 16: List and describe each item of evidence, including details like item number, name, make, model, color, size, serial number, preservation method, and packaging information. Use different item numbers for each item in a single case.
Section 17: The printed name of the person submitting evidence.
Section 18: Signature of the individual whose name is in Section 17 and the date of submission.

Evidence Mailing Instructions

Package evidence in a sealed, initialed evidence container.
Complete the RFLE.
Place the evidence container and RFLE in a larger envelope or box for mailing.
Use registered mail with return receipt to maintain chain of custody.
Use a street or route number in the return address for courier return.
Prohibited items include: firearms and ammunition, explosives, flammable liquids, petroleum distillates, and caustics.

Submission Reminders

Specify your agency's name and address where reports should be sent.
Place the RFLE inside the mailing container, but outside of the evidence container.
Address the mailing container to "Attention: Evidence Receiving" and include an agency phone number.
Provide the email address and cell phone number for the primary investigator.
Write legibly with a ballpoint pen.
Use the name of the jurisdiction, not FIPS code or ORI number.
Indicate the court date and type of court (e.g., District, Circuit).
Clearly describe the evidence container and items being submitted.
Use different item numbers for each item of evidence submitted under an FS Lab#.
Reuse item numbers for resubmissions.
Each item in the evidence container should have a corresponding item number on the RFLE.
Latent print cards must be properly packaged, sealed and protected.

Recommended Safety Procedures for Firearm Submissions

Magazine Removal

Remove all magazines from firearms.
Unload the magazine if DNA or Latent Fingerprint examinations are not being requested.
Package cartridges or shotshells in a separate rigid or padded container if submitting for comparison examination.
It is not necessary to submit cartridges or shotshells if only NIBIN and/or Function exams are requested.
It is acceptable to leave cartridges in a magazine packaged separately from the firearm if DNA or Latent Print examinations are being requested on the cartridges or the magazine.
If cartridges are being submitted for DNA or Latent Print exams, package them in a way that preserves the evidence.

Demonstrating Safe Condition

Place a safety appliance (chamber flag, safety block or zip-tie) into or through the action of the firearm.
Pistols: Remove the magazine and clear the chamber. Insert a chamber flag into the barrel through the open ejection port, then advance the slide forward to hold the flag in place. Alternatively, after removing the magazine and clearing the chamber, run a plastic zip-tie through the empty magazine well and out the ejection port.
Revolvers: After removing chambered cartridges, loop a plastic zip-tie through two empty chambers to prevent the cylinder from closing.
Exceptions include submissions when a firearm cannot be unloaded due to rust/damage or firearms that have been sealed in water for submission, or other exceptional conditions.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the proper procedures for submitting evidence in implied consent cases, including mailing, hand-carrying, and electronic submissions. Understand the required documentation and how to effectively communicate evidence details to the lab. Ideal for law enforcement officers and investigators.