Food Preservation Techniques

Preservation of Evidence

• Tampons, sanitary towels, and similar items should be completely dried and stored in a cool, dry environment.
• Use a suitable bag for storage to prevent contamination or degradation.
• Stomach contents require screw cap containers, such as white plastic tubs, and must be refrigerated or frozen.
• Swabs should be placed in their original sterile swab tube and frozen immediately for preservation.
• Underwear should be stored in a suitable sized brown paper bag, sealed with adhesive tape; avoid using paper bags for wet items.
• Urine samples need to be collected in containers that contain a fluoride preservative and should be refrigerated or frozen.
• Chewing gum should be preserved in a plastic container for later analysis.
• Glass controls must be kept in sturdy cardboard boxes, sealed on all edges, and ideally placed inside a sealed polythene bag for added protection.
• Head hair must be preserved in a pre-folded paper packet, combined with a comb, and sealed in a polythene bag in a cool, dry environment.
• Liquid semen should be collected through scraping or swabbing methods and frozen as designated.
• Liver and lung samples need to be placed in screw cap containers and frozen or refrigerated, especially for drug analysis.
• Unpreserved urine, when required for drugs, should be collected in a plain universal sterile container and refrigerated or frozen.

Sealing and Labeling of Exhibits

• All exhibit containers must be sealed with tape across the opening edges and endorsed with the officer’s signature.
• Suspects should be invited to sign the sealing and labeling process as well.
• An exhibit label must include crucial details like the division number, date and time of collection, case title, exhibit registration number, and documentation of all individuals involved in the handling of the exhibit.

Registration of Police Exhibits

• The Divisional CID Sergeant is responsible for registering police exhibits accurately in the Divisional Exhibit Register.
• Records of all receipts, movements, and disposals of exhibits must be diligently maintained.
• A double copy receipt book must be kept, with a numbered receipt issued for every seized exhibit, detailing its condition and description.

Disposal of Exhibits

• Exhibits without a pending case may be disposed of according to judicial direction through applications arranged by the Divisional DS.
• After criminal proceedings, the Divisional DS must dispose of exhibits in accordance with court directions, requiring recommendations to be sent to the Prosecuting Officer.

Inspection and Audits

• Exhibit stores and documents are to be checked quarterly by the Divisional Chief Inspector and audited biannually by the Deputy Divisional Commander.

Abbreviations and Terminology

• Serious Crime Investigation encompasses cases such as attempted homicide, aggravated robbery, and significant injury or violence cases.
• Summary Reports are prepared by investigating officers outlining critical facts for prosecution, particularly for samples submitted for alcohol content or toxicological analysis.
• Fingerprint examination submissions must be documented formally to ensure thorough tracking of evidence handling.

Application and Directions for Exhibit Disposal

• All seizures must be presented to the court for disposal directions within five days and should include an application outlining the case facts and disposal suggestions.
• For impractical exhibit presentation, photographs and written information should be produced for the judge.
• Judges' directions for disputed property shall also be solicited via written applications with recommendations.

Test your knowledge on various food preservation methods, including drying and refrigeration techniques for items like sanitary towels and food containers. This quiz will help you understand how to store food items properly to ensure their longevity and safety.