Master the Art of Evidence Handling and Fentanyl Precautions with this Quiz

Procedures for Handling Evidence and Suspected Fentanyl

• The Property and Evidence Section will request a court order for destruction of evidence, but representative samples of fresh cannabis plants should be submitted before destruction.
• Protective equipment, such as a facemask, must be worn when processing cannabis that is being dried.
• If an item has no evidentiary value, it should be marked for destruction on the property receipt and bag. If there is any question about its value, it should not be marked for destruction.
• All evidence must be marked with the initials of the officer taking custody and the date of seizure.
• Evidence that requires special handling, such as wet or bloody clothing, should be turned over to a Crime Scene Investigator for proper handling and packaging.
• When submitting evidence from multiple defendants, each defendant and their corresponding evidence items should be identified on the property receipt to avoid constructive possession.
• Extreme care must be taken when handling firearms to prevent accidental firing or obliteration of evidence. Loaded weapons should not be entered into evidence.
• Law enforcement personnel must take necessary precautions when handling any substance suspected of containing Fentanyl or its derivatives, especially during field testing.
• Fentanyl field testing should only be conducted by two people, with one being a Uniformed Crime Scene Investigator and the other available in case of accidental exposure.
• Fentanyl field testing should be conducted in an open, well-ventilated area with suitable personal protective equipment, such as gloves, dust masks, eye protection, and coveralls.
• Unknown or suspicious substances should be reported to 9-1-1 Communications, and the St. Lucie Fire District should be contacted for joint unified command responsibilities and screening the material for potential threats.
• Exculpatory evidence must be documented and forwarded to the State Attorney's Office. Prescription medication should only be collected for safekeeping if there are no alternative means, and its description must be documented in detail in OSSI. It should be returned to the owner after verification and documentation, photo identification, and signing a hold harmless agreement.