Unit 4 Lesson 4 Chain of Custody for Evidence PDF

Unit 4 Investigating Crimes Lesson 4 Chain of Custody for Evidence Lesson Goal You will be able to establish and maintain the proper chain of custody for evidence. Think About This An officer finds a sharp object on the floor with blood on it, and they pick it up without using gloves and throw...

Unit 4 Investigating Crimes Lesson 4 Chain of Custody for Evidence Lesson Goal You will be able to establish and maintain the proper chain of custody for evidence. Think About This An officer finds a sharp object on the floor with blood on it, and they pick it up without using gloves and throw it away. How should the officer have handled the evidence? Inmates may try to destroy evidence. To aid future investigations, use caution and tact while secur- ing the scene. Each agency may determine the methods and materials to use for proper evidence gathering. Evidence at a crime scene is any item or fact that may clear a person of guilt or may be considered proof that a crime has been committed, such as clothing, sheets, body fluids, or any other item that could be related to or affected by the crime. ✅ CO844.1. Know how to identify and collect evidence for a crime scene Use the techniques determined by your agency to collect and preserve evidence, and be careful not to contaminate the evidence or the crime scene. This involves properly bagging items, taking pictures or videos according to instructions, and initiating proper chain of custody procedures. ✅ CO844.2. Know how to apply proper techniques for handling evidence To handle evidence properly: Use PPE, which must be put on outside of the crime scene. Correctly document and secure the item through appropriate chain of custody. Correctly identify the type of bag or container to use for the type of evidence being gathered. ✅ CO844.3. Know the necessary information for establishing chain of custody Chain of custody is documentation of how evidence is handled and preserved to ensure the integ- rity of the evidence. The chain of custody also proves that any evidence submitted in court or at a disciplinary hearing is the same evidence that was collected at the crime scene. Information necessary to establish a chain of custody may include what the evidence consisted of, who handled the evidence, where the evidence was found, when the evidence was discovered, and how it was handled, transferred, and preserved. Chapter 8 Responding to Incidents and Emergencies / 289 ✅ CO844.4. Know the main components of chain of custody procedures and how to use them Your agency may require a detailed account of the chain of custody for evidence in an investiga- tion or incident. This involves tracking and verifying evidence as it is handled using charts, logs, and electronic databases. Some agencies may require that information involved in chain of custody procedures remains confidential. ✅ CO844.5. Know the safeguards to maintain the chain of custody Following the agency’s chain of custody policy or procedure is vital for evidence preservation, as it may be years before evidence is examined. Established safeguards include following specific proto- cols for handling and storing evidence. Designated personnel will be in charge of evidence storage areas, and specific protocol must be followed for accessing the areas where evidence is stored. Interagency collaboration may involve addressing different procedures for chain of custody proto- col to transfer evidence. This activity should be directed by a corrections supervisor. Do not clean up a suspected crime scene, or an area where a disruption may have occurred, until it is ruled out as a crime scene. The lead investigator dictates all action within it and will release the crime scene. 290 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (CO): Volume 1