As is dramatically portrayed on television by the CSI franchise (logo below), forensic investigators seek advice from a large group of experts (scientists) that examine crime scene evidence. Crime scene evidence collected is typically sealed in unique containers in order to prevent contamination or degradation. It is carefully catalogued in order to establish a documented “chain of custody” as the evidence is transported to a forensic laboratory and/or storage facility. For a piece of evidence to be admissible in court, it needs to be proven that someone was responsible for, and can testify to the security of the evidence from the time it was seized, until the time it is presented to the court.
This can be a challenge for those in law enforcement, who for decades have come up with various systems and processes in order to establish and maintain a tight “chain of custody.” The consequence of breaking that chain may result in the guilty going free, so this is serious stuff! These processes start at the crime scene where the evidence is collected, and move right on through the application of evidence “deposit”, “examination”, and ultimately “storage”; with the storage of evidence being the LARGEST part of the process. The timeframe between the actual crime and a court appearance of the evidence may take years! Subsequently, there is TONS of evidence that may rest in storage awaiting a court date!
The responsibility for storage of this evidence usually falls on the shoulders of Property and Evidence room supervisors of the various law enforcement agencies. These unsung heros manage the processes for storage of evidence. A recent posting on Evidence Storage and Room Planning offered up some “tips” directly from the lips of those in the “chain of custody” trade. Check it out if you wish to see how they go about their business!
Now, storage of evidence prior to a court date is the tip of the iceberg! In many court cases, evidence must be stored for extended periods of time (sometimes decades); just in case it needs to be revisited in appeals and/or other court proceedings. There can be literally “mountains” of evidence that requires storage! Another recent posting, provides some insight into the challenges surrounding these "Mountains of Evidence."
Your law enforcement professionals are looking out for your best interests; to learn for about their Property & Evidence practices visit the IAPE website for more information on the subject; And if you are in a Law Enforcement position of responsibility, and want to know more about Law Enforcement Storage and Evidence Storage and how you can get organized with your evidence.
Ronald F. Chisholm, P.E. - Spacesaver Storage Specialist
