SPECIAL REPORT Proper Handling of Evidence SUMMARY
Evidence brought back to the office is under great scrutiny.
There are very few things in law enforcement more scrutinized than the proper handling of evidence. With so much potential for failure, the defense will dissect every procedure in hopes of creating doubt in the juror’s mind.
PROPER
n the age of precision, law enforcement is put under a powerful microscope to assure depart- ment protocol was properly carried out. From OJ Simpson to countless other trials where the han- dling of evidence played a role in an acquittal, it is imperative officers follow strict procedures. There must be a series of checks and balances in place to en- sure proper chain of custody. Ideally, this is a streamlined pro- cess where the intake and transfer of evidence is documented so well, there is little room for error. This starts at the scene.
I 36 LAW and ORDER I June 2015
HANDLING OF EVIDENCE
KEY PIECES OF EVIDENCE ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS THE WAY THEY WERE SEIZED.
By J L Sumpter
The rushing must stop when the investigation begins. Once the scene is deemed safe, the rushing stops. All focus is on cause and effect, and nothing is out of the question. While starting from the outside in, offi cers should concentrate on taking as many pictures as possible. If a body is lying in a fi eld, every angle leading to the victim is documented. In a house, all rooms are photographed before document-
ing the point of entry or victim. This is so simple but could have a major infl uence on the outcome as evidence may show up in photos not seen with the human eye at the scene. When getting closer to the focal point, and before seiz- ing evidence, all focus is on the victim. Before this oc- curs, who is assuring proper procedures are being met? In rural areas, a buddy system works great. They are the investigator’s eyes when focus is on the evidence.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68