Evidence Management

9.1 Evidence Control

The forensic science laboratory must have a documented evidence control system. The control system is effectively designed when it ensures and documents the integrity of physical evidence.
A chain of custody record (eg. Signature, date, time, description of evidence) must be maintained which provides a comprehensive history of each evidence transfer, over which the laboratory has control. Each individual item of evidence must be marked with unique case designator for identification. Should the item not lend itself to marking, its proximal container must be marked. Labeling on caps/ lids alone is not acceptable because of the risk of wrongly replacing the lids during batch testing of similar samples.

The identification should be retained throughout the life of the item in the laboratory. The system shall be designed and operated to ensure that items cannot be confused physically or when referred to in records or other documents. Upon receipt of evidence, any abnormalities or departures from normal or specified conditions shall be recorded. When there is any doubt as to the suitability of an item for test or examination or when an item does not conform to the description provided or the test/examination is not specified in sufficient detail, the client shall be consulted for further instructions before proceeding with the case. Evidence must be stored under proper seal, specially designed and used for protecting so that its contents cannot readily escape or become contaminated and only if entering the container results in obvious damage/ alteration to the container or its seal. Tape used to seal containers must be initialed (or otherwise identified) to record the person sealing the evidence. Evidence must be protected from loss, cross transfer, contamination and/or deleterious change. When

destructive tests are necessary, procedures must ensure that as much material as possible is retained for re-analysis, if necessary. Procedures for sub-sampling must ensure that sample integrity is maintained. When items have to be stored under specified environmental conditions, these conditions shall be maintained, monitored and recorded. A secure area for overnight and/or long term storage of evidence must be available. Access to evidence storage areas must be restricted and its access should be limited to the personnel authorised by the Director.

9.2 Evidence Retention and Disposal

The laboratory must establish and document its policy and procedures for the retention and disposal of exhibits following the completion of examinations and/ or testing.