Question

Often, several different labs need to share a very small amount of evidence. It is important that the chain of custody be maintained. If the chain of custody is broken, then the evidence may not be allowed in a court proceeding. Identify the error in the following case. After obtaining the evidence, the first lab technician removed the tape that contained the signatures of the crime scene evidence collector. On completion of her examination of the evidence, the lab technician put the evidence into a paper bindle, and inserted thee bindle into an evidence bag. The technician sealed the bag in the same place as the original crime-scene investigator. After carefully sealing the bag, the lab technician signed her name across the tape. She completed the chain-of-custody form on the outside of the evidence bag and brought the evidence to the next lab technician at the crime lab.

Answer 1

The errors in the case are;

1. Error; Removing the tape containing the signatures of the crime scene evidence collector, which removes the record/signature of the crime scene evidence collector in chain of custody

Correct; The original signature of the crime scene evidence collector should left on the package and the package should be opened at another location

2. Error; Placing the reseal back at the same location of the initial seal placed by the evidence collector

Correct; The package should be opened at a different area from the point in which it was sealed when it is received

3. Incorrect; Resealing the bag at the same point it was opened

Correct; On completion, the lab technician should place the evidence with the package, which was opened at a location different from its original opening, in a new package, which is then sealed and she should sign off on the evidence chain-of-custody log before bringing the evidence to the next lab technician at the lab

Step-by-step explanation:

Evidence collection process requires the documentation of the specific place or spot that the evidence was located, proper evidence packaging, and maintenance of a correct chain of custody

A complete and proper chain of custody

a) Ensure the number of persons who handle the evidence is limited

b) Verify tat the chain of custody documents lists all the names, dates and identification number

c) Ensure to collect signed or secured receipt when the evidence is being transferred