Evidence packaging

Question 1

In the South Station Evidence Room there are specific locations to place the following

Answer 1

CD/DVD

Long Guns

Drugs

Items needing refrigeration

Question 2

Paper bags are available in three sizes:

Answer 2

Lunch Bag Size 11” x 6” x 3.5”

Grocery Bag Size 17” x 12” 6.75”

Leaf Bag Size 39” x 18” x 12”

Question 3

How to seal paper bags

Answer 3

WE DO NOT UTILIZE THE “RED INTEGRITY” TAPE FOR SEALING A BAG, IT HAS NO INHARENT STRENGTH.

USE CLEAR HEAVY DUTY PACKAGING TAPE TO SEAL BAGS. TOP OF BAG SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND TAPE WRAPPED 360 DEGREES AROUND FOLD SO AS TO CREATE A SEAL, ALLOWING NOTHING TO ENTER OR EXIT THE BAG.

NEVER OVERSTUFF CONTENTS INTO A PAPER BAG. THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BAG TEARING, CAUSING CONTENTS TO BE LOST OR CONTAMINATED

Question 4

Plastic bags are available in three sizes:

Answer 4

Small 6”x 10” x 2” (with peel & seal strip)

Medium 12” x 15” x 2” (with peel & seal strip)

Large 16” x 14” x 32”

Question 5

4”x2.5 Paper Envelopes are used for what?

Answer 5

Primarily used for individual spent shell casings

Question 6

Syringe tubes are available for what?

Answer 6

Syringe tubes are available for hypodermic needles taken as evidence only.

Question 7

Non evidence Dirty needles are placed where ?

Answer 7

If a hypodermic needle is taken and not needed for evidence, it shall be placed in the provided bulk “sharps” container located in South Station Bar Code Room.

Question 8

Other packaging materials used are ?

Answer 8

Tags with string for attachment
Sterile Specemin Container
Packaging Envelopes
Blood tube package

Question 9

Knife box size and what kind of knives?

Answer 9

Knife Box 18” x 3.5” x 3.5”
Any knife with an exposed blade

Question 10

Arson can

Answer 10

One gallon metal can primarily for arson debris evidence

It is possible that this may be used for hazardous materials, but it is not the preferred container for these types of samples.

Question 11

How to package handguns?

Answer 11

All handguns Semi-Auto and Revolvers will ultimately be packaged in gun box.

Question 12

Orange safety indicators indicate what?

Answer 12

That the gun is unloaded

Question 13

How should money be listed ?

Answer 13

Money should be accounted for by denomination

and listed as such in bar code system, with a final total shown

(Example: 25 - $1.00 bills, 15 - $5.00 bills, 6 - $10.00 bills, and so on)

Question 14

How should money be packaged?

Answer 14

Money should then be packaged in a plastic evidence bag.

All denominations can be packaged together

but

All money is to be packaged separately from anything else

Question 15

CD/DVD packaging

Answer 15

BARCODE sticker is to be placed on the FRONT LEFT CORNER as shown.

CD/DVD’s will be packed one per envelope. Incident number should be written on CD/DVD, preferably with a CD/DVD marker (alcohol free)

If possible, information as to what is on the disk should also be briefly documented.

Question 16

Bicycles coding?

Answer 16

BAR CODE LABEL IS TO BE PLACED ON TOP MOST BAR

It is important that a serial number and accurate description is acquired for each bicycle and information placed in bar code system to aid in accountability and return of property to owner

Question 17

How do you propery package a syringe

Answer 17

Place syringe in tube with needle in contact with protective foam pad insert

Question 18

How do you properly package a knife?

Answer 18

After knife is placed in box, all edges should be taped with clear packaging tape to secure same

Place bar code label on one end of box as shown (no other location)

Question 19

How do you properly package clothing?

Answer 19

Clothing once dry, be packaged in paper bags, to help prevent mold. Mold may form if any moisture is present and not allowed to evaporate.

Question 20

How many clothing items can be placed in a bag?

Answer 20

Only one item per bag – never combine articles as this may cause cross contamination

Question 21

How should wet clothing being packaged?

Answer 21

It may be placed in a paper bag, sealed, and then placed into an open toped plastic bag for transport to FIU where it will be PROPERLY AIR DRIED AND REPACKAGED when dry, into a new clean paper bag.

Consideration will be given to saving the original paper bag for trace evidence

Question 22

How is beddign properly packaged?

Answer 22

bedding will also be placed into paper bags when it is collected. (Such as at a scene of sexual assault)

Question 23

Computer collection

Answer 23

It is important and required that computers / hard drives, peripherals, are identified with model number and serial numbers and that this information be listed in the bar code system.

plae bar code in conspicuous location, such as on top of unit

Question 24

What should be collected with the computer/ electronics?

Answer 24

When collecting electronics, take power cords, “wall wart” power units and any cords attached as they may be unique to the uni

Question 25

Cell phone collection

Answer 25

Use caution when handling cell phones – preserve for DNA swabbing

Do not use or search phone data – this will be done by trained Detectives after acquiring any needed warrant or permission

Placed into plastic bag (Unless for some reason is wet)

Question 26

Marihuana plants packaging

Answer 26

should be de-potted, have the potting soil shaken from the roots, and placed in large paper bags. This will allow the plants to dry without turning moldy. (Lab will not accept moldy items for analysis)

Question 27

Drug packaging

Answer 27

Drugs are generally to be packaged in plastic as they are found along with their original packaging

Drugs are to be packaged separately from each other and separately from any other items

Question 28

Handgun packaging do’s

Answer 28

MINIMIZE YOUR HANDLING OF GUNS SO AS NOT TO EFFECT FINGERPRINT OR DNA EVIDENCE

GUNS SHOULD ALWAYS BE STORED UNLOADED

PATROL / DETECTIVES ARE NOT TO REMOVE ROUNDS FROM A MAGAZINE

(FIU DETECTIVES WILL DO THIS IN AN EFFORT TO SWAB FOR DNA)

Question 29

Those taking a gun in should record the following information

Answer 29

Make

Model

Serial Number (if uncertain which number is serial number ask FIU for assistance)

Caliber

Importer

Type (Semi-Auto, Revolver, Derringer )

Question 30

ammunition packaging

Answer 30

Package ammunition separately (not loosely in the box

Question 31

Long guns

Answer 31

NEVER PLACE BAR CODE ON METAL PORTION OF LONG GUN

OFTEN TIME THIS ENDS UP COVERING IMPORTANT IENGRAVED INFORMATION