CASSETTE TAPES

Property-Evidence maintains tape recordings as evidence that may be useful in investigations.  See Policy E-8-1 for further.

When seizing tapes from a crime scene:

1. DO document the location of all recording devises that may have evidentiary significance and confiscate them as necessary.  If in doubt, take it.

2. DO safeguard the original recording by securing the ‘record-over’ tab on the tape.

3. DO confiscate any tapes that may have evidentiary value.   

IMPOUNDING OFFICER PROCEDURES

1. Package the cassette tape into a plastic case, if it does not already have one.

2. Put all the information directly on the tape’s cardboard insert.  DO NOT USE A PROPERTY TAG TO SEAL THE PLASTIC CASE.

3. Complete the property-evidence report.  Each tape must be listed as its own item.  Even if you have multiple tapes from one interview..

4. Place the cassette tape into evidence locker #61, if a single item.  Note the location on the property-evidence report.  (At East precinct, use a general storage locker.)

5. Place the yellow and green copy of the property-evidence report in the property-evidence basket in the Evidence Processing Room.

EVIDENCE OFFICER PROCEDURES

STORAGE

1. Ensure proper packaging; refer to the example board in the evidence processing areas.

2. Place one barcode on the item and the corresponding barcode on the property receipt.

3. Place the item in a location best suited to the size of the article, and area specified by the evidence room guide.

4. Using the barcode reader, scan the location of the shelf, and then scan the barcode affixed to the item.

5. Indicate in Que-Tel if tape is a recording of a "Buy."

6. Place item in numerical order by case number.

DISPOSAL:

Upon authorization or disposition of the case:

1. If the tape was not seized from a citizen, destroy it.

2. If tape is a recording of a "Buy," then we must maintain for 10 years.

3. If the tape was seized from a citizen, see ‘General Disposition of Items.' 

Revised 11/05/03