CLOTHING

******CAUTION******

AIDS has a short life span when exposed to air.  However, HEPATITIS can live for years in the open air.  Hepatitis contaminated evidence has been frozen and thawed years later.  The virus was shown to still be alive.

DO NOT TAKE CHANCES.  ALWAYS USE GLOVES AND WHEN POSSIBLE, FACE PROTECTION.

IMPOUNDING OFFICER PROCEDURES

1. Mark clothing with identifiers such as name or initials and date if needed. If wet, air dry prior to packaging (drying lockers are available at Headquarters and East Precinct. If folding is necessary, do not crease in areas that may need processing.

2. Place in large brown paper grocery bag. Package each article separately. Officer may wrap in paper first, if preserving trace evidence. Do not co-mingle victim/suspect clothing.

3. Seal bag with evidence tape and affix an evidence tag to front of package. If item contains bloodstains or body fluids, place biohazard label on both sides of bag.

4. If wet, air dry in secured Drying Locker. Do not use fan or heat. Do not reuse hangers. Do not co-mingle articles.  Hang packaging with the completed evidence sticker in the locker with the clothing item.  The Evidence Officer will complete the packaging process once the item has thoroughly dried.

5. If removal from body is necessary, do not cut through or destroy areas that may need processed, (blood or semen stains, gunshot residue, entrance/exit holes, bank dyes, paint fragments, garment labels, etc.)

6. If in doubt about collection of stains or trace evidence please consult with the Forensic Science Unit supervisor.

EVIDENCE OFFICER PROCEDURES

STORAGE:

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

2. After items containing body fluids have dried, the evidence officer shall further package the items and place them in storage.

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

4. Blood with a potential to be used for DNA testing should be refrigerated until analyzed.

5. Items with bloody fingerprints should not be refrigerated or frozen (this destroys the prints).  Contact a criminalist for assistance.

6. Items that contain body fluids may be stored at room temperature after drying, or, they may be stored in the freezer.

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

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

9. Place item in numerical order by case number.

DISPOSAL:

1. Upon disposition request authorization from investigating officer.

2. Upon expiration of Statute of Limitation, request authorization from investigating officer.

3. See General Disposition of Items.

Revised 11/05/03