EVIDENCE

If you have any questions or concerns about a particular packaging procedure, please contact an evidence officer.

PACKAGING AND STORING

Proper packaging and storage of evidence is essential.   The intent of packaging is to maintain the evidentiary value of the property while protecting department personnel from injury and illness.  If in doubt, and there is no  evidence officer available to assist you, consult the example board in the evidence processing area.

SUBMITTING ITEMS FOR CRIME LAB EXAMINATION 

Proper care must be taken to ensure that contamination, degradation, or  damage to the evidence does not occur.  Certain information must accompany exhibits to ensure that proper examinations are conducted and accurate records are maintained.  A completed Oregon State Police Forensic Services Request must accompany the submission of evidence that is to be transported to the State Crime Lab.

STORAGE

The procedure for practicing good storage habits is as important as the practice of good packaging.  Storing of items should take place in a location most suited to the size of the article and its packaging.  Items should be placed in the area specified in the evidence room guide.  Items then should be placed in chronological order by case number.  These practices are important to ensure an orderly evidence room and the ability of the  evidence officer to retrieve items in a reasonable time.

DISPOSING

This section includes procedures for the disposal of property.  The evidence officers are  responsible for the legal disposal of all department-held property or evidence.  Legal code sections and appropriate contact numbers are provided for  use by evidence officers.   As with any source, always check current editions of any cited references to confirm their relevance.

Revised 11/05/03