Policy Text
CSI Page 1 of 2 4/04.0 (REV 7/77)
PHYSICAL EVIDENCE AT THE CRIME SCENE
The purpose of this procedure is to inform CSI officers of the methods for handling and
reporting physical evidence co llected at the crime scene.
I. General
A. When collecting evidence a t the crime scene, the CSI office r shall follow
correct procedures to ensure ev idence is being properly handl ed and
booked so that it will not los e its evidential value.
II. Photography and Measuring
A. Some crime scenes will require taking photographs and/or me asurements
prior to moving evidence. Afte r evaluation, the CSI officer w ill use his/her
discretion as to the method and manner of processing the scen e.
III. Handling of Evidence
A. When ready to gather evidence, p recaution should be taken to ensure that
evidence is properly handled. All CSI officers shall be famili ar with
recognized and accepted methods o f collecting, handling, marki ng,
preserving, and transporting physical evidence. Officers shall have a
working knowledge in areas of c ast preparation and collection of residual
prints, trace material collect ion, tool marks and broken metal s, paint and
glass, illegal drugs and chemic al material collection, and han dling of body
fluids and firearms. Firearms c ollected at homicide and suicid e scenes
shall be given a CII and NCI C check by CSI officers.
IV. Further Processing of Physical Evidence
A. Evidence collected shall be properly m arked or labeled. Info rmation on the
container shall include the ty pe of crime, victim’s name and a ddress, date,
officer name and badge number, and case number when available.
B. Evidence is deliver ed personally to either:
1. The Patrol Division property lockers for Property Warehouse
storage and safekeeping, or to be transported to the County C rime
Lab for scientific examination or testing; or
CSI Page 2 of 2 4/04.0 (REV 7/77)
2. The Identification Secti on for processing. If unable to be processed
immediately, evidence is stor ed in the ID Section property lo cker
along with a counter service r equest form stating the type of service
desired. C. Upon completion of processed ev idence, the results are noted on a
supplementary report and along wit h the property report, the e vidence is
placed in the Patrol Division property locker. D. When evidence is sent to the Crime Lab, prepare a Request fo r Physical
Evidence Examination form reques ting the type of examination t o be
conducted.