Handbook on Biological Evidence Preservation

Contributors:

• Technical Working Group on Biological Evidence Preservation
  • Susan Ballou, Mark Stolorow, Melissa Taylor
  • Phylis S. Bamberger, Larry Brown, Rebecca Brown
  • Yvette Burney, Dennis Davenport, Lindsay DePalma, Shannan Williams
  • Cynthia Jones, Ralph Keaton, William Kiley, Joseph Latta
  • Margaret Kline, Karen Lanning, Gerry LaPorte
  • Linda E. Ledray, Randy Nagy, Brian E. Ostrom
  • Lisa Schwind, Stephanie Stoiloff

Introduction:

• Highlights systemic issues in handling, preservation, and disposition of biological evidence.
• Emphasizes the importance of proper evidence management to maintain public trust in criminal justice.

Key Concepts:

• Biological Evidence: Includes hair, tissue, bones, teeth, blood, semen, and other bodily fluids.
• Essential for linking individuals to crime scenes and crucial in criminal proceedings.

Sections Overview:

I. Retaining Biological Evidence

• Importance of statutory guidance on how and when to retain biological evidence.
• Identifying what constitutes biological evidence and how it should be retained.

II. Biological Evidence Safety and Handling

• Hazards associated with biological evidence: risk of contamination and disease.
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and adherence to health standards.
• Procedures for spill management and waste disposal.

III. Packaging and Storing Biological Evidence

• Importance of proper packaging to maintain integrity.
• Differences in handling wet vs. dry evidence.
• Storage conditions: temperature-controlled environments, proper labeling.
• Various storage methods: lockers, cages, refrigerators.

IV. Tracking Biological Evidence Chain of Custody

• Importance of maintaining a clear and unbroken chain of custody.
• Guidance on documentation and tracking systems.

V. Biological Evidence Disposition

• Guidelines for evidence retention and eventual disposition.
• Importance of legislative compliance in evidence disposition.

Recommendations:

• Training for personnel involved in evidence management.
• Establish systems for evidence tracking and management.
• Develop policies on evidence handling, storage, and disposal.

Appendices:

• Appendix A: Guidance on evidence tracking systems.
• Appendix B: Compilation of state laws regarding evidence retention.
• Appendix C: Sample chain-of-custody report.

Glossary:

• Definitions of key terms such as biohazards, PPE, chain of custody.

Conclusion:

• The handbook provides comprehensive guidelines for preserving the integrity of biological evidence.
• Aims to enhance evidence management systems and practices across agencies.