When it comes to managing evidence, it’s important to follow best practices at each stop the evidence makes from start to finish. Any slip in the process can jeopardize the chain of custody, compromise the evidence’s admissibility, and impact the outcome of the case. If your department hasn’t prioritized streamlining its procedures yet for collecting, labeling, and managing evidence, doing so now can help you avoid headaches in the future.
The Tagging and Labeling Process
Evidence collected at a crime scene gets tagged with identifying information. This can include such information as the case and item number, a description of the item, the place it was found, as well as a date, time, and signature by the investigating officer. The tagged item then gets placed in an evidence bag or package, which gets labeled. The evidence label typically includes all information from the evidence tag, plus some additional detailed information, as well as an area to sign and date as the package gets transferred from person to person.
The Benefits of Clear Evidence Tagging and Labeling
Having your evidence clearly tagged and labeled has benefits at the different points along the journey it has to make:
• Assist in the Investigation
One of its first stops—clearly tagged and labeled evidence helps keep the facts organized in a case for investigators. If each piece of evidence is carefully and meticulously documented—where it was found, when it was found, the condition it was found in—it can help solve the crime. Investigators rely on pieces of evidence to recreate and put together the puzzle of what happened. Having complete information about each piece of evidence helps them do this, hopefully pointing to the perpetrator in the process.
• Accurate Storage and Transfer
Having each evidence package clearly labeled also has its benefits in that it makes them easy to identify. If packages can be identified quickly, it makes it easier for Property Custodians accurately file and retrieve them. It also facilitates the transfer process, since the parties involved can quickly tell they are handing off the correct item.
• Help Prove Chain of Custody in Court
Finally, clearly tagging and labeling evidence also helps maintain its chain of custody, which is essential for it to be able to fulfill its most important role: to be admissible in court and used for prosecution.
What Is the Chain of Custody?
The chain of custody is the documentation that proves the control, transfer, and disposition of a piece of evidence. It must show that the evidence has remained in the continuous possession of authorities from the time it was seized to the time it is presented in court, without any gaps or times that are unaccounted for.
In a court of law, one tactic that the defense may use is to challenge the chain of custody for a piece of evidence. Proving continuous possession will require testimony by each individual who had possession of the evidence at any given time. If there are any discrepancies in the chain of custody, and it cannot be proven who had the evidence at a particular time, then the chain of custody is broken and the evidence is declared inadmissible.
Essential for Every Department
Thorough and accurate tagging and labeling of evidence helps authorities manage the pieces as they make their way through the investigation and to the courtroom. Departments must practice thoughtful labeling strategies to establish accountability, protect the chain of custody, and ensure the best possible outcome of cases.
How PMI Evidence Tracker™ Can Help
PMI Evidence Tracker™ is a complete evidence tracking system that includes tracking software, evidence and shelf labels, a barcode scanner, and more. It gives your agency accuracy and reliability. From barcode scanning to activity logs, you can carefully trail items down the evidence funnel before making their way into court. Contact us today to find out more!
