Thorough investigations are essential for bringing perpetrators to justice. To help this process, it’s important to use an effective system capable of maintaining the integrity of evidence throughout its entire lifecycle. In addition to having a good system for evidence management, it’s also crucial that personnel in charge of evidence handling are properly trained.
Evidence Mishandling Can Happen at Any Time
Evidence mishandling can occur at any time and by any number of personnel during the chain of custody. Evidence can be mishandled by new police officers during collection at the crime scene, or by court personnel and law enforcement during evidence transfer. Either way, the results of the court case can be disastrous when evidence personnel are untrained.
Example of a Case Impacted by Mishandling by the Evidence Clerk
An example of a case involving mishandled evidence that affected the trial’s outcome is when a Superior Court jury found Manuel Campos guilty of misconduct involving weapons. He faced a second trial on charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, armed robbery, burglary, and disorderly conduct.
The trials took place starting January 2019. The incident indicated that Campos allegedly entered a resident’s home armed with a concealed shotgun. He demanded money and discharged his weapon when the victim responded there was no money.
The police eventually reported that Campos hid under a Jacuzzi cover and found the discarded shotgun under a bush. A shell in the gun matched the shell left in the victim’s house. Campos’ DNA was also found on this shell.
During the evidentiary hearing, the importance of an evidence management system was highlighted when Superior Court Judge Michael Peterson said he encountered this highly unusual situation. The court considered whether Clerk of the Superior Court Cindy Woodman improperly handled case evidence when she released it to a Thatcher police officer.
The police officer testified that Woodman asked him to take the evidence, including the shotgun, due to security concerns. Meanwhile, the officer told the evidence clerk that the items should be kept within the evidence personnel throughout the trial process. However, she only argued they would be safer at the vault of Thatcher Police Department.
Unfortunately, Woodman did not provide any receipt or documentation to sign for the evidence movement and transfer. Worse, she didn’t know who might have access to the vault, which was left unlocked during the day of an active shooter incident.
Woodman admitted she received little training for her duties. She also stated she was not aware that their office was required to hold evidence throughout the trial process. Because of this, she clearly violated applicable rules, statutes, procedures, and protocols.
What Is the Best Solution to Avoid Mishandled Evidence?
Effective evidence management requires a system that can effectively track evidence. It’s the best solution to avoid mishandled evidence. This evidence management system should be capable of doing the following:
• Automating audits, inventories, and other accountability functions
• Facilitating communication between property room personnel and investigators
• Managing the flow of digital evidence
• Producing an unbreakable chain of custody
Providing documentation of evidence movement and transfer
Use a Reliable Evidence Tracker
Evidence can make or break investigation results and the outcome of the trial. Untrained evidence personnel and poor evidence tracking protocol can lead to a disaster. Because of this, every law enforcement agency must prioritize investing in reliable management systems and intensive staff training to ensure proper evidence management.
Complete Evidence Management System
PMI Evidence Tracker™ is a powerful evidence management system made by Cops for Cops. By using our tool, your law enforcement agency can effectively and efficiently manage evidence and property. Contact us to learn more about our management system!
