PACKAGING HANDBOOK ATTACH FOR MOU.PDF

Attachment: Property MOU with Adult Probation
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
Evidence Packaging
Procedures
Scientific Analysis Division (Crime Lab)
Property Management Division

INTRODUCTION
Evidence must be handled and packaged to minimize deterioration and contamination. The
guidelines in this handbook will help achieve that goal. Evidence submitted must be in sealed
containers whenever possible. Evidence tape is the preferred sealing method. Seals must be
marked with initials of the employee and the date sealed.
Employees are responsible for properly reporting, documenting, securing, and impounding any
property that is being held as evidence, which comes into their possession during the course of
their regular duties.
Confiscation of evidence for personal use, failure to turn in all evidence, or any other willful
deviation may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, as specified in
Office Policy GC-17, Employee Disciplinary Procedures.
All evidence shall be entered through the Property and Evidence/QueTel system, as specified in
Office Policy GE-3, Property Management and Evidence Control.

SUBJECT INDEX
ANONYMOUS LETTER, EXTORTION LETTERS, CHECKS
AND OTHER DOCUMENTS…………………………………………………………...5
ARSON DEBRIS…………………………………………………………………………5
BLASTING CAPS………………………………………………………………………..5
BLOOD AND BODILY FLUIDS (FORENSIC BIOLOGY/DNA)……………………...7
BLOOD/BODILY FLUIDS (TOXICOLOGY)……………………………………….….6
BUILDING MATERIALS………………………………………………………….…….9
BULLETS (PROJECTILES, NOT CARTRIDGES)……………………………………..9
CARTRIDGES OR ROUNDS (LIVE)…………………………………………………..10
CARTRIDGE CASES (EMPTY SHELLS)………………………………………….…..10
CLOTHING, BLOOD AND BODILY FLUIDS………………………………………...10
COSMETICS……………………………………………………………………………..10
CURRENCY.……………………………………………………………………………..10
DIGITAL MEDIA………………………………………………………………………..11
DOCUMENTS…………………………………………………………………………...13
DRUGS…………………………………………………………………………………...14
DYNAMITE AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES………………………………………….….14
FIBERS…………………………………………………………………………………...15
FIREARMS, AMMUNITION AND
MAGAZINES………………………………………………………………………….…18
GUNSHOT RESIDUE ON CLOTHING………………………………………………....18
MATCHES AND LIGHTER……………………………………………………………..18
METAL AND METAL FRAGMENTS …………………………………………………18
NON-POROUSUS ITEMS
(GLASS, METAL, PLASTIC, FINISHED WOOD)………………………………….…19
PARAPHERNALIA (DRUG)…………………………………………………………....19

PLANT MATERIAL: CANNABIS; MUSHROOMS; PEYOTE; ETC………………....20
SHARP OBJECTS (KNIVES, AXES, RAZOR BLADES)……………………………...20
SHOES……………………………………………………………………………………21
SYRINGES (SEE PARAPHERNALIA)………………………………………………....21
TIRES………………………………………………………………………………….….21
UNKNOWN MATERIAL…………………………………………………………….….22
URINE (TOXICOLOGY)………………………………………………………………...22

EVIDENCE PACKAGING AND SUBMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS
Packaging:
All packaged or tagged items to be impounded shall be marked for identification and placed in designated areas
for retrieval. All packages shall be sealed, and the initials and serial number of the Office employee, and date shall
be clearly marked on the seal.
Evidence shall be packaged separately in an Office approved, appropriately sized, clear plastic storage bags, gun
box or white or brown paper bag.
Each item shall be entered into the Property and Evidence/QueTel system and assigned its own bar code label that
shall be securely attached to the front of the packaging container or to both sides of a gun or knife box.
When entering evidence that shall be delivered to the Property Division the default bar code printer of
PE_FRONT shall be selected to have the bar code labels print at the Property Division for pickup.
Crime Lab:
Items requiring MCSO Scientific Analysis Division (Crime Lab) analysis shall be individually packaged when
submitted to the Property Division. The request for Scientific Examination form shall be completed and submitted
to the Crime Lab.
Evidence requiring Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) scientific analysis or latent prints must be packaged in paper
bags.
ANONYMOUS LETTER, EXTORTION LETTERS, CHECKS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS
FOR HANDWRITING AND FINGERPRINT EXAMINATION (SEE “DOCUMENTS”)
Identification: Bar Code label and/or tag attached to outside of package/container.
Show description of item, date obtained, Item number, Case agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence - NONE
Preservation: NONE
Wrapping & Packing: Package in paper if further lab/latent analysis is required.
Miscellaneous: NONE
ARSON DEBRIS
Identification: Bar Code label and/or tag attached to outside of package/container.
Show description of item, date obtained, Item number, Case agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard - Taken from unburned area near evidence
Evidence - Taken from origin of fire
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Preservation: NONE
Wrapping & Packing: Clean previously unused, metal friction (paint) cans, glass jars, or coffee cans covered
with aluminum foil. Seal container with tape.
Miscellaneous: Indicate if debris is from automotive fire. Do not use plastic bags to package evidence.
BLOOD AND BODY FLUIDS (FORENSIC BIOLOGY/DNA)
A. DRY STAINS
Identification: On outside of box, paper packet, or envelope: Show description of item, date secured case
agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number, and where item was taken from.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: Collect as much of the stain as possible. Submit entire stained object. A swabbing should be
submitted when the item cannot be submitted due to size, shape or hazardous nature. If swabbing, collect
as much stain onto as few swabs as possible.
Preservation: Keep dry.
Wrapping & Packing: Tops, ends and all folds sealed. Never package in plastic. Always use paper. If
swabs are used, plastic swab tubes (available in MCSO Warehouse) with drying desiccant inside can be
used to package swabs. Swab tubes should be labeled and put into evidence bag.
Miscellaneous: Dry completely under natural conditions before packaging.
B. STAINED CLOTHING OR FABRIC
Identification: Show description of item, date obtained, case agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report
number, and owner of garment.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: As found, submit entire stained object whenever possible.
Preservation: If wet when found, dry under natural conditions. DO NOT USE EXCESSIVE HEAT TO
DRY.
Wrapping & Packing: Each article packaged separately and butcher paper between the folds of
fabric/clothing and identified on outside of package. Place in cardboard box or paper bags, packed to
prevent shifting of contents. Always use paper bags, never use plastic bags or containers that do not allow
air flow.
Miscellaneous: Submit not less than 1 sq. in. of stain if entire article cannot be submitted. Be sure to label
from where on the garment the stained areas were taken.
C. SWABS OF STAINS (FROM LARGE ITEMS WHICH CANNOT BE SUBMITTED)
Identification: On outside of envelope: Show description of item, date secured, case agent or Deputy’s
initials, Incident report number, and from where item was taken.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
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Evidence: Collect as much stain onto as few cotton swabs as possible moistened with distilled water.
Preservation: Allow swabs to dry before packing (if swab tubes with drying desiccants are used there is
no need to air dry prior to packaging).
Wrapping & Packing: Package in envelope or paper bag. Never package in plastic.
If swabs are used, plastic swab tubes (available in MCSO warehouse) w/drying desiccant inside can be
used to package swabs. Swab tubes should be labeled and put into evidence bag.
Miscellaneous: Contact the Crime Lab supervisor for further instructions.
D. ENVELOPES
Identification: On outside of box, paper bag, or packaging envelope show item number, description of
item, date secured, case agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: Submit entire envelope whenever possible.
Preservation: Keep dry.
Wrapping & Packing: Package in another outer envelope or a paper bag. Never package in plastic.
Miscellaneous: NONE
E. CANS, BOTTLES, OR CUPS
Identification: On outside of box, paper bag, or envelope show item number, description of item, date
secured, Case agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: Submit entire container, or swab drinking area with sterile cotton swabs moistened with
distilled water.
Preservation: Dry all swabs before packaging (if swab tubes with drying desiccants are used there is no
need to air dry prior to packaging).
Wrapping & Packing: Package in box, envelope or a paper bag. Never package in plastic
Miscellaneous: NONE
F. CIGARETTE BUTTS
Identification: On outside of box, paper bag, or envelope: Show description of item, date secured, case
agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: Submit entire cigarette butt.
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Preservation: Keep dry.
Wrapping & Packing: Package in box, envelope or a paper bag. Never package in plastic.
Miscellaneous: NONE
G. SUSPECT, VICTIM, RELATIVES OF MISSING PERSONS AND ELIMINATION STANDARDS.
Identification: Biological Standards Collection Kits are available at the MCSO Warehouse. Directions are
included with the kit.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: NONE
Preservation: NONE
Wrapping & Packing: NONE
Miscellaneous: All appropriate standards, including suspect and elimination standards (example:
consensual sex partner(s) in an assault case) should be submitted with the case evidence, if known. Pursuant
to Arizona Statute, coroner’s offices directly submit standards of homicide victims to the laboratory.
Standards for relatives of missing people must be accompanied by appropriate paperwork available from
the laboratory. Alternative standards for a person (example: tooth brush) will be considered under special
circumstances. A suspect’s standard is required before Y-STR analysis will be performed. See also bones/
teeth.
H. SEXUAL ASSAULT EVIDENCE
Identification: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Kit is provided by the Forensic Nurse Examiners at the
time of a forensic medical exam, (which may or not be conducted at a hospital depending on the
circumstances).
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: NONE
Preservation: NONE
Wrapping & Packing: NONE
Miscellaneous: NONE
I. BODY TISSUES
Identification: Label or tag on outside of container. Show description of item, date obtained, Item
number, Case agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: 1 inch by 1 inch
Evidence: NONE
Preservation: NONE
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Wrapping & Packing: NONE
Miscellaneous: NONE
J. BONES/TEETH
Identification: On outside of box, paper bag, envelope or packaging: Show description of item, date
secured, Case agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard - Submit entire long bone (unsawed, femur preferred) or unrestored teeth
(molars preferred)
Evidence: NONE
Preservation: Package in a box, envelope, or paper bag. If not submitted dry, freeze in a leak proof
container.
Wrapping & Packing: NONE
Miscellaneous: Contact laboratory for other possible usable items or for additional instructions.
BLOOD/BODY FLUIDS (TOXICOLOGY)
Identification: When possible, use standard DUI blood kit as appropriate. Fill out provided labels (name of
subject, date/time collected, Deputy’s or Doctor’s name and serial number. Fill out DPS form for Toxicology.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: Two 10 ml. grey stopper vacutainers. Two red top tubes (for body fluids).
Preservation: Sterile vacutainer containing an anticoagulant and a preservative (Standard DUI kits contain
potassium oxalate and sodium fluoride).
Wrapping & Packing: Place in kit and seal with provided seals. If DUI kit is not available, place in suitable
mailing package to prevent breakage and spillage.
Miscellaneous: When possible, refrigerate sample until mailed.
BUILDING MATERIALS
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Identification: Label or tag on outside of container. Show description of item, date obtained, Item number, Case
agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard - At least ½ cup
Evidence: All
Preservation: NONE
Wrapping & Packing: Use container such as a pillbox or paper bag. Seal to prevent any loss.
Miscellaneous: NONE
CLOTHING, BLOOD AND BODY FLUIDS
Identification: On outside of box or paper bag, show item number, description of item, date secured, case agent or
Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: Only pertinent items
Preservation: Do not handle with bare hands (All evidence should be handled with gloves. Every category
should have this same method of preservation whether going to the lab or not).
Wrapping & Packing: Package each article individually with identification written on outside of package.
Place in strong container. Use paper bags, never plastic.
Miscellaneous: Leave clothing whole. Do not cut out stains or cut through bullet holes. If wet, dry before
packing. Place butcher paper between folds of clothing when packaging. Always package in paper bags or boxes,
never package in plastic bags.
COSMETICS
Identification: Label or tag on outside of container. Show description of item, date obtained, case agent or
Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: NONE
Evidence: NONE
Preservation: NONE
Wrapping & Packing: Package in appropriate bag.
Miscellaneous: NONE
CURRENCY
Identification: United States currency shall have a currency report that is generated by the Portal
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Manager/Property and Evidence system.
Amount Desired: NONE
Evidence: NONE
Preservation: NONE
Wrapping & Packing: Currency Envelope
Miscellaneous: NONE
A. FOREIGN AND BIO HAZARDOUS CURRENCY
Identification: Bio Hazardous currency shall be air-dried prior to being submitted into the Property
Division. Universal precautions shall be observed to prevent contact with blood or other potentially
infectious materials.
Amount Desired: NONE
Evidence: NONE
Preservation: Air-dried
Wrapping & Packing: Foreign Currency shall be entered into the system using the ‘Foreign Currency’
item category and shall be processed and packaged as property, not currency.
DIGITAL MEDIA
Identification: Label or tag on outside of container. Show description of item, date obtained, Case agent or
Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: All
Preservation: NONE
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Wrapping & Packing: Package each individual digital data disc (CD, DVD, Blu-ray, etc.) or media card separately
in an appropriate sleeve or case to prevent damage. Seal packaged digital media in an appropriately labeled paper
envelope or bag.
Photographs of crime scenes taken by Office personnel should not be entered into Property and Evidence,
but rather sent to the MCSO Crime Lab for storage.
Miscellaneous: NONE
DRIVER’S LICENSE AND LICENSE PLATES
A. Driver’s License
All Drivers License that are Suspended, Revoked and seized for destruction or safekeeping.
Identification: Label or tag on outside of plastic bag. On the front of the clear plastic bag the word
Suspended or Revoked shall be written next to the item label.
Evidence: All
Amount Desired: All
Preservation: NONE
Wrapping & Packing: Driver’s License shall be packaged in a clear plastic bag displaying the License.
B. LICENSE PLATES
All License Plates that are Mandatory Insurance Suspended and seized for destruction.
Identification: Label or tag on outside of plastic bag. On the front of the clear plastic bag the word M I
Suspended shall be written next to the item label.
Evidence: All
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Amount Desired: All
Preservation: NONE
Wrapping & Packing: Clear plastic bag displaying the license plate. The exception to packaging these
items in clear plastic bags is if drivers’ licenses and license plates need to be processed by the Crime Lab.
The license plates and driver licenses shall be package individually in paper evidence bags.
DOCUMENTS
Documents questioned and secret writing, handwriting and printed specimens, fraudulent checks, anonymous
letters, extortion notes, codes, ciphers, for handwriting and fingerprint examinations.
Identification: Label or tag on outside of container. Show description of item, date obtained, Case agent or
Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard - Submit as much as possible of suspect’s handwriting, including words in
questioned documents if possible.
Evidence: All
Preservation: Do not handle with bare hands.
Wrapping & Packing: Plastic envelope placed in manila envelope; insert stiff backing to prevent bending or
folding, seal and mark as for identification. Wrap securely. If burned and/or brittle, obtain instructions from
laboratory. Do not write on packaging after evidence is inside.
Miscellaneous: Include original envelope. Advise if letter should be treated for latent fingerprints.
A. TYPEWRITTEN MATERIAL
Identification: Label or tag on outside of container. Show description of item, date obtained, Case agent
or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard - Obtain at least one copy in full word-for-word order of questioned
typewriting. Also include partial copies in light, medium and heavy degrees of touch. Also standard
carbon paper samples of every upper and lower case character on the keyboard.
Evidence: All
Preservation: NONE
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Wrapping & Packing: Plastic envelope placed in manila envelope; insert stiff backing to prevent bending
or folding, seal and mark as for identification. Wrap securely. If burned and/or brittle, obtain instructions
from laboratory. Do not write on packaging after evidence is inside.
Miscellaneous: Examine ribbon for evidence of questioned message thereon. For carbon paper samples
either remove the ribbon or place in stencil position. When possible, submit typewriter and/or ribbons.
DRUGS
A. LIQUIDS
Identification: Label or tag on outside of container. Show description of item, date obtained, Item
number, Case agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: All to 1 pt. Not less than 15cc, or ½ oz., if available.
Preservation: NONE
Wrapping & Packing: If bottle has no stopper, transfer liquid contents to glass stoppered bottle and seal
with adhesive tape.
Miscellaneous: Mark FRAGILE. Determine alleged normal use of drug and if prescription, check with
druggist to determine supposed ingredients.
B. POWDERS, TABLETS AND CAPSULES
Identification: Label or tag on outside of container. Show description of item, date obtained, Item
number, Case agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: Amount slightly over maximum penalty amount.
Preservation: NONE
Wrapping & Packing: Seal with tape to prevent any loss.
Miscellaneous: If possible, drugs and packaging materials should be separated and packaged
separately for Drug Chemistry/Latent Print cases. Consult with the Crime Lab or the Property
Management Division.
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DYNAMITE AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES
Identification: Consult with Tactical Operations Unit (TOU) before touching or removing any explosives and
follow their telephonic instructions.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: All
Preservation: Should not be forwarded until advised to do so by Tactical Operations Unit. Handling and
packing instructions, if any, will be given by them at that time.
Wrapping & Packing: NONE
Miscellaneous: NONE
FIBERS
Identification: Label or tag on outside of container. Show description of item, date obtained, Item number,
Case agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard - Submit entire article if possible.
Evidence: All
Preservation: NONE
Wrapping & Packing: Druggist fold, seal edges to prevent loss.
Miscellaneous: Loose in envelope not satisfactory.
FIREARMS, AMMUNITION AND MAGAZINES
A. FIREARMS
Identification: Label or tag on outside of container. Show description of item, date obtained, Case agent or
Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: NONE
Preservation: Keep from rusting.
Wrapping & Packing: Package in cardboard box if sending to crime lab for Latent prints or ballistic
testing. Prevent shifting while in transit. Indicate direction of barrel. If no forensic testing is required a
firearms shall be packaged unloaded in the appropriately sized clear plastic bag. If the firearm is too
large, it may be placed in an appropriate sized box or may be tagged with a wire evidence tag with the
bar code label attached to the tag.
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Semi Auto pistols shall have the slide locked back and a Ty-Rap shall be looped thru the well of the gun
and the slide opening. The barcode label shall be attached to both sides of the gun box or to the front of
the clear plastic bag.
Revolvers shall have the cylinder in the open position and a Ty-Rap placed thru the cylinder keeping the
cylinder from closing. The barcode label shall be attached to the front of the clear plastic bag.
Miscellaneous: Unload all firearms. Do not put anything into barrel. Do not disassemble. Do not test or
manipulate action after unloading. Do not package with anything that may scratch or mark firearm.
Advise if fingerprint, biology/ DNA, exams are needed.
*If you are not requesting Latent or DNA/Biology examinations to be done, then rifles or shotguns can be
submitted without being in a plastic bag or box. Unload all magazines and package the cartridges separately. The
magazine can be packaged with the gun but not in the well of the gun.
FIREARMS (RECOVERED IN WATER)
B. FIREARMS (RECOVERED IN WATER)
Identification: Label or tag on outside of container. Show description of item, date obtained, Case agent or
Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard - NONE
Evidence: NONE
Preservation: Keep from drying.
Wrapping & Packing: Place in a container of water. Capped 6” plastic pipe works for long guns.
Contact Firearm Laboratory Unit for further instructions.
Miscellaneous: NONE
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C. AMMUNITIONS AND MAGAZINES
Identification: Label or tag on outside of container. Show description of item, date obtained, Case agent or
Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard - All available rounds
Evidence: All available rounds
Preservation: None
Wrapping & Packing No special packaging required. Plastic bags, paper bags, ammo cans, original
packaging or small boxes are acceptable, if no fingerprint analysis required. Ammunition shall not be
packaged with the magazine or the gun.
Miscellaneous: Do not mail.
D. BULLETS (PROJECTILES, NOT CARTRIDGES)
Identification: Label or tag on outside of container. Show description of item, date obtained, Case agent
or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: Collect all fragments
Preservation: Do not clean
Wrapping & Packing: Place on tissue soft paper. Place small box or paper bag. Pack to prevent shifting in
transit. If wet, avoid plastic containers.
Miscellaneous: Do not pack in cotton or gauze.
F. CARTRIDGES CASES (EMPTY SHELLS)
Identification: Label or tag on outside of packaging container. Show description of item, date obtained,
case agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard - All available
Evidence: All available
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Preservation: NONE
Wrapping & Packing: Loose casings may be packaged in plastic bags, envelopes, ammo cans or left in
their original boxes and then placed into a plastic bag.
Miscellaneous: Package in paper bags or boxes to prevent shifting if sending out to Crime Lab for latent
printing or ballistic comparisons (or just say lab analysis).
GUNSHOT RESIDUE ON CLOTHING
Identification: On outside of box or paper bag show item number, description of item, date secured, case agent
or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: Only pertinent items.
Preservation: Do not handle with bare hands.
Wrapping & Packing: Fold fabric flat and then wrap so that no residue is lost through friction. Place clean
paper between folds. Package in paper bags, one item per bag.
Miscellaneous: Do not cut through bullet holes. Dry before submitting. Avoid shaking. Do not package in
plastic bags.
MATCHES AND LIGHTERS
A. MATCHES
Identification: Label or tag on outside of packaging container. Show description of item, date obtained,
Item number, case agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard - One to two books of paper matches. One full box of wooden matches.
Evidence: Up to 1/4 lb.
Preservation: Keep away from fire.
Wrapping & Packing: Metal container and packed in large package to prevent shifting. Place matches
in box or metal container.
Miscellaneous: KEEP AWAY FROM FIRE label.
B. LIGHTERS
Identification: Label or tag on outside of packaging container. Show description of item, date obtained,
Item number, case agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number..
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
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Evidence: whole lighter
Preservation: Keep away from fire.
Wrapping & Packing: Package in a clear plastic bag.
Miscellaneous: KEEP AWAY FROM FIRE label.
METAL AND METAL FRAGMENTS
Identification: Label or tag on outside of packaging container. Show description of item, date obtained, Item
number, case agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard - 1/4 lb. or 4 in, At least ½ tsp., if available.
Evidence: All to 1 lb. or 1 ft.
Preservation: Keep from rusting.
Wrapping & Packing: Wrap in paper if solid. Use small boxes or containers if filings. Seal and use strong box.
Miscellaneous: Melt number, heat treatment and other specifications of foundry, if available.
NON-POROUS ITEMS (GLASS, METAL, PLASTIC, FINISHED WOOD)
Identification: Label or tag on outside of packaging container. Show description of item, date obtained, Item
number, case agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: NONE
Preservation: Package securely to prevent movement of item. Avoid abrasion of surface within the container.
Wrapping & Packing: Use cardboard boxes and paper bags whenever possible. Paper containers should avoid
surface contact as much as possible.
Miscellaneous: TOUCH AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE AND ONLY WHILE WEARING GLOVES.
PARAPHERNALIA (DRUG)
Identification: Label or tag on outside of packaging container. Show description of item, origin if known, date
obtained, case agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: Pertinent items.
Preservation: Wear gloves
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Wrapping & Packing: Pack glass items to prevent breakage. (Package in paper if further lab analysis is
requested)
Miscellaneous: Empty any liquid from smoking devices into a separate container.
PLANT MATERIAL: CANNABIS; MUSHROOMS; PEYOTE; ETC.
Identification: Label or tag on outside of container. Show description of item, origin if known, date obtained, case
agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: Amount over maximum penalty limit.
Preservation: Dry to prevent molding.
Wrapping & Packing: Loosely fill paper bag and seal if drying is impossible. Use any suitable sealed
container if dry. Notify laboratory of condition upon submission.
Miscellaneous: NONE
SHARP OBJECTS (KNIVES, AXES, RAZOR BLADES)
Identification: Label or tag on outside of container. Show description of item, date obtained, Item number, case
agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: NONE
Preservation: Handle with gloves.
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Wrapping & Packing: Pack in cardboard box with appropriate packing to prevent shifting, or use plastic cylinders.
(Do not use plastic cylinders if further lab analysis is requested)
Miscellaneous: Use SHARP label on container. See other appropriate areas, i.e., blood and latents.
SHOES
Identification Label or tag outside of container. Show description (left or right) date of recovery, case agent or
Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard – All
Evidence: NONE
Preservation: If wet, let dry before sealing in package.
Wrapping & Packing: Seal in suitably sized paper bag or box.
Miscellaneous: Make note of possible biohazard if blood is on shoes. Be aware of and avoid loss of trace
evidence. Do not wrap shoes tightly.
SYRINGES (SEE PARAPHERNALIA)
Identification: Label or tag on outside of plastic bag or box container. Show description of item, date obtained,
Item number, case agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
Evidence: Pertinent items.
Preservation: NONE (handle with gloves - use universal precautions)
Wrapping & Packing: Place needle in plastic cylinder and seal to prevent needle sticks and loss.
Miscellaneous: Mark container as a BIOHAZARD and CONTAINS SHARP.
If contents of syringe need to be analyzed, contact a crime lab for instructions.
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TIRES
Identification: Label or tag tires. Identify vehicle and position from which they were removed (front, right,
left, rear, etc.) if known in description, date of recovery, case agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard - All
Evidence: NONE
Preservation: NONE
Wrapping & Packing: Tires can be large and are more easily handled independently; they need not be
packaged unless loss of trace evidence is a concern.
Miscellaneous: Inked test of prints of tires may need to be made while tires are on vehicle. Consider whether or not
spare tire may have been involved.
UNKNOWN MATERIAL
Identification: Label or tag on outside of container. Show description of item, date obtained, Item number, case
agent or Deputy’s initials, Incident report number.
Amount Desired: Standard - Size will vary, attempt to obtain sample greater than 1 tbsp.
Evidence: All
Preservation: NONE
Wrapping & Packing: NONE
Miscellaneous: Use paper folds, paper bags, and cardboard boxes except for liquid, which should be in a glass
container. Seal to prevent loss.
URINE (TOXICOLOGY)
Identification: When possible, use standard DUI blood kit as appropriate. Fill out provided labels (name of
subject, date/time collected, Deputy’s or Doctor’s name and serial number. Fill out DPS form for Toxicology.
Amount Desired: Standard – NONE
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Evidence: Two 30ml plastic bottles
Preservation: NONE
Wrapping & Packing: Place in kit and seal with provided seals. If DUI kit is not available, place in suitable
mailing package to prevent breakage and spillage.
Miscellaneous: NONE
SUBMISSION LOCKERS:
All property and evidence impounded by Office personnel shall be held in an approved secure facility impound
locker. Personnel forwarding such property are responsible for obtaining proper receipts and ensuring the chain of
custody.
Property Division personnel are responsible for acceptance and transportation of impounded property to the
Property Division. After property has been received at the Property Division, it shall be secured in designated
areas.
SUBMISSION FREEZERS:
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SUBMISSION REFRIGERATOR:
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