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ASCLD/LAB News (This information is reprinted from the March 1998 issue of the ASCLD/LAB Newsletter.) Several Inspectors have inquired of the Board as to whether fingerprint evidence must be sealed, opened and resealed each time the prints are examined during a period when a case is being actively investigated and comparison print cards are being periodically submitted for comparison purposes. Evidence such as fingerprints and/or projectiles in unsolved cases, that are subject to frequent requests for comparison, should be treated as “evidence in the process of analysis.” As such, the evidence storage must meet the requirements of criterion 1.4.1.5 (Is there a secure area for overnight and/or long--term storage of evidence?) The board feels that the discussion related to this criterion found on page 24 of the Manual would apply to fingerprint and firearms evidence and that such evidence should be considered to be in a state of analysis. The discussion reads: During the process of examining evidence, if an examiner needs to leave for a short time such as for lunch, it is not necessary to pack up the evidence being examined if it is in a secure area (e.g., a limited--access laboratory room). This is also true for large and/or cumbersome items where it is advantageous to have the evidence remain out and there is limited access to the area. “Limited access” is access limited to personnel authorized by the director.
This article was printed in “THE PRINT” |