- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Types of Evidence
- Associative Evidence
- The Crime Scene
- Evidence Submission
- Laboratory Evidence Handling
- Case Tracking Within the Laboratory
- Firearm and Toolmark Examination Considerations
- Selected Bibliography
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
Integrity
Home > Evidence Handling Procedures > Laboratory Evidence Handling > Integrity
The laboratory must store the evidence in environmental conditions that ensure its integrity. Many laboratory facilities have dedicated areas for the drying of biological evidence. All have temperature-controlled chambers or rooms allocated for the storage of biological material and reagents that are affected by temperature and humidity.
Most laboratories have strict evidence acceptance procedures and will not accept evidence unless it has been properly packaged to prevent loss or contamination.
The general principle of packaging to preserve the integrity of evidence should also apply to evidence that is awaiting disposition or that has been transferred to the custody of the court. Further testing or re-testing may be required at some future date.
