Leveraging Limited Resources

Proper Evidence Collection and Packaging

As first responders and crime scene technicians assess the scene and collect evidence, it is important they use proper packaging. Most biological evidence is packaged in paper bags or boxes. Unless it is thoroughly air-dried, biological evidence should not be packaged in plastic because it promotes the growth of mold and degrades the biological evidence, rendering it useless for DNA testing. Items should be air dried and packaged individually, as packaging wet or damp items may cause unintended transfer of biological material onto the packaging.^7,8

⁷ Example of Missouri Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory Packaging: Information in Department Newsletter: Under the Scope, Vol.1, Iss.3 (2001) PDF download: 124kB • Also available on their website »
⁸ Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation - Criminalistics Services Division (OSBI CSD) Evidence Packaging and Sealing Guidelines PDF download: 56kB • Visit the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation »