- 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
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice ProgramsNational Institute of JusticeThe Research, Development, and Evaluation Agency of the U.S. Department of Justice
Physical Integrity of Evidence
Home > Evidence Handling Procedures > Case Tracking Within the Laboratory > Physical Integrity of Evidence
Evidence-drying Cabinet
Whether centralized or decentralized within the laboratory, all evidence storage facilities must maintain the physical integrity of the evidence, to include provision for the following:
- Basic environmental controls for temperature and humidity
- Alarm systems for unauthorized entry (motion, vibration, and sound detection)
- Video coverage of sensitive areas
- Fire alarm and sprinkler systems
- Refrigeration for certain types of evidence
- Protection from floods
- Protection from pests
- Storage located under a secure roof, particularly in storm-threatened areas
- Fume hood, as appropriate to preserve evidence
