Products for Evidence Handling and Storage: Material Handing Products for Evidence

Products for evidence handling and storage are designed to ensure that physical evidence collected at a crime scene or accident site is handled with the utmost care and stored securely to maintain its integrity. This article will explore the various products available for evidence handling and storage, including their features and benefits, as well as the importance of proper evidence handling and storage in criminal investigations.

Evidence Bags – Material Handing Products for Evidence:

Evidence bags are used to store evidence collected at a crime scene or accident site. These bags are typically made from a clear plastic material, allowing the contents to be easily seen, and come in various sizes, from small envelopes to large bags for bulky items. Evidence bags should be tamper-evident, with features such as a self-sealing closure and serial number.

Benefits of Evidence Bags:

The benefits of evidence bags include:

1. Tamper-evident design: Evidence bags are designed to be tamper-evident, providing a secure means of storing the evidence and ensuring that it is not contaminated or compromised.

2. Easily labeled: Evidence bags provide a space for writing detailed information about the contents of the bag, such as date of collection, time, location, and the name of the person collecting the evidence.

3. Resealable: The resealable nature of evidence bags allows evidence technicians to re-examine the contents of the bag without the need for additional bags.

Evidence Envelopes – Material Handing Products for Evidence:

Evidence envelopes are similar to evidence bags, but they are generally used for smaller items, such as fibers or hair samples. These envelopes are typically made from paper or Tyvek material, which is resistant to tearing and moisture.

Benefits of Evidence Envelopes:

The benefits of evidence envelopes include:

1. Versatile: Evidence envelopes can be used to store a wide range of evidence types, making them a versatile option for evidence storage.

2. Tamper-evident design: Evidence envelopes are designed to be tamper-evident, providing a secure means of storing the evidence and ensuring that it is not contaminated or compromised.

3. Resealable: Similar to evidence bags, the resealable nature of evidence envelopes allows evidence technicians to re-examine the contents of the envelope without the need for additional bags.

Evidence Boxes – Material Handing Products for Evidence:

Evidence boxes are used for storing larger, bulkier items such as clothing or weapons. These boxes are typically made of cardboard or plastic and come in various sizes.

Benefits of Evidence Boxes:

The benefits of evidence boxes include:

1. Secure storage: Evidence boxes provide a secure means of storing bulkier items and can be locked to prevent tampering.

2. Versatile: Evidence boxes come in various sizes, making them a versatile option for storing a wide range of evidence types.

3. Durable: Evidence boxes are typically made of sturdy materials and can endure rough handling, reducing the risk of accidental damage to the evidence.

Evidential Refrigerators and Freezers – Material Handing Products for Evidence:

Evidential refrigerators and freezers are used to store biological evidence, such as blood or tissue samples, or other evidence requiring preservation. These refrigerators and freezers typically have temperature and humidity controls to ensure that the evidence is stored under the appropriate conditions.

Benefits of Evidential Refrigerators and Freezers:

The benefits of evidential refrigerators and freezers include:

1. Preservation: Evidential refrigerators and freezers provide a means of storing biological evidence under appropriate conditions, preserving the integrity of the evidence.

2. Safe storage: Evidential refrigerators and freezers provide a secure means of storing biological evidence, protecting it from tampering or contamination.

3. Efficient management: Evidential refrigerators and freezers can be used to manage evidence more efficiently, allowing easier access to the biological evidence as needed during the investigation.

Evidence Drying Cabinets – Material Handing Products for Evidence:

Evidence drying cabinets are used to dry out damp evidence, such as clothing or soil samples, to prevent mold growth and preserve the integrity of the evidence.

Benefits of Evidence Drying Cabinets:

The benefits of evidence drying cabinets include:

1. Preservation: Evidence drying cabinets provide a means of drying out evidence while preserving its integrity, ensuring that it is not damaged during the drying process.

2. Efficient drying: Evidence drying cabinets can dry out evidence more quickly and efficiently than air-drying, reducing the amount of time needed to process the evidence.

3. Secure storage: Evidence drying cabinets provide a secure means of storing evidence during the drying process, protecting it from contamination or tampering.

The Importance of Proper Evidence Handling and Storage – Material Handing Products for Evidence:

Proper evidence handling and storage are critical components of criminal investigations. The integrity of the evidence collected at a crime scene relies heavily on the proper handling and storage of the evidence. Failure to handle and store evidence properly can result in evidence contamination or loss, leading to inaccuracies in the investigation and the potential for wrongful convictions.

Adhering to proper evidence handling and storage protocols also ensures that evidence can be presented effectively in court. If evidence is mishandled or contaminated, it may not be admissible in court, rendering it useless to the prosecution.

Conclusion:

Products for evidence handling and storage, such as evidence bags, boxes, envelopes, refrigerators/freezers, and drying cabinets, are critical components in the criminal investigation process. These products provide a secure means of storing evidence, protecting it from contamination or tampering, and ensuring that it is preserved under appropriate conditions. Proper evidence handling and storage protocols are essential to maintain the integrity of the evidence collected, ensure its admissibility in court, and potentially lead to the successful prosecution of a criminal case.