Documentation of evidence

Document the handling, transfer, and storage of evidence. Examiners must maintain control of evidence during the exam, while evidence is being dried, and until it is in the kit container and sealed (and then follow jurisdictional procedures for storing evidence securely or handing it over to a duly authorized agent for transfer to a storage site). Documentation should continue with each transfer of the evidence to law enforcement, the crime laboratory, and others involved in the investigative process.[1] Patients, advocates, family members, and other support persons should not handle the evidence. Documentation of the chain-of-custody information is vital to ensuring that there has been no loss or alteration of evidence prior to trial. Educate all those involved in handling, transferring, and storing evidence regarding the specifics of maintaining the chain of custody.

[1] Adapted from the California Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Victims, 2001, p. 34.


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