How should evidence be handled after it has been seized?

Evidence must be placed in evidence bags and tagged to ensure proper chain of custody, preservation, and identification. This protocol protects the integrity of the evidence, confirming that it has not been tampered with or altered. Properly tagging evidence also allows for easy reference during investigations and court proceedings, ensuring that all details about the evidence, such as the time and place of seizure, the case number, and the officer who collected it, are documented.

When evidence is handled correctly, it reinforces the credibility of the investigation and supports the law’s requirements for maintaining admissible evidence in court. Following this procedure helps law enforcement maintain accountability and provides a clear record of how evidence was handled throughout the judicial process.