1. Scope

1.1 This practice sets forth guidelines for handling of items that may have been involved in a specific incident that is or is reasonably expected to be the subject of criminal or civil litigation.

1.2 The approach outlined is recommended as good professional practice even though the facts and issues of each situation require specific consideration, and may involve matters not expressly dealt with herein. Not every portion of this document may be applicable to every incident or investigation. It is up to the individual preparing the report to apply the appropriate recommended procedures in this guide to a particular incident or investigation. In addition, it is recognized that time and resource limitations or existing policies may limit the degree to which recommendations in this document will be applied in a given investigation. The responsibility of the individual preparing the report ( or anyone who handles or examines evidence) for evidence preservation, and the scope of that responsibility varies based on such factors as the jurisdiction, the status of the individual as a public official or private sector investigator, indications of criminal conduct, and applicable laws and regulations.

1.2.1 If compliance with this standard is claimed, the justifications for any such deviations from this standard must be documented.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

E1188 Practice for Collection and Preservation of Information and Physical Items by a Technical Investigator

E1459 Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related Documentation

E1492 Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory

E1843 Guide for Sexual Assault Investigation, Examination, and Evidence Collection

Other Documents

Keywords

evidence collection and preservation; forensic engineers; forensic sciences;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 03.120.20 (Product and company certification. Conformity assessment)

DOI: 10.1520/E0860-97R06

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.