TITLE:  Chain of Custody/Physicial Evidence Collection

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PURPOSE:

 

To establish guidelines to be used to provide a chain of custody for physical

evidence in order for it to be used effectively by law enforcement agencies. 

Physical evidence (i.e., bullets, fragments, knife blades, etc.) must be

properly preserved, collected and documented to be of use to law enforcement

agencies.

 

POLICY:

 

1.   Handling of physical evidence:

     a.   The primary nurse is responsible for retaining of custody of

          evidence until it is released to the appropriate law enforcement

          agency.

     b.   Evidence collected by the physician should be given to the primary

          nurse.  Minimize handling of the evidence as much as possible.

     c.   Being careful not to destroy evidence, place it in a container

          and label patient name, account number, medical record number, date

          and time collected.

     d.   The primary nurse will keep the evidence IN HER/HIS POSSESSION until

          released to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

     e.   If the appropriate law enforcement officer has not arrived at the

          end of the primary nurse's shift, all labeled containers with the

          evidence will be placed in a hospital valuables envelope, sealed and

          labeled.  Security will be called to take custody of the evidence

          and place it in the valuables safe in the business office.  DO NOT

          CALL THE BUSINESS OFFICE TO TAKE CUSTODY OF EVIDENCE.  Security will

          release the evidence to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

     f.   When evidence is released to an officer, a "receipt of evidence" is

          obtained and stapled to the patient's original medical record and

          becomes part of the permanent medical record.

 

2.   Documentation of Physical Evidence

     a.   The nurse documents the description of the collected evidence,

          location (i.e., entry and exit points, chest, leg, etc.) and number

          of pieces collected and whereabouts of evidence at all times.

     b.   Documentation includes the name of those in contact with the

          evidence (i.e., physician/surgeon handling of evidence to the

          primary nurse, the primary nurse, security personnel, etc.).

     c.   Document which law enforcement agency the evidence was released to

          (include agency, officer's name and badge number).

                              

           References:          Local PD, Policy and Procedure 701.  

                                Code of Criminal Procedures, Article 743.