Collecting and packaging exhibits from the scene of the crime for transfer to the forensic laboratory

Gathering exhibits from the scene of the crime may be hazardous to the investigator who comes in contact with sharp objects, explosives, or biological contaminants such as infectious disease agents or toxins. Once collected, the exhibits must be packaged and sent to the forensic laboratory for examination, where the forensic scientist in turn, is at risk of injury or infection. Often, because exhibits are not packaged or marked properly, the evidence is destroyed en-route or misplaced. To minimize hazards for both the investigator in the field and the laboratory worker, and to ensure the preservation and security of the specimen as well as the chain of custody, an exhibit packaging kit was designed and distributed to the investigators in the field. The kit contains protective devices for the investigators in the field and an assortment of packaging materials, with detailed instructions for their use. The exhibits are placed for dispatching into an especially designed strong plastic bag, clearly printed with serial numbers and a place to note the particulars of the exhibit and chain of custody. The kit was well received by both field and laboratory personnel, and has increased their safety as well as the efficiency and reliability of the work.