ASTM E1492-92(1999)

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

SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes procedures and techniques for protecting and documenting the integrity of physical evidence with respect to suitability for scientific testing, and admissibility as evidence in criminal or civil litigation.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-May-1999
• ICS: 01.140.30 - Documents in administration, commerce and industry
• Technical Committee: E30 - Forensic Sciences
• Drafting Committee: E30.11 - Interdisciplinary Forensic Science Standards

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM E1492-05 - Standard Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2005
• Referred By: ASTM E3296-22 - Standard Guide for Using Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography and Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in Forensic Polymer Examinations
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999
• Referred By: ASTM E3245-20e1 - Standard Guide for Systematic Approach to the Extraction, Analysis, and Classification of Ignitable Liquids and Ignitable Liquid Residues in Fire Debris Samples
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999
• Referred By: ASTM E1412-19 - Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace Concentration with Activated Charcoal
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999
• Referred By: ASTM E1388-17 - Standard Practice for Static Headspace Sampling of Vapors from Fire Debris Samples
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999
• Referred By: ASTM E2154-15a - Standard Practice for Separation and Concentration of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace Concentration with Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999
• Referred By: ASTM E2998-16 - Standard Practice for Characterization and Classification of Smokeless Powder
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999
• Referred By: ASTM E2224-23a - Standard Guide for Forensic Analysis of Fibers by Infrared Spectroscopy
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999
• Referred By: ASTM E2227-23e1 - Standard Guide for Forensic Examination of Dyes in Textile Fibers by Thin-Layer Chromatography
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999
• Referred By: ASTM G145-08(2023) - Standard Guide for Studying Fire Incidents in Oxygen Systems
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999
• Referred By: ASTM E2451-21 - Standard Practice for Preserving Ignitable Liquids and Ignitable Liquid Residue Extracts from Fire Debris Samples
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999
• Referred By: ASTM E3085-17 - Standard Guide for Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Tape Examinations
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999
• Referred By: ASTM E2123-20 - Standard Practice for Preservation of Evidence in Sexual Violence Investigation
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999
• Referred By: ASTM E3234-20 - Standard Practice for Forensic Paint Analysis Training Program
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999
• Referred By: ASTM E1610-18 - Standard Guide for Forensic Paint Analysis and Comparison
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:E1492–92 (Reapproved 1999)
Standard Practice for
Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence
in a Forensic Science Laboratory
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1492; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope number, description, person submitting the evidence, person
receiving the evidence, and date the evidence was received.
1.1 This practice describes procedures and techniques for
4.1.2 If requested, provide a signed evidence receipt to the
protecting and documenting the integrity of physical evidence
submitter.
with respect to suitability for scientific testing, and admissibil-
4.1.3 When a case number is assigned, create a case file
ity as evidence in criminal or civil litigation.
identified by the case number.
2. Summary of Practice
4.1.4 In addition to the case number, identify each container
or piece of evidence with a sequential item number.
2.1 Physical evidence is provided with a traceable paper
4.1.5 In the event evidence which is received is other than as
trail documenting the chain of custody and processes to which
stated on the container or accompanying documents, or if the
the evidence has been subjected.
condition of the evidence is not as stated on the container or
3. Significance and Use
accompanying documents, document and photograph the evi-
dence and packaging, and notify the client or submitting
3.1 Prior to its presentation in court, a foundation must be
agency as soon as possible.
established showing how evidence was collected, who col-
4.1.6 Retain packing material necessary to maintain the
lected the evidence, where it was collected, who has had
chain of custody or which may be relevant to the integrity of
custody of the evidence, and when changes of custody have
the evidence.
occurred.
4.2 Documentation of Testing Procedures:
3.2 If the procedures outlined in this practice are followed,
4.2.1 Each individual laboratory shall maintain a current
the chain of custody with respect to the evidence while it is in
record identifying what evidence is in the laboratory for
the custody of the forensic laboratory will be protected.
analysis, its current status, and the date the evidence is
4. Procedure
removed from the laboratory.
4.2.2 Whenever practical, retain in a case file all notes, test
4.1 Identifying the Evidence:
data, and other documentation generated during the inspection
4.1.1 When evidence from a particular incident is first
of the sample. Otherwise, keep summary information or
brought to the laboratory, assign it a unique numeric or
photocopies of original notes in the case file and refer to the
alphanumeric case number, and use that case number to
location of the original documentation.
identify the submitted evidence and all subsequent items of
4.2.3 Retain copies of reports generated as the result of the
evidence submitted from the same incident or case.
examination or inspection of evidence in the case file.
4.1.1.1 Record case numbers in a permanent laboratory
4.3 Alteration of Evidence:
record along with the following information: case number, date
4.3.1 Do not alter a piece of evidence any more than is
the case was opened, and the submitter of the evidence.
absolutely necessary to obtain a valid analysis.
4.1.1.2 If delivered in person, identify the person delivering
4.3.1.1 It is recognized that there are some types of analyses
the evidence and record that person’s name in the record of the
which require the consumption or substantial alteration of the
chain of custody.
evidence. Carefully document such consumption or alteration
4.1.1.3 Maintain a record of the chain custody. Include in
of the evidence.
the record at least the following information: case number, item
4.3.2 Whenever possible, and when the accuracy of the
analysis will
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