Guidelines for Public

Step-by-step protocols for proper collection,
preservation, and transportation of forensic
evidence—essential for law enforcement and first
responders.

Forensic Evidence Collection & Handling Guidelines (2025)

Core Principles:

1. Contamination Prevention

Always wear PPE (gloves, masks)
Use sterile tools for each sample
Never mix evidence items

2. Proper Packaging

Digital Evidence: Anti-static bags only
Biological Evidence: Paper containers (no plastic)
Sharp Objects: Cardboard boxes with padding
Liquids: Airtight glass containers

Key Protocols:

Digital Evidence

Collect all power adapters/cables
Leave devices in found power state
Use Faraday bags for mobile devices
Document all PINs/passwords provided

Biological Evidence

Dry all wet samples before packaging
Label with: Case #, Date, Collector ID
Store at 2-8°C if immediate transport unavailable
Sexual assault kits: Use within 120hrs (vaginal), 72hrs (anal)

Firearms & Toolmarks

Submit unloaded weapons only
Package ammunition separately
Preserve GSR evidence in rigid containers

Trace Evidence

Use tape lifts for hairs/fibers
Submit 50 scalp hairs / 20 pubic hairs for standards
Package paint chips in paper folds (not envelopes)

Toxicology

Blood: 10mL (live), 50-100mL (postmortem)
Urine: 20-50mL unpreserved
Liver tissue: 100g in saline

Chain of Custody

Tamper-evident seals required
Must include:
Collector initials
Date/time
Case #
Evidence description

Transportation

Avoid temperature extremes
Shield from magnetic fields
Maintain custody documentation
Maximum transit time: 4 hours (biologicals)

Storage

Climate-controlled environment
Protected from UV light
Regular inventory checks
Restricted access areas

Note: All protocols meet ISO 17025:2017 standards and Digital Forensic Lab Gilgit-Baltistan requirements.

This condensed version maintains all critical information while improving readability and removing redundancy. The guidelines are organized by evidence type with clear action points for field personnel.