Collecting Illegal Drugs As Crime Research Paper

When identifying, collecting, and preserving loose material that can leak and spill like marijuana, the substances should be properly sealed. Some examples of illegal drugs should be taken to the laboratory in a sealed package for examination ("Evidence Collection Guidelines," n.d.).

Sealing:

The other major issue in identifying, collecting, and preserving illegal drugs for evidence in criminal investigations is sealing. There is need for the evidence to be sealed properly to ensure that it has not been compromised, altered, or lost during preservation. In most cases, the individual packaging the evidence is required to initial and date across the seal as a means for making it tamper-proof and detectable if interfered with. Some of the most common ways for packaging and sealing the evidence incorporate the use of heat seals such as ask tapes and paper clips and evidence tapes like staples.

While sealing can be done through various ways, it's an important part in the process because the submission of evidence in the laboratory for examination is evaluated on whether an acceptable seal was used. In cases where improperly sealed substances are submitted for examination, the submitting officer or laboratory staff should seal and initial the evidence.

Conclusion:

With the increase of criminal offenses involving the use of drugs, the collection of illegal drugs is vital for use as crime evidence. Regardless of the method used, packaging and sealing the evidence requires measures that ensure that it's not lost, altered, or damaged.

References:

"Evidence Collection Guidelines." Crime Scene Investigator Network. Retrieved May 18, 2012,

from http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/collect.html

Wampler, R.L. (2011, December 13). Physical Evidence Manual. Retrieved from Oregon State

Police -- Forensic Services Division website: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/FORENSICS/docs/PhysEvidenceManual12_13_11.pdf?ga=t