Hodge Services Incorporated

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Evidence Procedures

All evidence is tracked cradle-to-grave from the time we receive or collect a piece of evidence, to the time it is distroyed or received by another party.

When an item is received or collected, is is entered into our database and given a unique assignment number. The incoming tracing lable is scanned and entered into the system to indicated the items tracking to us from the shipper. A barcode label is then generated with a unique number and then placed on the item, which will remain with that item throughout its lifetime. No two items ever receive the same number.

The item is then placed into a laboratory location that is also marked with a barcode. This allows us to know where an indivdual item is located at all times within a 1sf area anywhere in our system.

Once the laboratory examination is finished, the evidence is moved to our warehouse, where again it is placed on a shelf with a barcode to identify its location within a 1sf of space.

When an item is shipped out of the laboratroy, the outbound tracking lable is entered into the database system to track the evidence to its receiving point, day and time.

All of our computers are equiped with barcode scanner,s as well as two handheld units for use at the warehouse or at the incident scene.

ASTM STANDARDS
	ASTM E1492, E1492-05 Standard Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory 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.

	ASTM E-1188, E1188-05 Standard Practice for Collection and Preservation of Information and Physical Items by a Technical Investigator This practice covers guidelines for the collection and preservation of information and physical items by any technical investigator pertaining to an incident that can be reasonably expected to be the subject of litigation.

	ASTM E860, E860-07 Standard Practice for Examining and Testing Items that Are or May Become Involved in Litigation This practice sets forth guidelines for the examination and testing of actual items or systems (hereinafter termed evidence) that may have been involved in a specific incident that are or may be reasonably expected to be the subject of civil or criminal litigation. This practice is intended to become applicable when it is determined that examination or testing of evidence is required, and such examination is likely to change the nature, state or condition of the evidence.

	NFPA 921 Chapter 16 Physical Evidence

NFPA
	NFPA 912 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations

	ASTM E620 Standard Practice for Reporting Opinions of Technical Experts This practice covers the scope of information to be contained in formal written technical reports which express the opinions of the scientific or technical expert with respect to the study of items that are or may reasonably be expected to be the subject of criminal or civil litigation.

Additional ASTM Standards
	ASTM E1020-96 Standard Practice for Reporting Incidents that May Involve Criminal or Civil Litigation This practice covers guidelines for the collection and preservation of information and physical evidence and the preparation of a documentation report relative to any incident(s) involving personal injury, property damage, commercial loss, or criminal acts which may reasonably be expected to be the subject of litigation.

	ASTM E678-07 Standard Practice for Evaluation of Scientific or Technical Data This practice establishes criteria for evaluating scientific and technical data, and other relevant considerations, which constitute acceptable bases for forming scientific or technical expert opinions.

Evidence Storage

We do not prorate storage. Evidence is billed semi-annually for six months in advance. The billing cycle does not begin until 30 days after you have received the written report and the evidence disposition form. All evidence will be placed in high-security storage when the assignment is mailed. When the signed evidence disposition form is returned, the evidence will handled as per your request on the form.

Please note: Evidence can not be disposed of or shipped until the signed evidence disposition form is received.

Secure Evidence Storage

We currently maintain over 5,000 square feet or secure warehouse space. The warehouse is monitored 24/7 via four cameras and an alarm system. All evidence receives a barcode upon receiving and can be located within a 1 squre foot area anywhere is our system.

Evidence
	Disposition Form This is a blank form for your use.
	Storage Rates This a graph of 2010 storage rates.

Live Web Cams
	Warehouse Wearhouse webcams
	Laboratory Laboratory webcams

Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations

Standard Practice for Reporting Incidents that May Involve Criminal or Civil Litigation

Standard Practice for Evaluation of Scientific or Technical Data