• • • • • freezer is mainly used to preserve human tissue, blood, bodies, body parts, etc., not objects. If you collect forensic information, especially artifacts containing biometric data, hand these materials over to official investigators at the earliest possible time. Remember that you do not possess the training or ability to handle and preserve this information appropriately, and that collection/efforts of preservations should at all times be weighted against the possibility of tampering with the value of this evidence, or spoiling it altogether. If more than one item is to be collected, give each item a unique reference number before collecting it. A item reference number is the identification number assigned to each item of evidence. It is unique to each item, is assigned when processing the crime scene and remains unchanged throughout the chain of custody process. It can start at 1 or A and proceeds sequentially when reference numbers need to be given to additional items being collected. When there is a significant number of items alphanumeric designation is also a possibility. Bag and seal each item individually and include a statement detailing exactly what, when, where, by whom it was collected, including the item reference number, if applicable. See the Chain of Custody sections (Sections 2.1.8 and 3.1.1) as well as the Appendix for template chain of custody forms. Remember, while it might be allowed to handle artifacts if no professional investigator is available and the artifact runs the risk that it will otherwise be lost or damaged, under no circumstances should be unofficial investigators handle organic forensic material such as semen, blood, hair, skin, etc. Firearms and Associated Material Unofficial investigators may encounter firearms, cartridges, casings, and bullets. Safety should always be the primary consideration. Unofficial investigators’ own safety as well as the safety of victims, witnesses, and the public take precedence over gathering information. Therefore anyone without appropriate training must leave the handling of firearms and associated material to professional investigators. 92