| (a) Biological evidence and materials should be collected,
handled, and preserved in a manner that prevents contamination and
degradation and ensures integrity during all phases of the investigation,
pretrial, and post adjudication, including:
(1) Packaging each item of biological evidence separately
to prevent contamination;
(2) Labeling, marking for identification, and sealing
each package of evidence to preserve its chain-of-custody and to prevent
cross contamination, loss, or deleterious change; and
(3) Storing the evidence in climate controlled conditions
in a facility, which provides security and limited access.
(b) During the trial phase, due diligence shall be
exercised to protect biological evidence from cross contamination,
loss, and deleterious change. If a courthouse has climate controlled
facilities, those facilities should be used.
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