FAQ > BCI Laboratory FAQs > How should I package the evidence?

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How should I package the evidence?
Evidence should be packaged to prevent loss/deterioration. Biological evidence should be air dried and packaged in paper products in most circumstances. Plastic is acceptable for packaging moist evidence, evidence exposed to potential insect infestations, or to prevent loss of powdery substances, hair or debris. Biological evidence packaged in plastic should be stored frozen.

Sharp objects, such as knives or glass, should be submitted in a hard, safe container to prevent physical harm to those who handle the package and to prevent sample loss.

Firearms should be submitted unloaded (when possible) in a secure gun box.

Furthermore, evidence should be packaged to protect the evidence from cross contamination. For example, five stains collected from different areas of the crime scene should be packaged in individual containers to prevent contact/cross contamination.