NCJ Number
159695
Journal
International Journal of Forensic Document Examiners Volume: 1 Issue: 3 Dated: (July-September 1995) Pages: 212-223
Date Published
1995
Length
12 pages
Annotation
A case is described in which attempts were made to destroy documents about to be seized in a drug raid; a lamination process was used to secure and handle these documents.
Abstract
Document examiners do not generally consider the lamination process as a viable method for storing documents, particularly when the documents require examination and are subsequently entered as court exhibits. However, in unusual situations this irreversible process may be the best alternative to seal and protect the documents. Such a case arose in Melbourne, Australia, where a business operating as a jewelry store was determined to be the front for an amphetamine laboratory located in the rear of the store. The documents about to be seized in a drug raid were treated with acid. The acid prevented their handling and resulted in an acrimonious smell hazardous to the health of both the investigator and the document examiner. The documents were carefully gathered, dried, and laminated using special procedures due to their brittleness. The documents provided details on telephone numbers, business transactions, equipment purchases, and other information. They were later used in court and remain a permanent record of the documents seized at the crime scene. Photographs