NCJ Number
215712
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 33 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2006 Pages: 30,32,39
Date Published
August 2006
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the benefits of having a state-of-the-art drying cabinet for drying wet evidence and describes some of the evidence-drying cabinets on the market.
Abstract
If wet evidence is not properly dried, it will mold, destroying any DNA. Years ago, even agencies that had drying cabinets would often misuse them in ways that could compromise evidence integrity. They would not clean the cabinets properly between cases or change the filters often enough. These are oversights that could result in cross-contamination. Recognizing that defense attorneys are increasingly challenging the integrity of evidence based on how it has been handled by police departments, agencies have become more attentive to evidence-handling procedures, including the importance of properly using drying cabinets for wet evidence. Drying cabinets not only ensure the integrity of the wet evidence as it dries, they also provide a safer work environment, since there are potential health risks in handling evidence that may contain harmful pathogens, blood and other body fluids, odors, and contaminants. A variety of cabinet choices have emerged in recent years as more manufacturers have entered the market. The newer cabinets are more resistant to chemicals, easier to use, more functional, and more affordable. Some large agencies have purchased a number of units in order to be able to process more cases and reduce the chances of cross-contamination. Features to consider in selecting a cabinet are adequate filtration, high air volume/low air speed, large doors and designs that make it easy to access evidence, the cleaning system, and lighting inside the cabinet.