Instructions for Evidence Transfer-Chain of Custody Record Form
An Evidence Transfer-Chain of Custody Record Form is used to document the transfer of
any items of an evidentiary nature from the possession of one organization or individual
to another. These items can include remains of individuals, documents and other articles
founds with the remains, bullet casings found at the site, or biological samples for DNA
testing.
The purpose of this form is not only to track the location and who had custody of the item
at any time, but also to document the date when the item changed hands. Both the
individual who releases the item and the person who takes possession must sign the form
at the time the transfer takes place.
This form can be used for the transfer of just one item of evidence or for transferring
multiple items at the same time. If it is used for the transfer of more than one item, each
item should be sequentially numbered in the Description of Evidence Section and a
complete description for each item provided. When multiple pages of evidence items are
listed, each page should be sequentially numbered, initialed by both individuals, and
dated.
Normally, the original Evidence Transfer-Chain of Custody Record Form accompanies
the transferred evidence and a copy is retained by the person/organization who
transferred the evidence.
Evidence Transfer
Chain of Custody Record
Description of Evidence:
1. (Description of first item of evidence transferred)
2. (Description of second item of evidence transferred)
3. (Description of third item of evidence transferred)
Details of Transfer:
Date_______________________________
Time____________________________
Location________________________________________________________________________
TRANSFERRED FROM:
TRANSFERRED TO:
The following individuals attest to the transfer of the above item(s) of evidence
Name (print)______________________________
Name (print)_______________________________
Signature_________________________________
Signature _________________________________
Title_____________________________________
Title_____________________________________
Organization_______________________________
Organization_______________________________
Contact Information_________________________
Contact Information_________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
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