G15.1.3 Secure Property-Evidence Storage
Chapter: Chapter 15 – Property and Evidence Control
Sub-Chapter: 15.1 - Property and Evidence Control
Effective Date: 11/01/2019
Revised Date: 03/16/2023
Rescinds: G15.1 – 11/1/2019
Purpose
To state that the Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) has designated secure storage areas for in-custody property and evidence that has limited access for authorized personnel.
General Order
The IUPD has designated secure storage areas for in-custody and evidentiary property. Access to these spaces is limited to authorized personnel only.
Definitions
Evidence – any substance or material found or recovered in connection with a criminal investigation.
In-custody property – anything that is held in police custody which has been found, turned in, abandoned, or held for safekeeping, and is not believed to be connected to, or part of, a criminal or possible criminal offense.
Procedures
The IUPD recognizes that the security of every piece of property that comes under the control of the department is of utmost importance. Access control measures are in place to prevent alteration, unauthorized removal, theft, or other compromise and to maintain the chain of custody.
Each IUPD location has a designated secure storage area for in-custody property that is access controlled and limited to the identified property custodian(s).
The IUPD maintains two evidence storage rooms that are under the control of the identified evidence custodian. The evidence storage rooms are access controlled and access is limited to authorized personnel only. To ensure prompt access to the secure evidence storage locations, authorized personnel include the evidence custodian and a designated backup. Other personnel who enter the secure evidence storage area must be accompanied by an authorized person and must sign in and out when entering and leaving the secure storage area