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NCJ Number
206944
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 31 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2004 Pages: 138-140,142
Author(s)
Shannon Turner
Date Published
August 2004
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Advanced barcode technology is an essential feature of an efficient evidence management system; this article presents two case studies that prove this point.
Abstract
The San Francisco Crime Lab's recent implementation of EvidenceOnQ, an automated property and evidence management system, has increased its efficiency in managing and tracking the thousands of evidence submissions brought to it each year. With EvidenceOnQ, the chain of custody for evidence is now electronically documented every time the evidence changes location. This is done by means of a scan of a barcode instead of by the previous method of logging it manually. This increases the speed of the operation and reduces the possibility of human error. The new system also increases the efficiency of evidence-retention operations. In a matter of seconds, the system compiles a report of all the evidence that is due for destruction under statutory requirements for retention. The evidence unit in Josephine County, OR, also instituted EvidenceOnQ, after examining five different systems. The evidence unit is managed by one person largely due to the efficiency of the evidence management system. Barcode scans have replaced manual records, such that the evidence room has become virtually paperless. The manager of the evidence unit reports that "The retention reports have been the most beneficial to me. I can clear evidence in a timely manner and don't have the space problems I used to have."