Currently, this department is holding over l,500 evidence items. The physical aspect of evidence preservation includes proper labeling, packaging and storage. When a case is concluded and the time period for appeal has expired, the evidence is released or destroyed. One of the most important responsibilities of evidence custody is the proper destruction of narcotics and weapons. After obtaining court orders and following legal guidelines, this department has destroyed numerous firearms and incinerated a significant quantity of drugs.
Confidentiality is indispensable to maintain the integrity of police and their cases.
Agencies relying on private sector mini labs have experienced disastrous results. Not only is the chain of possession broken when film is dropped off at a private mini lab, but there is a high risk that sensitive crime scene photographs will be leaked to the public. Many agencies throughout the area rely on the prompt and confidential service of the Crime Scene Division's Photographic laboratory. In l999 this section of the crime scene unit was responsible for the accurate development of 1,596 of rolls of film and 11,432 prints. The Unit's installation of surveillance video and portable alarm systems and investigation of suspects by detectives solved burglary after burglary.