When assessing the degree of security to provide, the agency should weigh the importance of the property it is placing in these areas and the consequences if the property is stolen, damaged, or contaminated while in-custody. Secure facilities are provided for storage of in-custody or evidentiary property during periods when the property room is closed. Provisions should be made for securing items of property when the property room is closed. A written directive requires that only authorized personnel have access to areas used by the agency for storage of in-custody or evidentiary property. Entry to property areas should be controlled to prevent the alteration, unauthorized removal, theft, or other compromise of property stored by the agency and to maintain chain of custody.
Records reflect the status of all property held by the agency.
The purpose of the joint inventory is to ensure the continuity of custody and not require the accounting of every single item of property. The inventory should be sufficient to ensure the integrity of the system and the accountability of the property. The person assuming custody of the property should ensure that all records are current and properly annotated. All discrepancies should be recorded prior to the assumption of property accountability by the newly appointed custodian.