How should a MWD handler manage evidence handling after a canine search to preserve chain of custody?

• A. Do not touch relevant articles; seal and tag items, note time, location, and odor; maintain separate handling by authorized personnel; store securely and document transfer
• B. Mix all evidence together for convenience
• C. Throw away items after search
• D. Photograph only and ignore bagging

Answer: (A)

Preserving evidence integrity requires maintaining an unbroken chain of custody from collection through disposition. After a canine search, treat any items that could be evidence with careful handling to prevent contamination and ensure accountability. The best approach is to seal and tag relevant articles, note the time, location, and odor observed, have only authorized personnel handle the items, store them securely in tamper-evident containers, and document every transfer or access. This creates a clear, verifiable trail showing who touched the evidence and when, which is essential for the evidence to be admissible and reliable.

Mixing items together compromises the chain of custody and can contaminate evidence, making it unreliable. Throwing items away loses potential evidence and could hinder investigations. Photographing items without proper bagging and handling fails to preserve the physical evidence and the custody record; photos alone don’t secure or transfer custody.