How Long Do the Police Keep Evidence?
The police are responsible for collecting, preserving, and storing evidence related to criminal investigations. The length of time that evidence is kept by the police can vary depending on the type of evidence, the nature of the investigation, and the laws and regulations of the jurisdiction. In this article, we will explore the different types of evidence that the police keep, the general guidelines for retaining evidence, and the exceptions to these guidelines.
What Types of Evidence Do the Police Keep?
The police keep a wide range of evidence, including:
• Physical evidence: such as DNA samples, fingerprints, hair samples, clothing, and other items that may have been left at the scene of a crime.
• Digital evidence: such as computer files, emails, social media messages, and phone records.
• Video and audio recordings: such as security cameras, body cameras, and 911 calls.
• Written documents: such as police reports, witness statements, and search warrants.
• Other evidence: such as crime scene photographs, latent prints, and trace evidence.
How Long Do the Police Keep Evidence?
The police typically keep evidence for a specific period of time, which is governed by state and federal laws, as well as departmental policies. The length of time that evidence is kept can vary depending on the type of evidence and the stage of the investigation. Here are some general guidelines:
| Type of Evidence | Typical Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Physical evidence | 1-5 years |
| Digital evidence | 1-10 years |
| Video and audio recordings | 1-5 years |
| Written documents | 1-10 years |
| Other evidence | 1-5 years |
Exceptions to the Guidelines
There are several exceptions to the general guidelines for retaining evidence, including:
• Investigation ongoing: If an investigation is ongoing, the police may keep evidence indefinitely until the case is resolved.
• Appeals or litigation: If a case goes to appeal or litigation, the police may need to retain evidence for an extended period of time to ensure that it is available for legal proceedings.
• Criminal justice information system (CJIS) retention: The police may be required to retain evidence for a longer period of time if it is stored in a CJIS database, which is a system used to store and share criminal justice information.
• Historical significance: If evidence is considered to have historical significance, such as a piece of physical evidence that is related to a famous crime, the police may choose to retain it indefinitely.
How Is Evidence Stored and Preserved?
The police use a variety of methods to store and preserve evidence, including:
• Secure storage facilities: Evidence is typically stored in a secure facility, such as a evidence locker or a crime lab.
• Environmental control: Evidence is stored in a controlled environment, such as a temperature- and humidity-controlled room, to prevent degradation or contamination.
• Labeling and tracking: Evidence is labeled and tracked to ensure that it is accurately identified and located.
• Chain of custody: The police maintain a chain of custody for evidence, which is a record of everyone who has handled the evidence and the date and time that it was handled.
Conclusion
The police keep a wide range of evidence, and the length of time that evidence is kept can vary depending on the type of evidence and the stage of the investigation. While there are general guidelines for retaining evidence, there are several exceptions to these guidelines, including ongoing investigations, appeals or litigation, CJIS retention, and historical significance. The police use a variety of methods to store and preserve evidence, including secure storage facilities, environmental control, labeling and tracking, and a chain of custody. By understanding how long the police keep evidence and how they store and preserve it, we can better appreciate the importance of evidence in the criminal justice system.
