Collection, Packaging, and Labeling of Forensic Exhibits

Definition and Importance of Exhibits (Barang Kes)

• Definition: "Barang Kes" refers to physical evidence or traces obtained during an investigation used as court evidence against the accused.
• Objective: Maintaining evidence integrity is crucial from the start of the investigation until the conclusion of the trial to ensure a successful prosecution.
• Key Functions of Handling:     * Packaging: Preserves, protects, and identifies evidence.     * Sealing/Signing: Verifies the exhibit remains in its original state, prevents loss/destruction, and ensures no physical changes occur before analysis.

Collection and Handling Procedures at the Scene

• Contamination Control:     * Use clean tools (knives, gloves, tweezers).     * Examine suspect and victim items in different locations to avoid cross-contamination.     * Forensic teams must ensure exhibits are not moved, touched, or modified until properly recorded.
• Preparation for Packaging: All exhibits must be dried at room temperature if found wet before they are packed.
• Labeling Requirements: Labels must include the Police Report Number, Date, IO Name, Evidence description, and Marking number.
• Sealing: Each opening of the packaging must be sealed using forensic seal tape or a wax stamp (meteri).

Specific Packaging Protocols

• Chemicals and Arson Evidence:     * Petrol and Corrosives: Use airtight glass or metal containers. Never use plastic.     * Arson Bags: Do not write on these bags with marker pens to avoid chemical interference.
• Biological Evidence (Blood, Semen, etc.):     * Dry at room temperature before packing in paper bags.     * Avoid touching wet samples directly; use gloves.     * Warning: High temperatures and sunlight ($UV\alpha$ & $UV\beta$) can destroy biological samples.
• Blood on Surfaces:     * Movable Objects: Collect the entire item (e.g., knife, wood), dry it, and pack it in a paper envelope.     * Non-movable Surfaces (Dry): Use a swab stick moistened with distilled water or scrape with a sharp knife.     * Non-movable Surfaces (Liquid): Use a swab stick, dry it, and place it in a glass bottle or paper bag. Store in a refrigerator.

Documentation and Chain of Evidence

• Chain of Evidence: The Investigating Officer (PP/AIO) should personally deliver exhibits to the Jabatan Kimia to maintain the chain of custody.
• Registration: Items returned from Jabatan Kimia must be immediately entered into the Exhibit Register Book and stored securely in the exhibit store.
• Case Example Data:     * Report: CHERAS RPT 1023/2010 dated 15/05/2010.     * Investigating Officer: G/6577 Ahmad B. Man.     * Sample Items: Walther semi-auto pistol, SME shell casings, Swan plastic-handle knife, Surya cigarette butt.

Management Challenges and Best Practices

• Redundancy: Avoid sending both a swab and the physical weapon for the same analysis to Jabatan Kimia to prevent overlapping work.
• Storage: DNA samples must be stored in specialized refrigerators at the IPD (District Police Headquarters) to prevent degradation.
• Disposal: Once a case is concluded in court, DNA exhibits should be returned to Jabatan Kimia for disposal to protect confidential information (such as laboratory analysis numbers).