How should corroborating evidence be handled on a 400-series case?

• A. Collect, log, tag with proper identifiers, and secure in evidence processing.
• B. Share publicly before custody.
• C. Delete duplicates to avoid clutter.
• D. Keep evidence only in the officer's notebook.

Answer: (A)

Handling corroborating evidence properly protects the investigation’s integrity and ensures the item can be trusted in court. The best practice is to collect the item, log it into the evidence system, tag it with proper identifiers (such as case number, item description, date/time, location, and the officer responsible), and secure it through the evidence processing workflow. This creates a clear chain of custody: each transfer or handling step is recorded, the item is stored in a secure, controlled environment, and access is limited to authorized personnel. By maintaining this process, the evidence remains untampered, identifiable, and ready for the court to review.

Sharing publicly before custody would contaminate the investigation and potentially violate policy. Deleting duplicates could remove important corroborating material, compromising the case. Keeping evidence only in the officer’s notebook fails to provide proper custody, accountability, and accessibility.