Evidence Preservation
Evidence to Consider Preserving:
Clothing, bedding or any object that may contain bodily fluids (should be stored in cardboard boxes or paper bags)
Consider labeling the outside of the box or bag. For example, “t-shirt, last worn 01-20-2020.”
E.g., text messages, emails, social media posts
Consider making printouts of the electronic messages, note the source and date of the communications (if not already time and date stamped).
(Including photos stored on smartphones, personal computers, and other devices). Consider making printouts as electronic devices might break or simply not work with the passage of time.
An official examination conducted by a SANE nurse to collect evidence and report patient's medical condition. Consult the local emergency room to request an examination.
Consider making a list of names and contact details of potential witnesses.
Consider writing down details of the incident(s) in journal notes or calendars.
Any evidence that might be lost through an upgrade or replacement of equipment or technology, consider backing up digital files in multiple places.
Some software and certain accounts may simply be lost, or access discontinued, with the passage of time.
Any physical, documentary or electronic data that might be helpful or relevant to an investigation should be preserved. When preserving evidence, find a safe place to store it.
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