NATIONAL POLICE RESEARCH UNIT/TECHSEARCH/3M AUDIT BAG (FROM POLICE TECHNOLOGY: ASIA PACIFIC POLICE TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE, P 81-86, 1993, JULIA VERNON AND DES BERWICK, EDS. -- SEE NCJ-145004)

• NCJ Number: 145012
• Author(s): D Berwick
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Type: Program Description (Demonstrative)
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

In 1983, the Australian National Police Research Unit was assigned by its Board of Control to examine drug seizure protocols, focusing on the practices, procedures, and associated equipment used from point of seizure to point of destruction.

Abstract

As a result of this analysis, the unit decided that one priority was to develop a tamper-resistant exhibit bag as a fundamental step toward improving drug exhibit security. A prototype bag was developed which aimed to minimize the time between actual seizure and first accountability by using a tell-tale seal to ensure the integrity of the exhibit. Design considerations associated with development of the Audit Bag included identification of container, chain of evidence, availability of containers to possible users, immediate sealing at point of seizure, and security. Several Australian states have successfully used the Audit Bag, demonstrated by improved evidence controls, less disputed evidence, and improved image of police professionalism.