Once a crime scene has been isolated and thoroughly examined, physical evidence is collected and stored for future analysis by crime labs. The evidence is also preserved for later presentation in court as exhibits. When evidence is no longer needed, it is returned to its owner or destroyed. Evidence Custodians do the work of keeping track, storing, releasing, and disposing of these articles of evidence. Upon receipt of an article of evidence the Sheriff's Evidence Custodians assign a bar code to the article through an automated bar code system. That bar code tracks the history of that article of evidence in order to maintain the chain of custody. If the chain of custody has been violated on an item of physical evidence, it may not be admitted in court.

They are also responsible for handling and processing property that is seized by law enforcement officers, as well as stolen, abandoned, or found property. Such property can range in size from handheld objects to vehicles. It includes narcotics, weapons, currency, hazardous substances, documents, computers, and automobiles, among many other items.

The Evidence Custodians perform their duties is a very strict security environment and therefore must possess a familiarity with all laws and regulations pertinent to their occupation.

If you would like to contact the evidence facility phone 225-621-8369 or email Sgt. Pam Gaines.

Evidence Custodians