Why Is Victim Evidence Important

- Victim evidence- In a forensic lab there is always data that is specified to a victim’s case such as fingerprints, DNA, and apparatus (weapons) it is often used to help solve cases such as murders and crimes that need forensic technology to help identify the suspect. Because of the importance of this information it has to be stored securely meaning it should be locked in a file draw which is located inside a securely locked room designated to specific cases. Information is slowly added to the investigation and evidence is looked at constantly to help with it. At the end of the investigation evidence is analysed fully usually by a group of people who evaluate it to come up with a verdict this process usually takes 10-24hours depending on the case. The LIMS management system helps labs store their evidence easily and this subsequently helps labs specify their scientific findings
correctively and efficiently. The fact it gives them the right information at the exact time prevents labs from wasting time searching for evidence creating an efficient working environment.
- Chain of Custody procedures-The chain of custody is simply keeping a record of every employee who has had used a sample, what it’s been tested for, and where and how it has been stored.
Adherence to chain of custody procedure ensures that forensic laboratory evidence can be admitted in Court with the knowledge that the item was collected from a specified individual or location by a specified person and that the results obtained on testing the specimen can be traced back to the specified individual or location. The Chain of custody procedures are found on written documents usually found at reception and sometimes on the computer each employee working in the Lab should know the Chain of Custody procedures to enable efficient lab working and to prevent a violation of the law which could lead to prosecution. As a result of this the procedures need to be revised and known off by heart by employees and this means they are looked at regularly. LIMS system enables the chain of custody evidence to be looked at if the court requires or asks for it during a hearing it is quick and easy to look
at.
- Standard test procedures- Standard test procedures are where the employees have specified roles which involve specific test procedures which can include dangerous substances. The test instructions enable efficient lab testing and safe testing to prevent accidents to employees. The standard test procedures will be kept on documents that are quick and easy for employees to view, each employee may even have copies printed off at hand. LIMS can also be used by employees to help manage the test procedures that the lab uses making it quick and easy for employees to view.
- COSHH Records- Stands for the control of substances hazardous to health this is very important information that should be stored so that is accessible for employees as in a forensic lab there are many harmful substance such as; carrying out autopsy's on victims that have died from poison such as radiation. Employees should be very familiar with COSHH records to ensure optimum safety is taking place and to ensure that the lab runs efficiently whilst using dangerous/Hazardous substances, because of this they will have been revised by employees thoroughly and employees will have personal copies to make sure they can view the records if they feel they need to refresh their memory. LIMS is a very important system when it comes to storing COSHH records as it stores and shows employees hazardous substances that they are dealing with.