There is a standard that states that "non-recoverable" prints must be photographed [Refer to ASCLD-LAB Supplemental requirement to ISO 17025, 5.8.4.4: When evidence, such as latent prints and impressions, can only be recorded or collected by photography and the impression itself is not recoverable, the photograph or negative of the image shall be treated as evidence].
Current policy at my lab (in the latent print section anyway) states that we will provide the submitting agency with copies of the digital images taken of non-recoverable prints (basically any porous technique since it fades, dye stains, etc.) during casework. This is done by saving the images on a CD or DVD and returning it inside the container with the evidence to the agency. We store the original images in Content Manager (a digital media server at our lab).
Does your lab store your evidentiary photos on a digital media server at your lab? Are copies of these images returned to the submitting agency (ex. CD, DVD, etc.)? If you do, would you mind sharing your laboratory's policy with me?
Feel free to contact me on this message board or privately at: Stephany.Louk-Denney@mshp.dps.mo.gov
Thank you,
Stephany