Bode-RFID – Enhanced Forensic Processing
RFID Questions? Click Here to Ask The Expert
Bode-RFID – Enhanced Forensic Processing
RFID technology creates the ability to enhance the Chain-of-Custody control, increase process efficiency, and automate tracking of evidence and case folders in forensic evidence processing.
The following information outlines how adding RFID technology throughout the forensic analysis process improves the overall efficiency, accuracy and chain-of-custody.
Evidence Collection at the Crime Scene
By using crime scene collection kits pre-labeled with RFID Tags or tagging evidence samples at a crime scene with an RFID tag, an electronic chain-of-custody is established at the point of collection, providing more efficiency in collection, and security of evidence samples throughout the entire forensics process.
Case and evidence information is entered into a handheld reader at the crime scene and a manifest of evidence collected is automatically generated for each case as evidence is collected.
When the collection process is complete the case information and evidence manifest to transmitted to your agency so the case and sample information will already be in the system, significantly reducing accessioning time to a few seconds.
Accessioning
As samples are received in the evidence room, they pass through an RFID enabled portal that identifies each item by reading the RFID tags as they pass through. As the items are handed off, the RFID enabled badges of the person delivering the package and the evidence custodian are read – creating a chain-of-custody transfer automatically by recording the identification of each person, the time and items transferred.
When case information is transmitted to the agency and stored in the case management system before the evidence arrives, the accessioning process is completed by putting the evidence on a RFID reader or that will pull up the previously transmitted data from the crime scene and compare the data to the evidence it is reading. If the data is identical, including all evidence collected and received, the accessioning process is complete and chain-of-custody confirmed.
There is no need to open any evidence packaging for this process since RFID tags do not require a light of sight to identify the tag and evidence. At this point the evidence custodian can either store the evidence as required or redistribute them to the lab for testing. The RFID system eliminates much of the bottleneck in the accessioning process.
If the items are being stored, their location is entered into the RFID software. This can be done manually, through RFID enabled storage facilities or with an RFID enabled handheld device.
Sample Retrieval and Chain of Custody Transfer
Samples are retrieved through a look-up feature in the RFID software. The software will have the identity of the location. If the sample has been moved or is not in the identified storage location, an RFID enabled handheld device can be used to search for the specified sample. As the sample comes into range of the reader (up to 15 feet away), an audible beeping is emitted from the handheld device. The beeping becomes louder and more frequent as the handheld device gets closer to the item. This feature significantly reduces time spent looking for items.
As samples are received into the evidence room, they can be accessioned by using an RFID enabled Smart-Table. The Smart-Table automatically reads and created a manifest all items being accepted or transferred. The SmartTable reads multiple items at a single time without needing to see the label (which would be necessary if using barcode labels). A SmartTable can also be used as a chain-of-custody transfer station. As items are read, so are the RFID badges of the individuals transferring the items. By a click of a button, custody is transferred and a log is created.
Tracking through facilities and alerts
Portals throughout a facility allow items to be tracked within zones. As items pass through the portals, their location is automatically tracked and stored in the RFID software. As these items move through the facility, the RFID-tagged badges of the personnel carrying the items are read as well. As the badges and items are read together, the items are associated with the individuals and the custody is verified. Motion detectors are used to determine the directionality of the movement and record if items and personnel are leaving or entering a zone in the RFID software.
If items or personnel enter unauthorized areas, the system can be programmed to make a visual and/or audible alarm, which alerts the personnel with the items and administrators monitoring the system.
Tracking of Case Folders
The RFID system allows for the tracking of all items and assets including case folders. Portals can be placed within the facility to track RFID-tagged case folders as they are moved from place to place. The location of where the case folders are detected is logged in the RFID software.
Case folders can then be located within a zone using the Find and Locate feature of the handheld device as noted above.
