37 Tex. Admin. Code § 28.182 - Collection and Preservation

(a) Biological evidence and materials should be collected, handled, and preserved in a manner that prevents contamination and degradation and ensures integrity during all phases of the investigation, pretrial, and post adjudication, including:

(1) Packaging each item of biological evidence separately to prevent contamination;

(2) Labeling, marking for identification, and sealing each package of evidence to preserve its chain-of-custody and to prevent cross contamination, loss, or deleterious change; and

(3) Storing the evidence in climate controlled conditions in a facility, which provides security and limited access.

(b) During the trial phase, due diligence shall be exercised to protect biological evidence from cross contamination, loss, and deleterious change. If a courthouse has climate controlled facilities, those facilities should be used.

Notes

37 Tex. Admin. Code § 28.182

The provisions of this §28.182 adopted to be effective March 13, 2013, 38 TexReg 1702