Custody of Evidence

Idaho
Department of
Correction

Policy
Title:
Custody of Evidence

Page:
1 of 2

Control Number:
116
Version:
2.0
Adopted:
12/01/1982

Idaho Department of Correction

Christine Starr, Deputy Director, approved this document on 01/31/2024.
Open to the public: Yes No

Revision Summary
Revision date (01/31/2024) version 2.0: Reformatted and language updated.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................... 1
A. Statutory Authority ............................................................................................................. 1
B. Board of Correction IDAPA Rule ........................................................................................ 1
C. Policy Statement ............................................................................................................... 1
D. Scope ................................................................................................................................ 2
E. Responsibility .................................................................................................................... 2
F. Policy ................................................................................................................................ 2
G. References ........................................................................................................................ 2

A. STATUTORY AUTHORITY
Idaho Code § 20-244, Government and Discipline of the Correctional Facility – Rules and
Regulations
B. BOARD OF CORRECTION IDAPA RULE
IDAPA 06.01.01.116, Custody of Evidence
C. POLICY STATEMENT
Control Number:
116
Version:
2.0
Title:
Custody of Evidence

Page Number:
2 of 2

Idaho Department of Correction

It is the policy of the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) that all evidence confiscated from
employees, clients, residents, contractors, or witnesses which is to or may be utilized in
administrative disciplinary proceedings or criminal proceedings shall be maintained in a safe
and secure manner until completion of the case.
D. SCOPE
This policy applies to all procedures created under the authority of this policy and to all IDOC
correctional facilities (to include community reentry centers [CRCs] and privately managed
facilities) and probation and parole districts.
E. RESPONSIBILITY
None
F. POLICY
1. General Statement
a. A proper chain of custody of evidence must be maintained at all times.
b. Evidence must be stored in a safe location to ensure against theft or damage. If secure
facilities are not available, arrangements must be made with the local police or sheriff.
c. Upon completion of case action, all criminal evidence must be held until the case is
adjudicated or prosecutors deem the evidence can be disposed of. Disposal shall only
occur after IDOC has received written correspondence from the prosecuting attorney
(letter or email) indicating the corresponding matter is resolved and that no appeals or
other relevant cases are pending. All other evidence must be held for six months and if
not claimed, disposed of immediately afterward.
d. If evidence is in the form of marijuana, narcotics, illicit, or abusable drugs, the evidence
must be turned over to local law enforcement authorities or the Idaho State Forensics
Laboratory for disposal.
e. Illegal items or property that cannot be returned because possession by the client or
resident is illegal, must be destroyed or turned over to the state of Idaho for disposal.
G. REFERENCES
None
– End of Document –