ASTM E860-22

Overview

ASTM E860-22, titled Standard Practice for Examining and Preparing Items That Are or May Become Involved in Criminal or Civil Litigation, is a widely recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This standard specifies procedures for forensic science practitioners to document, examine, and test physical evidence items or systems that may become subject to legal proceedings. Its guidelines apply to situations where evidence examination or testing may change the nature, state, or condition of the evidence, and where discipline-specific expertise and documentation are essential for legal defensibility.

ASTM E860-22 supports the accurate recording of evidence condition, ensures proper handling during destructive and non-destructive testing, and outlines the chain-of-custody and notification requirements critical for both civil and criminal investigations. By promoting standardized forensic practices, this document helps maintain the integrity and admissibility of forensic evidence in legal contexts.

Key Topics

• Evidence Documentation: Establishes procedures for accurately recording the initial nature, state, and condition of evidence through descriptive, photographic, or other suitable methods.
• Destructive Testing Guidance: Details when and how destructive testing of evidence can be conducted, and mandates thorough documentation to prevent spoliation (loss or alteration) of evidence.
• Chain of Custody: Stresses rigorous documentation of every transfer and storage of evidence to uphold legal admissibility and evidentiary integrity.
• Notification and Participation: Recommends notifying relevant parties before conducting actions that could permanently alter evidence and providing opportunities for third-party observation, except in circumstances where notification could impede investigations.
• Deviation and Justification: Acknowledges that deviations from standard practice may occur but requires full documentation and justification for such variations.
• Safety and Compliance: Reminds users that it is their responsibility to maintain appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices, taking regulatory constraints into account.

Applications

ASTM E860-22 is primarily utilized in:

• Forensic Laboratories: Guides forensic scientists in the examination, documentation, storage, and transportation of physical evidence.
• Legal Investigations: Assists legal professionals, investigators, and technical experts when evidence forms the basis of current or potential litigation.
• Incident Response Teams: Supports technical personnel handling evidence from crime scenes, accidents, or disputed civil incidents, ensuring evidence is preserved in a manner suitable for legal scrutiny.
• Expert Witness Preparation: Provides documentation and procedural rigor to support the testimony of forensic experts in court.
• Accreditation and Training: Serves as a foundational document for forensic science practitioner training programs and laboratory quality management systems.

Following ASTM E860-22 ensures that examination and testing of evidence-especially when such actions are likely to be destructive-are defensible, reproducible, and align with best practices in the forensic community. This minimizes the risk of evidence being excluded or challenged during litigation.

Related Standards

Many other ASTM and industry standards complement or expand upon the procedures described in ASTM E860-22. Notable related standards include:

• ASTM E1188: Practice for Collection and Preservation of Information and Physical Items by a Technical Investigator.
• ASTM E1459: Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related Documentation.
• ASTM E1492: Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory.
• ASTM E1732: Terminology Relating to Forensic Science.
• ASTM E2917: Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and Professional Development.
• NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations.

Other discipline-specific standards referenced within ASTM E860-22 address areas such as DNA analysis, digital evidence, textile fibers, fire debris, trace evidence, document examination, and wildlife forensics. Referencing these related standards ensures a comprehensive and consistent approach to the examination and handling of all types of forensic evidence across diverse investigative fields.