Collecting Documentary Evidence
Collect documentary evidence such as Shore
Patrol reports, log entries, watch bills, service
record entries, local instructions, or organizational
manuals. Attach the original or a certified copy
of relevant documents to the investigator’s report.
Check to see if you, as investigator, have the
authority to certify relevant documents. If you do,
write on the documents the words certified to be
a true copy, and sign your name.
Collecting Real Evidence
Real evidence is a physical object, such as a
knife used in an assault or a stolen camera in a
theft case. Before seeking real evidence, become
familiar with the Military Rules of Evidence
concerning searches and seizures. The Manual for
Courts-Martial, 1984 contains the Military Rules
of Evidence. Take photographs of an object if it
is too large to bring to NJP proceedings. Leave
real evidence in the custody of a law enforcement
agency unless otherwise directed; however,
personally examine the evidence.
Advise the Accused
Before questioning the accused, have the
accused sign the acknowledgement line on the
front of the report chit and initial any attached
pages.
Use the Suspect’s Rights Acknowledgment/
Statement form (figs. 2-5 and 2-6) as a checklist
Figure 2-6.-Suspect’s Rights Acknowledgment/Statement (Back).
2-7
