Preserve the Condition.Protect the Question.
Once an item is moved, cleaned, repaired, energized, disassembled, or discarded, its original relationship to the scene may be impossible to recreate. Vector preserves that relationship through disciplined documentation, collection, packaging, custody, and coordination so the physical evidence remains traceable and available for independent analysis.
PRINCIPLEThe scene may change. The evidentiary record should remain clear, traceable, and reliable.
More Than the Item.
Every Relevant Connection.
Collection alone does not preserve meaning. A reliable evidentiary record connects the item to its original location, surrounding conditions, related components, handling history, and the claim question it may help answer.
Context
Where the item was located and how it related to the scene.
Condition
How the item appeared before movement, collection, or testing.
Custody
Who controlled the item through each transfer and examination.
Disposition
How retention, release, return, or disposal was authorized and recorded.
Controlled From the Scene.
Through Final Disposition.
Each checkpoint supports the integrity of the evidentiary record while giving the client clear direction regarding notice, documentation, collection, packaging, security, and release.
Consequential Questions Require Reliable Evidence.
Preservation should be considered whenever an item, area, or condition may affect the analysis and may be altered, repaired, discarded, returned, or released before the question is resolved.
Recovery
Potential product, contractor, installation, or utility involvement.
Liability Evaluation
Physical evidence needed to independently assess or respond to an allegation.
SIU
Conditions or components requiring objective documentation and controlled retention.
Technical Testing
An item may require nondestructive review, laboratory analysis, or a joint examination.
A Clear Record.
At Every Transfer.
Vector maintains an organized evidentiary record that connects the item to the scene, documents changes in custody, and supports appropriate access, testing, retention, and disposition decisions.
Before the Evidence Changes.Put Vector on the Assignment.
Contact Vector when a scene, component, or condition may need to be documented, collected, preserved, inspected, tested, transferred, or released.
Protect the question.
Maintain the record.