Evidence Handling: Currency over what amount must be counted and verified by an evidence technician?

• A. $1,000
• B. $10,000
• C. $20,000
• D. $5,000

Answer: (D)

In evidence handling, large sums of currency must be counted and verified to protect accuracy and maintain a solid chain of custody. When currency exceeds five thousand dollars, the evidence technician performs a formal count with a second person witnessing, records the total on the property receipt, and notes any serial numbers if applicable. This two-person verification reduces the risk of errors, loss, or misappropriation and ensures the amount matches the documentation for later disposition or court presentation. Smaller amounts are typically handled through routine intake without the formal two-person count, so five thousand dollars is the threshold that triggers the formal counting and verification process. The other dollar amounts listed are not the standard threshold for this procedure.