DA Form 4002 Evidence/Property Tag Guide | U.S. Army

DA Form 4002 Evidence/Property Tag Guide | U.S. Army – DA Form 4002, officially titled Evidence/Property Tag, is a key U.S. Army document used to identify, track, and control evidence or property collected during investigations, found items, or items held for safekeeping. It works alongside DA Form 4137 (Evidence/Property Custody Document) to maintain the chain of custody and ensure accountability.

This article provides current, practical information for military police, Criminal Investigation Division (CID) personnel, and other Army professionals in the United States who handle evidence and property.

What Is DA Form 4002?

DA Form 4002 is a single-copy tag prepared to physically identify and secure individual items of evidence or property. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) serves as the proponent, and the form remains active (dated July 1, 1992). It is prescribed by AR 195-5 and referenced in AR 190-45 for law enforcement reporting.

The tag attaches directly to the item (or its container) and stays with it until final release or disposition. It helps distinguish multiple items from the same case and provides quick reference for custodians, lab examiners, and investigators.

Purpose and Importance of the Evidence/Property Tag

The primary purpose of DA Form 4002 is to identify and control each item of evidence. The first military police (MP) or special agent (SA) who receives the evidence is responsible for completing and attaching the tag.

Key benefits include:

  • Maintaining Chain of Custody: Ensures evidence integrity from collection through court or disposition.
  • Accurate Tracking: Prevents loss or mix-ups, especially with multiple similar items.
  • Legal and Investigative Support: Provides verifiable identification for audits, inspections, trials, or property returns.

Proper use supports compliance with Army regulations on evidence handling and protects the admissibility of evidence in military or civilian proceedings.

When to Use DA Form 4002?

Use DA Form 4002 for:

  • Evidence seized at crime scenes.
  • Found property on military installations.
  • Items received for safekeeping.
  • Property held during investigations (e.g., bicycles, tools, personal effects).

Attach it to the item itself or the outer container if the item is sealed. Group similar items (e.g., a toolbox) under one tag when appropriate.

It is prepared in one copy and remains attached until the property is released, returned to the owner, destroyed, or otherwise disposed of.

How to Fill Out DA Form 4002 Step-by-Step?

Complete the tag in ink or typewritten by the person collecting the item at the scene. Key fields typically include:

  • Document Number: Sequential number for the year (e.g., a single digit for sequence + last two digits of the year).
  • Item Number: Specific identifier for the piece of evidence.
  • MPR/CIR Sequence Number: Related military police report or CID report number.
  • Description of Item: Detailed description including make, model, serial number, condition, etc.
  • Date and Time Acquired.
  • Location of Recovery.
  • Recovered By: Name, rank, and unit of the collector.
  • Owner/Subject Information (if known).
  • Remarks: Additional details or special handling instructions.

Review for accuracy and legibility, as the tag supports laboratory processing and court proceedings. Cross-reference with DA Form 4137 for full custody documentation.

Best Practices for Evidence Tagging and Handling

  • Attach the tag securely so it does not detach during transport or storage.
  • Minimize handling of evidence — tag as soon as possible.
  • Use the tag in conjunction with proper packaging and DA Form 4137 entries.
  • Preserve the tag through all transfers; it serves as a visible control label for the evidence custodian.

For large items or bulk property, ensure the tag is visible and protected from damage.

  • DA Form 4137: Evidence/Property Custody Document — the main receipt and chain-of-custody record.
  • AR 190-45: Law Enforcement Reporting — references DA Form 4002.
  • AR 195-5: Criminal Investigation activities.

Always consult the latest Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) for official PDFs and updates.

Where to Download DA Form 4002?

Access the official fillable or printable version through the U.S. Army Publishing Directorate (APD) at armypubs.army.mil. Search for DA Form 4002. Several authorized military sites also host current versions for training and reference.

Conclusion: Proper Use Ensures Mission Success and Evidence Integrity

DA Form 4002 remains an essential tool for U.S. Army law enforcement and investigative personnel. Accurate completion and attachment help safeguard evidence, support thorough investigations, and maintain accountability across the force.

For the most current instructions, refer directly to AR 190-45, unit standard operating procedures (SOPs), or your local Provost Marshal Office (PMO) or CID office. Proper evidence handling protects the rights of all parties and upholds the standards of military justice.