The chain of evidence is key to the successful prosecution of any criminal case.
It's when the chain is broken that problems arise, potentially leading to the dismissal of charges against even the most hardened of criminals.
That's why Washington County District Attorney Steven Toprani has formed a committee of municipal police officers with the hope of setting minimum standards for the handling and preserving of evidence for trial.
The committee held its first meeting Wednesday in Courthouse Square.
Carroll Township police Chief Paul Brand was chosen to chair the committee. Other members include Charleroi police Superintendent Mike Matyas; Monongahela Chief Brian Tempest; Fallowfield Township officer Steve Kenyon; Cecil Township Chief John T. Pushak; McDonald Chief Mark Dorsey; and J. Michael Aaron, chief detective for the district attorney's office.
"Eventually, I want to involve all of the county's 36 police chiefs," said Toprani.
Toprani had the idea to form the committee in light of the recent arrest of former Fallowfield police Officer Allen Pettit.
Pettit was charged for stealing and using drugs being held as evidence at the police department. The drugs were seized during February 2006 raid of the home of Charles Paith, 26, of Van Voorhis.
Now that the evidence is no longer available, Toprani is considering dismissing the criminal case against Paith.
"It may be that we have no alternative," Toprani explained.
While most of the county's police departments seem to be handling evidence with no problems, the district attorney said it's good to have a standard in place to avoid any confusion in the future.
The committee will meet again in March.