Evidence Storage Procedures
Every step of our process is designed to preserve the integrity of vehicle evidence from intake through discharge.
Step by Step
Our Chain of Custody Process
From the moment a vehicle enters our facility to the day it is released, every action is documented and defensible.
Storage Agreement
New clients must review and sign a storage agreement before vehicle delivery is scheduled. Returning clients with an executed agreement on file may proceed directly to scheduling intake.
- Storage agreement provided to new clients
- Agreement must be signed prior to delivery scheduling
- Returning clients with agreement on file may proceed directly to scheduling intake
- Agreement establishes terms, access rules, and release procedures
Prearrival Authorization
Before a vehicle arrives, the requesting attorney or authorized agent completes our intake form. We verify vehicle information, assign a facility case number, and designate a storage bay.
- Intake form submission
- Attorney / firm verification
- Facility case number assigned
- Bay pre designated
Vehicle Receipt and Documentation
Upon arrival, our staff documents the receipt of the vehicle. Condition is noted and the receiving party signs off on receipt.
- Written condition notation at arrival
- Odometer and VIN recording
- Delivering carrier and transport information recorded
- Signed receipt acknowledgment
Storage Assignment
The vehicle is moved to its assigned bay. A physical tag links the vehicle to its case file. Only authorized personnel may access the bay.
- Physical bay tag affixed
- Access restricted to authorized parties
Expert Access Management
When attorneys or vehicle experts request access, we verify authorization, log the visit with time and purpose, and provide a staff escort to the vehicle. Experts conduct their work independently. All access is documented. Inspections are conducted in 8 hour periods using the two post lift.
- Authorization verification prior to entry
- All individuals must sign in; time in and time out recorded for each person
- Staff escort provided to vehicle; experts work independently
- Vehicle lift use is charged per inspection
- No unescorted or unauthorized access permitted
Controlled Release
Release of a vehicle requires written authorization from the designated attorney of record. Our release documentation captures the receiving party's acknowledgment.
- Written release authorization required
- Final chain of custody entry
- Copy of custody log provided upon request
Access Coordination
How We Manage Vehicle Access
Every visit to a stored vehicle is scheduled, escorted, and logged.
Appointment Based Access
All vehicle access is by appointment only. Each party, whether plaintiff, defense, or independent expert, schedules their own visit by phone. We confirm availability and assign a time.
Staff Escorted Visits
A Premier VES staff member escorts all visitors to the vehicle. No party is permitted to access a stored vehicle unaccompanied at any time.
Visit Log Maintained
Every access visit is logged and available to the attorney of record. The log includes the date, time, and identity of each party granted access.
Documentation
What We Provide
At Intake
- Facility intake receipt
- Assigned case number
During Storage
- Access logs for each entry
- Inspection coordination records
- Condition monitoring notes
- Incident reports (if applicable)
At Release
- Complete chain of custody log
- Certified copy of full custody record
- Release authorization documentation
Questions About Our Procedures?
Our intake team is available to answer any questions about our evidence storage protocols and documentation practices.