From whom must you obtain approval before disposing of crime scene evidence?

Before disposing of crime scene evidence, obtaining approval from the Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) is crucial. The SJA serves as the legal advisor to military commands and ensures that all actions concerning legal matters comply with applicable laws and regulations. This includes the proper handling and disposal of evidence to maintain its integrity and any future legal proceedings. By involving the SJA in the approval process, it safeguards against any potential legal repercussions that may arise from improperly disposing of evidence, which could undermine investigations or prosecutions.

The involvement of the SJA also ensures that any evidence is handled in a manner that adheres to the rules of evidence and chain of custody requirements, which are essential in criminal law. Therefore, their role is vital when critical decisions are made regarding the fate of evidence collected at a crime scene.