Military Defense Investigation Knowledge Base
Military Defense Investigation Authority Publication
Authority Publication No. DI-151
The Evidence Locker May Be Your Best Friend
Independent Military Defense Investigations
Supporting Attorneys, Service Members, and Families
Publication Date: September 8, 2026
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Executive Summary
The investigative report is a summary; the evidence locker may contain the source material behind it. DI-044A explains how inventories, property records, physical evidence, photographs, and chain-of-custody documentation can reveal unanswered questions in a military defense investigation.
The evidence locker can become one of the most important sources of information in a military defense investigation because it preserves the materials behind the investigative narrative.
An investigative report may describe a photograph, summarize a laboratory result, identify an item of physical evidence, or state that property was collected. The evidence inventory, property receipts, packaging, chain-of-custody records, laboratory submissions, and retained evidence may provide a more complete picture of what was actually collected and what happened to it.
DI-044A explains why defense investigators should compare the report with the underlying evidence record. That comparison may identify material that was collected but not emphasized, evidence that was never tested, photographs or attachments that were not included with the report, unexplained transfers, or items that generate additional investigative questions.
The objective is verification, not accusation. A gap in paperwork does not automatically prove mishandling, and an untested item does not automatically prove that the government ignored important evidence. Each issue must be investigated on its own facts. A disciplined evidence-room review helps defense counsel understand what the source material establishes, what remains uncertain, and what follow-up may still be necessary.
A military investigative report can summarize what investigators found, but the evidence locker may preserve the original materials needed to test that summary. Evidence inventories, property receipts, photographs, packaging, laboratory submissions, chain-of-custody records, and retained physical evidence can identify what was collected, how it was handled, what was tested, and what may still require review. This Authority Publication explains why defense investigators should compare the report with the underlying evidence record rather than treating the narrative as the entire investigation.
Who Should Read This Publication?
Military Defense Counsel
Use the evidence-room framework to identify source materials behind investigative conclusions and determine whether additional review, testing, discovery, or expert assistance may be warranted.
Defense Investigators
Apply a systematic method for comparing reports with evidence inventories, property records, photographs, packaging, laboratory submissions, and chain-of-custody documentation.
Service Members
Understand why the final investigative report may not contain every detail about the physical or documentary evidence collected in the case.
Experts
Identify original items, photographs, testing history, packaging, handling records, and other source materials that may be necessary before offering a reliable specialized opinion.
Families
Understand the role of evidence preservation and why concerns about evidence should be directed through defense counsel rather than through independent contact with witnesses, evidence custodians, or investigative agencies.
Companion Video
This companion video expands on the investigative concepts presented in this Authority Publication through additional explanation, practical examples, and professional investigative insight.
About Michael West
The investigative guidance presented throughout these Authority Publications is based upon decades of professional experience conducting military, federal, criminal, civil, and private investigations. The principles discussed in these publications are drawn from real investigative work involving complex cases, witness development, evidence analysis, and factual case preparation.
Michael West has served as a Special Agent with the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) and the Department of Defense Inspector General, conducted federal background investigations, and spent decades working as a licensed private investigator supporting attorneys, businesses, service members, and private clients. Throughout his career, his work has focused on identifying facts, locating witnesses, analyzing evidence, and strengthening the factual foundation of legal cases through independent investigation.
The Military Defense Investigation Knowledge Base was created to share that investigative experience in a practical, understandable format. Its purpose is to help attorneys, service members, and families better understand the investigative process, ask more informed questions, and recognize opportunities where independent investigation may strengthen the defense.
Important Information
This Authority Publication is provided for educational and informational purposes and is intended to help readers better understand military defense investigations and the investigative process. It is based upon professional investigative experience and is designed to provide practical investigative insight rather than legal advice.
Every military case is unique. The investigative strategies, factual issues, and legal considerations applicable to one case may not apply to another. Readers should consult with a qualified attorney regarding legal rights, legal strategy, and decisions involving their individual circumstances.
Nothing contained in this publication should be interpreted as creating an attorney-client relationship or an investigator-client relationship. References to investigative techniques, procedures, or case examples are provided solely to illustrate investigative principles and should not be considered legal guidance.
Effective military defense is strengthened by informed legal representation supported by thorough factual investigation. The purpose of these Authority Publications is to help readers better understand that investigative process so they can communicate more effectively with qualified legal counsel and make informed decisions throughout the military justice process.