Evidence Handling and Laboratory Capabilities Guide
This Evidence Handling and Laboratory Capabilities Guide is intended to promote the maximum use of physical evidence and encourage greater utilization of the services of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS). The objective of this Guide is to provide practical information concerning how the Forensic Laboratory can assist in criminal investigations and procedures for the collection, preservation, and submission of physical evidence. This Guide is intended for use only by those entities served by DFS and listed in the Code of Virginia under § 9.1-1101(A).
Should any questions arise, individuals are encouraged to contact the Training Section, Forensic Evidence Program Manager Ellen Spain, or appropriate Laboratory (Contact information is listed in each section).
Evidence Handling and Laboratory Capabilities Guide (File.zip)
(File.zip is inclusive of all the sections that are individually linked below.)
- General Submission of Evidence
- Controlled Substances (click here or the Opioid Handling Resources tab above)
- Digital & Multimedia Evidence
- Firearms & Toolmarks
- Forensic Biology
- Impressions
- Latent Prints
- Toxicology
- Trace Evidence – Explosives
- Trace Evidence – Fire Debris
- Trace Evidence – Fracture Match
- Trace Evidence – General Chemical
- Trace Evidence – Glass
- Trace Evidence – Hairs and Fibers
- Trace Evidence – Paint
- Trace Evidence – Primer Residue
- Trace Evidence – Vehicle Lamps
Scenarios and RFLEs
- Scenario and RFLEs 1 and 2: Multiple exams requested with subsequent submission
- Scenario and RFLE 3: Multiple exams requested on a 2 page RFLE
- Scenario and RFLE 4: Drug arrest with multiple items and multiple suspects
- Scenario and RFLE 5: Hit and run accident