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.)

Scenarios and RFLEs

Packaging Guides