Many laboratory examinations can degrade or destroy document evidence. For example, the chemical processing for latent prints may cause the ink to run or to disappear completely. It also destroys any indented writings and may negatively affect other potential examinations. Incoming cases are screened for their potential for future Questioned Document examinations and those cases are routed to the Questioned Document Section. At a minimum the questioned documents are photographed and, if appropriate, some examinations may be conducted. Any tests or examinations that are conducted are non-destructive and will have absolutely no adverse effects on any subsequent examination for latent prints.
Archives
Can you determine what Internet resources a user has accessed?
Most web-browsers and web-based applications, record a user’s activity – logging what Internet resources were accessed. Even when a user attempts to delete this information, the browsing activity can often be recovered. If the data hasn’t been overwritten, the exact time, resource and content of the activity may be available.
Please contact the Digital & Multimedia Evidence section for additional information.
Can you determine location information from a mobile device?
Depending on the device’s capabilities and settings, Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates and available/connected WiFi access point identifiers may be present. This information can be extracted and interpreted to determine locations the device was near.
Please contact the Digital & Multimedia Evidence section for additional information.
Can you recover deleted text messages from a mobile phone?
The ability to recover deleted text messages depends on the make and model of the mobile phone, the length of time that has passed since the messages were deleted, the number of new text messages that have been sent or received since the messages were deleted, whether the deleted messages have been overwritten, and if phone has been reset or restored.
Please contact the Digital & Multimedia Evidence section for additional information.
What is the procedure for getting primer residue collection kits for my agency?
Primer residue kits are available from the Evidence Receiving Sections at each of the four DFS laboratories.
What is the best time and place to collect a primer residue sample?
It is best to collect at the scene or as soon as possible. Kits collected from living individuals beyond 8 hours after an incident will not be accepted for analysis. If the subject must be transported before being sampled, bag the hands with paper or Tyvek® bags to prevent contamination and loss of particulate.
Why is a moist towelette provided with primer residue collection kits?
The towelette is provided for collecting officers to wipe their hands with before using the kit to sample a subject’s hands for primer residue. Washing the hands or wearing gloves is also an option if available. These precautions are the best way to ensure that the collecting officer is not a source of contamination on samples collected from the subject’s hands.
What is the submission criteria for primer residue kits ?
Requests for Primer Residue (PR) examinations of samples obtained from living persons suspected of firing a weapon will be routinely accepted. Primer Residue kits collected from the following will not be routinely accepted: gunshot victims, inanimate objects, and individuals found in possession of a weapon. There is no need to submit a CA letter with the submission of any PR case. New submission guidelines are posted on our website: https://dfs.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Trace-Policy-Change.pdf
What do I do with an intact explosive device?
Do not bring it to the laboratory! The lab does not accept live explosive devices.
As of December 1, 2014, DFS has limited the types of explosive evidence that it will accept for analysis. To view the updated Trace Evidence submission policy, use this link: https://dfs.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Trace-Policy-Change.pdf
Will the laboratory analyze fireworks?
If an item is commercially labeled D.O.T. Class C. Fireworks, it is not necessary for the laboratory to analyze the chemical content of the item. The Code of Virginia lists those fireworks that are “legal” and the remainder are excluded based upon their function not chemical composition. Oftentimes a videotape of the device being set off is sufficient for court. See Code of Virginia Sections §59.1-142 and §59.1-147.