Handbook Of Forensic Services
Handbook of Forensic Services
(revsed 2007)
Editor
Km Waggoner
Editorial Assistant
Kathryn H. Suchma
Graphic Design
Sandra D. Hollday
An FBI Laboratory Publcaton
Federal Bureau of Investgaton
Quantco, Vrgna
ISBN 978-0-16-079376-9
Table of Contents
Introducton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Submttng Evdence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Evdence Examnatons. . . . . . . . . . . 13
Crme Scene Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Crme Scene Search . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
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INTRODUCTION
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Introduction
The Handbook of Forensic Services provdes
guidance and procedures for safe and efficient
methods of collectng, preservng, packagng, and
shppng evdence and descrbes the forensc
examnatons performed by the FBI’s Laboratory
Dvson and Operatonal Technology Dvson.
FBI Forensic Services
The successful nvestgaton and prosecuton of
crmes requre, n most cases, the collecton,
preservaton, and forensc analyss of evdence.
Forensc analyss of evdence s often crucal to
determnatons of gult or nnocence.
The FBI has one of the largest and most
comprehensve forensc laboratores n the world,
and the FBI Laboratory s accredted by the
Amercan Socety of Crme Laboratory Drectors/
Laboratory Accredtaton Board. The forensc
servces of the FBI Laboratory Dvson and the
Operatonal Technology Dvson are avalable to
the followng:
ß
FBI field offices and legal attachés.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
U.S. attorneys, mltary trbunals, and other
federal agences for cvl and crmnal matters.
ß
State, county, and muncpal law
enforcement agences n the Unted States
and terrtoral possessons for crmnal
matters.
All forensc servces, ncludng expert wtness
testmones, are rendered free of cost; however,
the followng lmtatons apply:
ß
No examnaton wll be conducted on
evdence that has been prevously subjected
to the same type of examnaton. Exceptons
may be granted when there are reasons for a
reexamnaton. These reasons should be
explaned n separate letters from the drector
of the laboratory that conducted the orgnal
examnaton, the prosecutng attorney, and the
nvestgatng agency.
ß
No request for an examnaton wll be
accepted from laboratores havng the
capablty of conductng the examnaton.
Exceptons may be granted upon approval of
the FBI Laboratory Drector or a desgnee.
ß
No testmony wll be furnshed f testmony on
the same subject and n the same case s
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
provded for the prosecuton by another
expert.
ß
No request for an examnaton wll be
accepted from a nonfederal law
enforcement agency n cvl matters.
In addton, when submttng evdence to the FBI
Laboratory, contrbutors acknowledge the
followng:
ß
FBI examners wll choose approprate
techncal processes to address the
contrbutor’s request for examnaton.
ß
Dependng on the caseload of the Laboratory
and the needs of the contrbutor, evdence
examnatons may be subcontracted.
ß
An FBI Laboratory Report of Examnaton may
contan the opnons and/or nterpretatons of
the examner(s) who ssued the report.
Violent Crime Versus Property Crime
The FBI accepts evdence related to all crmes
under investigation by FBI field offices; however, it
accepts from state and local law enforcement
agences only evdence related to volent crme
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
nvestgatons. The FBI does not routnely accept
evdence from state and local law enforcement
agences n cases nvolvng property crmes
unless there was personal njury or ntent to cause
personal njury. These gudelnes help to ensure
that the FBI contnues to provde tmely forensc
assstance to law enforcement agences
nvestgatng crmes of volence or threatened
volence. Addtonal restrctons may be mposed
on case acceptance to acheve ths goal.
At the dscreton of the FBI Laboratory Drector or
a desgnee, the FBI may accept evdence from
property crme cases. Such exceptons wll be
consdered on a case-by-case bass and should
not be regarded as settng a precedent for future
case acceptance. All accepted cases wll be
afforded the full range of forensc servces
provded by the FBI.
The followng are examples of property crmes
that are not routnely accepted for examnatons:
ß
Arson of unoccuped resdental and
commercal buldngs and property.
ß
Explosve ncdents and hoaxes targetng
unoccuped resdental and commercal
buldngs and property.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Vandalsm and malcous mschef drected
toward resdental or commercal buldngs
and property.
ß
Nonfatal traffic accidents involving
speedometer and headlght examnatons
except n cases nvolvng law enforcement
and government officials.
ß
Ht-and-run automoble accdents not nvolvng
personal njury.
ß
Automoble theft, except automoble theft
rngs or carjackngs.
ß
Breakng and enterng.
ß
Burglary.
ß
Mnor theft (under $100,000).
Mnor fraud (under $100,000).
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Submitting Evidence
SUBMISSIONS
Requesting Evidence Examinations
All requests for evdence examnatons should be
n wrtng, on agency letterhead, and addressed to
the FBI Laboratory Evdence Control Unt, unless
otherwse ndcated n the Examinations secton.
Do not submt multple cases under a sngle
communcaton. Each case should be submtted
wth a separate communcaton and packaged
separately.
All international law enforcement agency/
police requests should be coordinated
through the appropriate FBI legal attaché
(LEGAT). LEGATs should fax the request to the
Evidence Control Unit, 703-632-8334, prior to
submitting any evidence to the Laboratory.
Questions concerning international
submissions should be directed to
703-632-8360.
Requests for evdence examnatons must contan
the followng nformaton:
ß
The submttng contact person’s name,
agency, address, and telephone number.
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ß
Previous case-identification numbers,
evdence submssons, and communcatons
relatng to the case.
ß
Descrpton of the nature and the basc facts
of the case as they pertan to evdence
examnatons.
ß
The name(s) of and descrptve data about the
ndvdual(s) nvolved (subject, suspect, vctm,
or a combnaton of those categores) and the
agency-assigned case-identification number.
ß
The name of the prosecutor assgned, f
avalable.
ß
A lst of the evdence beng submtted
“herewth” (enclosed) or “under separate
cover.”
ü
Herewith s lmted to small tems
of evdence that are not endangered by
transmttng n an envelope. Wrte on the
envelope before placng evdence nsde
to avod damagng or alterng the
evdence. The wrtten communcaton
should state: “Submitted herewith are
the following items of evidence.”
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ü
Separate cover s used to shp numerous
or bulky tems of evdence. Include a copy
of the communcaton requestng the
examnatons. The wrtten communcaton
should state: “Submitted under separate
cover by [list the method of shipment]
are the following items of evidence.”
ß
What type(s) of examnaton(s) s/are
requested.
ß
Where the evdence should be returned and
where the Laboratory report should be sent.
A street address must be ncluded.
ß
A statement f the evdence was prevously
examned, f there s local controversy, or f
other law enforcement agences have an
nterest n the case.
Packaging and Shipping Evidence
ß
Pror to packagng and shppng evdence, call
the pertinent unit for specific instructions.
ß
Take precautons to preserve the evdence.
ß
Wrap and seal each tem of evdence
separately to avod contamnaton.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Place the evdence n a clean, dry, and
prevously unused nner contaner.
ß
Seal the nner contaner wth tamper-evdent
or filament tape.
ß
Affix EVIDENCE and BIOHAZARD labels, if
approprate, on the nner contaner. If any of
the evdence needs to be examned for latent
prints, affix a LATENT label on the inner
contaner.
ß
Affix the evidence examination request and all
case nformaton between the nner and outer
contaners.
ß
Place the sealed nner contaner n a clean,
dry, and prevously unused outer contaner
wth clean packng materals. Do not use
loose Styrofoam.
ß
Completely seal the outer contaner so that
tamperng wth the contaner would be
evdent.
ß
All shipments of suspected or confirmed
hazardous materials must comply wth U.S.
Department of Transportaton and
Internatonal Ar Transport Assocaton
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regulatons. Ttle 49 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) lists specific requirements
that must be observed when preparng
hazardous materals for shpment by ar, land,
or sea. In addton, the Internatonal Ar
Transport Assocaton annually publshes
Dangerous Goods Regulations detalng how
to prepare and package shpments for ar
transportaton.
ß
Ttle 49 CFR 172.101 provdes a Hazardous
Materials Table that identifies items
consdered hazardous for the purpose of
transportaton. Ttle 49 CFR 172.101 also
addresses specal provsons for certan
materals, hazardous materals
communcatons, emergency response
nformaton, and tranng requrements for
shippers. A trained and qualified evidence
techncan must assst wth the typng,
labelng, packagng, and shppng of all
hazardous materals.
U.S. Department of Transportaton regulatons
and the followng gudelnes must be followed
when shppng lve ammunton:
ü
Package and shp ammunton separately
from firearm(s).
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ü
The outsde of the contaner must be
labeled “ORM-D, CARTRIDGES, SMALL
ARMS.”
ü
The Declaraton of Dangerous Goods
must nclude the number of packages
and the gross weght n grams of the
completed packages.
ß
Unless otherwse ndcated n the
Examinations secton, address the
outer contaner as follows:
EVIDENCE CONTROL UNIT
LABORATORY DIVISION
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
2501 INVESTIGATION PARKWAY
QUANTICO VA 22135
ß
Shp evdence by U.S. Postal Servce
Regstered Mal, UPS, or FedEx. Record the
method of shpment and the trackng
number(s) on the chan-of-custody form.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Evidence Examinations
Abrasves . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Ink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Adhesves. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Latent Prnts . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Anthropology . . . . . . . . . . 15 Lubrcants . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Arson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Metallurgy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Audo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Mssng Persons . . . . . . . . 94
Bank Securty Dyes . . . . . 21 Pant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Buldng Materals . . . . . . . 22 Pepper Spray
EXAMINA
Bullet Jacket Alloys. . . . . . 23 or Foam. . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Caulk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Pharmaceutcals . . . . . . . 104
Chemcal Unknowns. . . . . 24 Polymers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
TIONS
Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Product Tamperng. . . . . . 106
Controlled Substances . . . 29 Questoned Documents . . 107
Cordage . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Racketeerng Records . . . . 31
Crme Scene Surveys, Rope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Documentaton, and Safe Insulaton . . . . . . . . . 118
Reconstructon . . . . . . . 31 Sealants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Cryptanalyss . . . . . . . . . . 31 Seral Numbers . . . . . . . . 119
Demonstratve Evdence. . 33 Shoe Prnts . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Dsaster Squad. . . . . . . . . 61 Sol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
DNA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Specal-Event and
Electronc Devces . . . . . . 56 Stuatonal Awareness
Explosves . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Support . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Explosves Resdue . . . . . 60 Tape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Feathers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Tre Treads. . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Fbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Toolmarks . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Frearms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Toxcology . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Forensc Facal Imagng . . 68 Vdeo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Weapons of Mass
Har. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Destructon . . . . . . . . . 144
Image Analyss . . . . . . . . . 72 Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Abrasives Examinations
Examnatons may determne the type of abrasve
materal used to sabotage engnes or machnery.
Questions concerning abrasives evidence
should be directed to 703-632-8441. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Employ personnel famlar wth the operatons
and mechancs of engnes and machnery to
recover abrasves.
ß
Abrasves settle n ol and fuel. Submt the ol
and fuel from the engine pump and/or filters.
ß
Abrasves embed n bearngs and other parts.
Submt the bearngs and other parts.
ß
Submt abrasves n heat-sealed or resealable
plastc bags or pant cans. Do not use paper
or glass contaners.
Adhesive, Caulk, and Sealant
Examinations
Adhesves, caulks, and sealants can be compared
by color and chemcal composton wth suspected
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
sources. The source and manufacturer of
adhesves, caulks, and sealants cannot be
determned by compostonal analyss.
Questions concerning adhesive, caulk,
and sealant evidence should be directed to
703-632-8441. Follow the evdence submsson
drectons, ncludng Requesting Evidence
Examinations and Packaging and Shipping
Evidence.
ß
When possble, submt the tem to whch the
adhesve, caulk, or sealant s adhered. If ths
s not possble, remove a sample of the
materal wth a clean, sharp nstrument and
transfer t to a resealable plastc bag or
leakproof container such as a film canister or
plastc pll bottle.
ß
Submt a suspected source. Package
separately.
Anthropological Examinations
Anthropologcal examnatons can determne
whether somethng s a bone and, f so, whether t
s human or anmal n orgn. Race, sex,
approxmate heght and stature, and approxmate
age at death often can be determned from human
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
remans. Damage to bone such as cuts, blunt-
force trauma, and bullet holes also may be
examined. Personal identifications can be made
by comparng X-rays of a known ndvdual wth
skeletal remans.
Anthropologcal examnatons usually are
conducted on bones sent to the Laboratory for
DNA analyss or facal reproductons.
Questions concerning anthropological
evidence should be directed to 703-632-8449.
Follow the evdence submsson drectons,
ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations
and Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Clean and ar-dry bones, f possble. Pack n
paper bags and wrap n protectve materal
such as Bubble Wrap or paper. If tssue s
present on the skeletal materal, refrgerate
untl malng, and then shp n a Styrofoam
cooler.
ß
Collect nsect samples found on the remans
in leakproof containers such as film canisters
or plastc pll bottles. Call the Laboratory at
703-632-8449 for addtonal nstructons.
Submt medcal records and X-rays, f possble.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Arson Examinations
Arson examnatons can determne the presence
of ignitable liquids introduced to a fire scene.
Examnatons of debrs recovered from scenes
can dentfy gasolne, fuel ols, and specalty
solvents. Examnatons generally cannot dentfy
specific brands.
Search at questoned arson scenes for the
followng tems: candles, cgarettes, matchbooks,
Molotov cocktals, fused chemcal masses, or any
electronc or mechancal devces an arsonst may
have used. Also search for burn trals on cloth or
paper, burn trails on carpeted or hardwood floors,
and the removal of personal property or
commercal nventory.
Questions concerning arson evidence should
be directed to 703-632-7641. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
Igntable lquds are volatle and easly lost through
evaporaton. Preserve evdence n artght
contaners such as metal cans, glass jars, or heat-
sealed plastic bags approved for fire debris. Do
not fill the containers to the top. Pack to prevent
breakage.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Audio Examinations
Audo examnatons are conducted by the FBI’s
Operatonal Technology Dvson (OTD), Dgtal
Evdence Laboratory (DEL), Forensc Audo,
Vdeo, and Image Analyss Unt (FAVIAU). The
OTD DEL has dfferent acceptance crtera and a
dfferent physcal address than the FBI Laboratory,
as descrbed below.
Authenticity
Authentcty examnatons are conducted to
determne whether audo recordngs are orgnal,
contnuous, unaltered, and consstent wth the
operaton of the recordng devce used to make
the recordng.
Enhancement
Enhancement examnatons are conducted to
selectvely reduce nterferng nose on audo
recordngs to mprove the ntellgblty.
Voice Comparisons
Spectrographc examnatons compare an
unknown recorded voce sample wth a known
verbatm voce exemplar produced on a smlar
transmsson-and-recordng devce such as the
telephone. Decsons regardng spectrographc
voce comparsons are not conclusve. The results
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
of voce comparsons are provded for
nvestgatve gudance only.
Signal Analysis
Sgnal analyss examnatons are conducted to
dentfy, compare, and nterpret such sgnals as
gunshots and telephone touch tones.
Damaged Media
Audo recordngs can be repared, restored, or
retreved for playback and examnaton, f damage
s not too extensve.
Questions concerning audio examinations
should be directed to 703-985-1393. Questions
concerning audio evidence should be directed
to 703-985-1388.
Audo examnatons may not be submtted drectly
from enttes outsde the FBI. State, local, or
nternatonal agency cases must be submtted by
the FBI field office servicing the area and must
meet one of the followng two crtera: 1) the state,
local, or nternatonal case has a nexus to an
ongong FBI nvestgaton or 2) the FBI dvson
head deems that the case s of enough regonal
mportance to mert the dedcaton of federal
resources to the state, local, or nternatonal case.
These crtera shall be met wth a wrtten
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
statement from the dvson head (Specal Agent n
Charge). FBI enttes may submt cases drectly.
Follow the evdence submsson drectons,
ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations
and Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Wrte-protect the orgnal recordng, whch
may include finalizing CD and DVD media.
ß
Submt orgnal audo recordngs.
ß
Identfy known and questoned voce samples.
ß
Label the outer contaner “FRAGILE,
SENSITIVE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT” or
“FRAGILE, SENSITIVE AUDIO/VIDEO
MEDIA” and “KEEP AWAY FROM MAGNETS
OR MAGNETIC FIELDS.”
ß
Address the outer contaner as follows:
FORENSIC PROGRAM
BUILDING 27958A
ENGINEERING RESEARCH FACILITY
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
QUANTICO VA 22135
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Bank Security Dye Examinations
Bank dye packs contan dye to stan money and
clothng and tear gas to dsorent a robber. Items
such as money and clothng can be analyzed for
the presence of bank securty dye and tear gas.
Questions concerning bank security dye
evidence should be directed to 703-632-8441.
Follow the evdence submsson drectons,
ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations
and Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Only evdence wth vsble red or pnk stans
wll be examned.
ß
Do not submt large staned evdence (e.g.,
car seats). When possble, cut a small sample
of the staned area and submt n a heat-
sealed or resealable plastc bag. Collect an
unstaned control sample, package separately,
and submt t wth the dye-staned evdence.
When cuttng s not possble, transfer
questoned stans by rubbng wth a clean (dry
or wet wth alcohol) cotton swab. Use an
unstaned swab as a control. Ar-dry the swab
and pack n a heat-sealed or resealable
plastc bag.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Building Materials Examinations
Examnatons can compare buldng materals
such as brck, mortar, plaster, stucco, cement, and
concrete.
Questions concerning building materials
evidence should be directed to 703-632-8449.
Follow the evdence submsson drectons,
ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations
and Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
When buldng materals are penetrated or
damaged, debrs can adhere to people,
clothng, tools, bags, and stolen tems and can
transfer to vehcles. If possble, submt the
evdence to the Laboratory for examners to
remove the debrs. Package each tem of
evdence n a separate paper bag. Do not
process tools for latent prnts.
ß
Collect known samples from the penetrated or
damaged areas.
ß
Shp known and questoned debrs separately
to avod contamnaton. Submt known and
questoned debrs n leakproof contaners
such as film canisters or plastic pill bottles. Do
not use paper or glass contaners. Pack to
keep lumps ntact.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Bullet Jacket Alloy Examinations
Elemental analyss of bullet jackets can be done
when a bullet has fragmented so that ndvdual
peces cannot be used for comparson wth test-
fired ammunition from a firearm or in the absence
of a firearm or the lead component of the bullet.
Ths analyss may be helpful when there are
multple shooters and types of jacketed
ammunition. Alloy classification can differentiate
among bullet jacket alloys of dfferent manufactur-
ers or among the bullet jacket alloys n
manufacturers’ producton lnes.
Questions concerning bullet jacket alloy
examinations should be directed to 703-632-
8441. Follow the evdence submsson drectons,
ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations
and Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Ammunton components such as bullets,
cartrdge cases, and shotshell casngs can be
sent va Regstered Mal through the U.S.
Postal Servce. Evdence must be packaged
separately wth the date, tme, locaton,
collector’s name, case number, and evdence
number wrtten on the contaner.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
U.S. Department of Transportaton regulatons
and the followng gudelnes must be followed
when shppng lve ammunton:
ü
Package and shp ammunton separately
from firearm(s).
ü
The outsde of the contaner must be
labeled “ORM-D, CARTRIDGES, SMALL
ARMS.”
ü
The Declaraton of Dangerous Goods
must nclude the number of package(s)
and the gross weght n grams of the
completed package(s).
ß
Do not mark bullets, cartrdges, cartrdge
cases, shotshells, or shotshell casngs. The
date, tme, locaton, collector’s name, case
number, and evdence number must be on the
contaner.
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Chemical Examinations of General
Unknowns
General unknowns nclude powders, lquds, and
stans that are of ndetermnate orgn or cannot be
readily classified. Full identification of an unknown
may not always be possble; however, general
classification of a substance is usually achievable.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
When comparson samples are avalable, t may
be possble to comment regardng the consstency
of the unknown substance compared wth a
known sample.
Call the Laboratory at 703-632-8441 prior to
submitting general unknowns to ensure that
the evidence will be accepted for examination.
The communcaton accompanyng the evdence
must reference the telephone conversaton
acceptng the evdence.
Questions concerning examinations of general
unknowns should be directed to 703-632-8441.
Follow the evdence submsson drectons,
ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations
and Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Submt powder and lqud samples n
leakproof contaners.
Do not submt large staned evdence. When
possble, cut a small sample of the staned area
and submt n a heat-sealed or resealable plastc
bag. Collect an unstaned control sample,
package separately, and submt t wth the staned
evdence. When cuttng s not possble, transfer
questoned stans by rubbng wth a clean (dry or
wet wth alcohol) cotton swab. Use an unstaned
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
swab as a control. Ar-dry the swab and pack n a
heat-sealed or resealable plastc bag.
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Computer Examinations
Content
Examnatons can determne what type of data
files are on a computer.
Comparison
Examinations can compare data files with known
documents and data files.
Transaction
Examnatons can determne the tme and
sequence that data files were created.
Extraction
Data files can be extracted from the computer or
computer storage meda.
Deleted Data Files
Deleted data files can be recovered from the
computer or computer storage meda.
Format Conversion
Data files can be converted from one format to
another.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Keyword Searching
Data files can be searched for a word or phrase
and all occurrences recorded.
Passwords
Passwords can be recovered and used to decrypt
encoded files.
Limited Source Code
Source code can be analyzed and compared.
Call the Computer Analysis Response Team at
703-985-1302 to request a search or field
examination. Submit requests at least one
week in advance.
Obtan as much of the followng nformaton as
possble pror to submttng a request:
ß
Determne the type(s) of computers and
operatng systems.
ß
If applcable, determne the type of network
software, the locaton of the network servers,
and the number of computers on the network.
ß
Determne whether encrypton and/or
password protecton s used.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Specfy whether a sezure of computers and
meda or an on-ste examnaton s requred.
Questions concerning computer evidence
should be directed to 703-985-1302. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
For most examnatons, submt only the
central processng unts and the nternal and
external storage meda.
ß
Use a sturdy cardboard contaner when
shppng computer components. If possble,
use the original packing case with the fitted
paddng. Use large plastc Bubble Wrap or
foam rubber pads as packng. Do not use
loose Styrofoam because t lodges nsde
computers and components and creates statc
charges that can cause data loss or damage
to crcut boards. Seal the contaner wth a
strong packng tape.
ß
Pack and shp central processng unts n the
uprght poston. Label the outsde contaner
“THIS END UP.”
28
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Dsks, cartrdges, tapes, and hard drves must
be packed to avod movement durng
shppng.
ß
Label the outer contaner “FRAGILE,
SENSITIVE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT” and
“KEEP AWAY FROM MAGNETS OR
MAGNETIC FIELDS.”
ß
Address the outer contaner as follows:
FORENSIC PROGRAM
BUILDING 27958A
ENGINEERING RESEARCH FACILITY
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
QUANTICO VA 22135
Back to the top
Controlled Substance Examinations
Controlled substance examnatons can establsh
trace-drug presence, dentty, and quantty.
Bulk Drugs
The Laboratory lmts the quantty of bulk drugs
that t wll analyze. Quanttes exceedng 100
grams of suspected marjuana or 10 grams of all
other suspected drugs ncludng cocane,
methamphetamne, and heron wll be returned
unanalyzed. The Laboratory usually analyzes only
drugs sezed n federal nvestgatons.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Drug Residue
Requests for drug resdue examnatons on
evdence wll be accepted only when the evdence
s properly packaged to avod contamnaton. Drug
resdue examnatons of currency are performed
only on a lmted bass.
Call the Laboratory at 703-632-8441 prior to
submitting drugs or currency to ensure that
the evidence will be accepted for examination.
The communcaton accompanyng the evdence
must reference the telephone conversaton
acceptng the evdence.
Questions concerning controlled substance
evidence should be directed to 703-632-8441.
Follow the evdence submsson drectons,
ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations
and Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Submt evdence n separate heat-sealed or
resealable plastc bags.
ß
Fold clothng to preserve trace evdence.
ß
Do not submit used drug field-test kits with
evdence.
Back to the top
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Crime Scene Surveys, Documentation,
and Reconstruction
Vsual nformaton specalsts receve data from
the field or travel to the field to collect it. They then
use the data to prepare two- and three-
dmensonal dgtal or physcal crme scene
reconstructons as well as computer anmatons or
models that depct bullet trajectory, lne-of-sght
analyss, and vehcular-, human-, or object-
movement analyss.
Questions concerning crime scene surveys,
documentation, and reconstruction should be
directed to 703-632-8194.
Cryptanalysis and Racketeering
Record Examinations
Cryptanalysis
Cryptanalyss examnatons nvolve the analyss of
encoded and encphered documents used by
terrorsts, foregn ntellgence agents, volent
crmnals, street and prson gangs, and organzed
crme groups. Encrypted documents may be faxed
or e-maled for mmedate decrypton. Call
703-632-7356 or 703-632-7334 for contact
nformaton.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Drug Records
Drug records are examned to determne the
overall scope of the busnesses, ncludng the
herarchy, type of drugs dstrbuted, gross sales,
gross or net weghts or quanttes, prce structures,
and other pertnent nformaton.
Gambling
Gamblng examnatons nclude the nterpretaton
of records from sports and horse bookmakng
busnesses, Internet gamblng operatons,
numbers or lottery operatons, and other gamblng
busnesses.
Loan-Sharking
Loan-sharkng records are examned to determne
the amounts of the loans, amounts pad n nterest
and prncpal, number of loans, and nterest rates.
Money Laundering
Money-launderng records are examned to
determne the scope of the operatons, the
amounts laundered, how the funds were
laundered, and any other llegal actvtes.
Prostitution
Prosttuton records are examned to determne
the scope of the busnesses, ncludng the number
of employees and ther roles, gross and net
32
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
revenues, and other financial and organizational
nformaton.
Questions concerning cryptanalysis and
racketeering record evidence should be
directed to 703-632-7356 or 703-632-7334.
Follow the evdence submsson drectons,
ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations
and Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
Back to the top
Demonstrative Evidence
Vsual nformaton specalsts prepare a wde array
of demonstratve evdence for nvestgatve and
prosecutoral purposes. These tems nclude
charts, maps, dagrams, llustratons, and
anmated and dgtally nteractve presentatons.
Questions concerning demonstrative evidence
should be directed to 703-632-8194.
DNA Examinations
Deoxyrbonuclec acd (DNA) s analyzed n body-
fluid stains and other biological tissues recovered
from tems of evdence. The results of DNA testng
on evdence samples are compared wth the
results of DNA analyss of reference samples
collected from known ndvduals. Such analyses
33
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
can assocate vctms and suspects wth each
other, wth evdence tems, or wth a crme scene.
There are two types of DNA used n forensc
analyses. Nuclear DNA (nDNA) s the more
dscrmnatng of the two types and s typcally
analyzed n evdence contanng blood, semen,
salva, body tssue, and hars that have tssue at
ther root ends. The power of nDNA testng done
by the DNA Analyss Unt I (DNAUI) les n ts
ablty to potentally dentfy an ndvdual as beng
the source of the DNA obtaned from an evdence
item to a reasonable degree of scientific certainty,
as well as the definitive power of exclusion.
Addtonally, where approprate, the DNA-typng
results from evdence tems (ncludng tems
related to mssng persons) examned n the
DNAUI may be uploaded nto the Combned DNA
Index System (CODIS) database.
Mtochondral DNA (mtDNA) s typcally analyzed
n evdence contanng naturally shed hars, har
fragments, bones, and teeth. Typcally, these
tems contan low concentratons of degraded
DNA, makng them unsutable for nDNA
examnatons. The hgh senstvty of mtDNA
analyss allows scentsts to obtan nformaton
from old tems of evdence assocated wth cold
cases, samples from mass dsasters, and small
peces of evdence contanng lttle bologcal
34
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
materal. Addtonally, the maternal nhertance of
mtDNA allows scentsts to compare a mtDNA
profile to reference samples from that person’s
mother, brother(s), sster(s), or any other
maternally related ndvduals. All of these
individuals have the same mtDNA profiles
because all maternal relatves nhert ther mtDNA
from ther mother. Because multple ndvduals
can have the same mtDNA type, unique identifica-
tons are not possble usng mtDNA analyss.
However, mtDNA performed by the DNA Analyss
Unt II s an excellent technque to use for
obtanng nformaton when nDNA analyss s not
feasble. Addtonally, the mtDNA-typng results
related to mssng-person cases may be uploaded
nto the CODIS database.
Questions concerning nuclear DNA testing
should be directed to 703-632-8446. Questions
concerning mitochondrial DNA testing should
be directed to 703-632-7572. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
Case Acceptance Policy of the DNA
Analysis Unit I
ß
The DNAUI accepts FBI cases for serologcal
and nDNA analyss. FBI cases are prortzed
35
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
accordng to the FBI’s prortes of counter-
terrorsm; cyber-based/hgh-technology
crmes; publc corrupton; cvl rghts;
transnatonal/natonal crmnal organzatons/
enterprses; major whte-collar crme;
significant violent crime; and support of local,
state, federal, and nternatonal agences. Ths
ncludes examnatons that characterze
bologcal stans and may dentfy the source
of a stan on an evdentary tem.
ß
The DNAUI accepts cases from FBI field
offices and legal attachés (LEGATs); other
federal agences (e.g., Bureau of Indan
Affairs, DEA); U.S. attorneys’ offices; military
trbunals; and duly consttuted state, county,
and muncpal law enforcement agences n
the Unted States and ts terrtores. The
DNAUI also accepts cases that are submtted
to the Laboratory from nternatonal law
enforcement agences through the FBI
LEGATs.
ß
Cases are accepted provded that:
1. The submttng agency s not served by
another government forensc DNA
laboratory.
36
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
2. The submtted case has not been
examned prevously by another
laboratory.
Case Consideration Policy
ß
The DNAUI supports the Natonal Mssng
Person DNA Database (NMPDD) Program.
Cases must be submtted through an NMPDD
Program Manager for entry nto the Bologcal
Relatives of Missing Persons or Unidentified
Human Remans Indexes. The NMPDD
provdes nvestgators wth an opportunty to
identify missing and unidentified persons on a
natonal level.
ß
The DNAUI mantans the Federal Convcted
Offender (FCO) Program, whch supports the
collecton and nDNA analyss of samples
collected from more than 500 stes across the
Unted States.
ß
The DNAUI requres known reference
sample(s) for comparson wth evdence
materials. DNA profiles located in the National
DNA Index System (NDIS) Convcted
Offender database cannot be used as
references.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
The DNAUI does not conduct low-copy-
number (LCN) or “touch DNA” examnatons
(i.e., DNA from fingerprints, pieces of paper,
handled objects, etc.). Items such as steerng
wheels and firearms may be appropriate for
analyss.
ß
The DNAUI does not perform knshp analyss.
Questons concernng knshp, paternty/
maternty comparsons, etc., should be
drected to the DNAUI at 703-632-8446.
As necessary:
ß
DNAUI cases may be prortzed accordng to
scheduled trial dates or other case-specific
nformaton.
ß
The DNAUI does not examne evdence from
property crme cases unless volence that
results n bodly harm s used n the
commsson of the crme.
ß
For cases n whch the FBI Laboratory has
conducted prevous DNA or serologcal
testing, a review of the case file will be
conducted to determne f addtonal
examnatons wll be conducted.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Case Acceptance Policy of the DNA
Analysis Unit II
All FBI cases that meet the sutablty gudelnes
(outlned below) wll be consdered for mtDNA
analyss n the DNAUII. Cases nvolvng terrorsm
are gven hghest prorty, followed by
counterntellgence matters and volent crmes.
Questons regardng case and evdence sutablty
should be drected to the DNAUII at
703-632-7572.
State and local law enforcement agences needng
mtDNA analyss must contact the DNAUII for more
nformaton regardng evdence submsson.
Agences may call 703-632-7572 to dscuss the
needs of the nvestgaton and the evdence,
followng the sutablty gudelnes outlned below.
Analyss of the evdence wll be performed by one
of the unt’s regonal mtDNA laboratores and s
cost-free to state and local law enforcement
agences n the Unted States and ts terrtores.
Travel expenses for examners testfyng n state
and local cases are also pad by the FBI
Laboratory. FBI enttes may refer to the FBI
Laboratory/DNAUII web page on the FBI ntranet
for addtonal nformaton on the regonal mtDNA
laboratores.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Missing-person cases involving unidentified
human remans and relatves of mssng persons
are managed and entered nto the NDIS n the
DNAUII by members of the NMPDD Program.
Evdence from these nvestgatons also
undergoes mtDNA analyss n the DNAUII or n
one of the regonal mtDNA laboratores. Contact
the NMPDD Program Manager at 703-632-7582
for questons regardng mssng-person evdence
submsson. FBI enttes may refer to the FBI
Laboratory/DNAUII web page on the FBI ntranet
for addtonal nformaton on the NMPDD Program.
Suitability of Mitochondrial DNA Analysis
Mtochondral DNA analyss has been appled
successfully to evdence from volent crmes,
typcally homcde, sexual assault, and assault. It
s mportant to remember, however, that mtDNA
analyss s approprate n only a small porton of
cases where mtDNA evdence s present.
Experence shows that about 75 percent of cases
n whch mtDNA analyss s actually performed
nvolve har evdence where only the har shaft s
present. Most often, mtDNA analysis is justified for
har evdence when no tssue s present on the
har root. Mtochondral DNA analyss n mssng-
person cases s approprate only when bone or
40
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
teeth specimens can be verified as of human
orgn.
To avod the msapplcaton of mtDNA analyss
resources, cases must be revewed carefully for
ther scenaros, the possblty of other tests on
avalable evdence (e.g., nDNA), and the selecton
of specmens havng the greatest probatve value.
Regardless of the type of bologcal evdence,
mtDNA analyss generally will not be performed
when nDNA results exst on tems of smlar orgn.
For example, f nDNA results are obtaned from
semen identified on a victim’s vaginal swabs and
there s no allegaton of multple assalants,
mtDNA analyss would not be performed on an
assocated pubc har found n the pubc-har
combngs of the vctm.
Current forensc mtDNA technques cannot
effectvely dstngush between sources or relatve
quanttes of DNA. Consequently, mtDNA s not
approprate for evdence contanng possble
mxed sources of DNA such as semen stains from
sexual assaults.
Mtochondral DNA analyss generally will not be
performed on bloodstains unless the vctm’s
reference samples are not avalable or other
41
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
approprate reference samples are unavalable for
nDNA analyss. For example, a kdnappng vctm
s mssng, but a bloodstan s found n the
suspect’s vehcle and only a maternal relatve’s
(e.g., mother, sblng) reference sample s
avalable for the vctm. In that case, mtDNA
analyss could be conducted usng a porton of the
vehcle bloodstan, the maternal relatve’s
reference sample, and the suspect’s known
sample.
Mitochondrial DNA Analysis of Hair Evidence
Mtochondral DNA analyss should be performed
on probatve har samples only if they are deemed
unsuitable for nDNA analysis. Only those hars
havng greatest probatve value should be
subjected to mtDNA analyss. If several smlar
probatve har specmens are submtted from one
source of evdence, mtDNA analyss should be
performed on only 1–2 hars. For example, f 10
hars collected from a vctm’s body are
mcroscopcally assocated wth the suspect, no
more than 2 hars wll be analyzed.
Submsson gudelnes for mtDNA cases must
nclude the followng ponts for har evdence:
42
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Known vctm har samples (of all types) must
be submtted to determne whether evdence
hars are smlar or dssmlar to the vctm’s
har.
ß
If evdence ncludes specmens dssmlar to
the vctm, known suspect har samples (of all
types) should be obtaned.
Mitochondrial DNA analysis generally will be
performed on all probative microscopic hair
associations. In addton, the followng types of
hars are consdered for mtDNA analyss, f
probatve:
ß
Hars that exhbt “mcroscopc smlartes and
slght dfferences” (e.g., because of prolonged
tme between the crme and collecton of
reference samples, environmental or artificial
changes to har, or the sutablty of reference
samples or questoned har).
ß
Hars that are not sutable for mcroscopc
comparson purposes (e.g., body-area hars,
har fragments, or any other factor that
elmnates the possblty of performng a
comparson). In such cases, however, the har
must be probatve (e.g., apparent foregn har
n the pubc-har combng of the vctm).
43
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Hars that are sutable for mcroscopc
comparson purposes but, for vald reasons,
are not sutable to compare wth the pertnent
reference sample (e.g., har deposted 10
years pror to the collecton of the reference
har sample, reference sample s from an
individual whose hair is artificially treated after
the crme date). Regardless, the har must be
probatve.
Unidentified Human Remains
Pror to mtDNA analyss, bone or teeth specmens
should be examned by a forensc anthropologst
or odontologist or a similarly qualified individual.
Submssons of such tems should be
accompanied by a written report that verifies
human origin by a qualified expert.
Documenting, Collecting, Packaging, and
Preserving DNA Evidence
If DNA evdence s not properly documented,
collected, packaged, and preserved, t wll not
meet the legal and scientific requirements for
admssblty n a court of law.
ß
If DNA evdence s not properly documented,
ts orgn can be questoned.
44
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
If t s not properly collected, bologcal actvty
can be lost.
ß
If t s not properly packaged, contamnaton
can occur.
ß
If t s not properly preserved, decomposton
and deteroraton can occur.
When DNA evdence s transferred by drect or
secondary (ndrect) means, t remans on
surfaces by absorpton or adherence. In general,
lqud bologcal evdence s absorbed nto
surfaces, and sold bologcal evdence adheres to
surfaces. Collectng, packagng, and preservng
DNA evdence depends on the lqud or sold state
and the condton of the evdence.
The more evdence retans ts orgnal ntegrty
untl t reaches the Laboratory, the greater the
possblty of conductng useful examnatons. It
may be necessary to use a varety of technques
to collect suspected body-fluid evidence.
Collecting Known Samples
Blood
ß
Only qualified medical personnel should
collect blood samples from a person.
45
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Collect at least two 5-mL tubes of blood n
purple-top tubes, whch contan EDTA as a
preservatve, for DNA analyss. Collect drug or
alcohol-testng samples n gray-top tubes,
which contain NaF (sodium fluoride).
ß
Label each tube wth the date, tme, person’s
name, locaton, collector’s name, case
number, and evdence number.
ß
Refrgerate, do not freeze, lqud blood
samples (tubes may break f frozen). Use cold
packs, not dry ce, durng shppng.
ß
Pack lqud blood tubes ndvdually n
Styrofoam or cylndrcal tubes wth absorbent
materal surroundng the tubes.
ß
Package blood samples from dfferent
ndvduals separately.
ß
Label the outer contaner “KEEP IN A COOL,
DRY PLACE,” “REFRIGERATE ON
ARRIVAL,” and “BIOHAZARD.”
ß
Submt to the Laboratory as soon as possble.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Buccal (Oral) Swabs
ß
Use clean cotton swabs to collect buccal
(oral) samples. Rub the nsde surfaces of
the cheeks thoroughly.
ß
Ar-dry the swabs and place n clean paper
or an envelope wth sealed corners. Do not
use plastc contaners.
ß
Identfy each sample wth the date, tme,
person’s name, locaton, collector’s name,
case number, and evdence number.
ß
Package oral samples from dfferent
ndvduals separately.
ß
Buccal samples do not need to be
refrgerated.
ß
Submt to the Laboratory as soon as possble.
ß
If a reference blood or oral sample cannot be
obtaned, an alternate reference sample may
be submtted (for nuclear examnatons only).
Ths may nclude such tems as surgcal
samples, Pap smear sldes, pulled teeth, or a
toothbrush or tem of clothng known to be
used solely by the ndvdual of nterest.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Blood on a Person
ß
Absorb suspected lqud blood onto a clean
cotton cloth or swab. Ar-dry the cloth or swab
and pack n clean paper or an envelope wth
sealed corners. Do not use plastc contaners.
ß
Absorb suspected dred blood onto a clean
cotton cloth or swab mostened wth dstlled
water. Ar-dry the cloth or swab and pack n
clean paper or an envelope wth sealed
corners. Do not use plastc contaners.
Blood on Surfaces or in Snow or Water
ß
Absorb suspected lqud blood or blood clots
onto a clean cotton cloth or swab. Ar-dry the
cloth or swab and pack n clean paper or an
envelope wth sealed corners. Do not use
plastc contaners.
ß
Collect suspected blood n snow or water
mmedately to avod further dluton. Elmnate
as much snow as possble. Place n a clean,
artght contaner. Freeze the evdence and
submt to the Laboratory as soon as possble.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Bloodstains
ß
Ar-dry suspected wet bloodstaned garments.
Wrap dred bloodstaned garments n clean
paper. Do not place wet or dred garments n
plastc or artght contaners. Place all debrs
or resdue from the garments n clean paper
or an envelope wth sealed corners.
ß
Ar-dry small suspected wet bloodstaned
objects and submt the objects to the
Laboratory. Preserve bloodstan patterns.
Avod creatng addtonal stan patterns durng
dryng and packagng. Pack to prevent stan
removal by abrasve acton durng shppng.
Pack n clean paper. Do not use plastc
contaners.
ß
When possble, cut a large sample of
suspected bloodstans from mmovable
objects wth a clean, sharp nstrument. Pack
to prevent stan removal by abrasve acton
durng shppng. Pack n clean paper. Do not
use plastc contaners.
ß
Absorb suspected dred bloodstans on
mmovable objects onto a clean cotton cloth
or swab mostened wth dstlled water. Ar-dry
the cloth or swab and pack n clean paper or
49
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
an envelope wth sealed corners. Do not use
plastc contaners.
Blood Examination Request Letter
A blood examnaton request letter must contan
the followng nformaton:
ß
A bref statement of facts relatng to the case.
ß
Clams made by the suspect(s) regardng the
source of the blood.
ß
Whether anmal blood s present.
ß
Whether the stans were laundered or dluted
with other body fluids.
ß
Informaton regardng the health of the
vctm(s) and suspect(s), ncludng the
presence of such nfectons as AIDS,
hepatts, and tuberculoss.
Semen and Semen Stains
ß
Absorb suspected lqud semen onto a clean
cotton cloth or swab. Ar-dry the cloth or swab
and pack n clean paper or an envelope wth
sealed corners. Do not use plastc contaners.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Submt small suspected dry semen-staned
objects to the Laboratory. Pack to prevent
stan removal by abrasve acton durng
shppng. Pack n clean paper. Do not use
plastc contaners.
ß
When possble, cut a large sample of
suspected semen stans from mmovable
objects wth a clean, sharp nstrument. Pack
to prevent stan removal by abrasve acton
durng shppng. Pack n clean paper. Do not
use plastc contaners.
ß
Absorb suspected dred semen stans on
mmovable objects onto a clean cotton cloth
or swab mostened wth dstlled water. Ar-dry
the swab or cloth and place n clean paper or
an envelope wth sealed corners. Do not use
plastc contaners.
ß
Note: It s not necessary to collect reference
seminal fluid for comparison. Refer to the
Collecting Known Samples secton for more
nformaton.
Seminal Evidence from Sexual Assault Victims
ß
Sexual assault vctms must be medcally
examined in a hospital or a physician’s office
51
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
usng a standard sexual assault evdence kt
to collect vagnal, oral, and anal evdence.
ß
Refrgerate and submt the evdence to the
Laboratory as soon as possble.
Saliva and Urine, Other Sources of
Body-Fluid Evidence
ß
Absorb suspected lqud salva or urne onto a
clean cotton cloth or swab. Ar-dry the cloth or
swab and pack n clean paper or an envelope
wth sealed corners. Do not use plastc
contaners.
ß
Submt small suspected dry salva- or urne-
staned objects to the Laboratory. Pack to
prevent stan removal by abrasve acton
durng shppng. Pack n clean paper or an
envelope wth sealed corners. Do not use
plastc contaners.
ß
When possble, cut a large sample of
suspected salva or urne stans from
mmovable objects wth a clean, sharp
nstrument. Pack to prevent stan removal by
abrasve acton durng shppng. Pack n clean
paper. Do not use plastc contaners.
52
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Pck up cgarette butts wth gloved hands or
clean forceps. Do not submt ashes. Ar-dry
and place the cgarette butts from the same
locaton (e.g., ashtray) n clean paper or an
envelope wth sealed corners. Do not submt
the ashtray unless a latent prnt examnaton
s requested. Package the ashtray separately.
Do not use plastc contaners.
ß
Pck up chewng gum wth gloved hands or
clean forceps. Ar-dry and place n clean
paper or an envelope wth sealed corners. Do
not use plastc contaners.
ß
Pck up envelopes and stamps wth gloved
hands or clean forceps and place n a clean
envelope. Do not use plastc contaners.
Hair
ß
Pck up har carefully wth clean forceps to
prevent damagng the root tssue.
ß
Air-dry hair mixed with suspected body fluids.
ß
Package each group of har separately n
clean paper or an envelope wth sealed
corners. Do not use plastc contaners.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Refrgerate and submt to the Laboratory as
soon as possble.
Tissue, Bones, and Teeth
Call the Laboratory at 703-632-7572 pror to
submttng suspected tssue, bones, or teeth to
ensure that the evdence wll be accepted for
examnaton. The communcaton accompanyng
the evdence must reference the telephone
conversaton acceptng the evdence.
ß
Pck up suspected tssue, bones, and teeth
wth gloved hands or clean forceps.
ß
Collect 1–2 cubc nches of red skeletal
muscle.
ß
Submt whole bones. Cuttng bones ncreases
the possblty of contamnaton.
ß
Collect teeth n the followng order:
1. Nonrestored molar.
2. Nonrestored premolar.
3. Nonrestored canne.
4. Nonrestored front tooth.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
5. Restored molar.
6. Restored premolar.
7. Restored canne.
8. Restored front tooth.
ß
Place tssue samples n a clean, artght
plastc contaner wthout formaln or
formaldehyde. Place teeth and bone
samples n clean paper or an envelope wth
sealed corners.
ß
Freeze the evdence, place n Styrofoam
contaners, and shp overnght on dry ce.
Preserving DNA Evidence–—Long-Term
Storage
ß
Blood/salva (reference samples).
ü
Refrgerate, do not freeze, lqud blood
samples.
ü
Store refrigerated, frozen (if dried), or
at room temperature, away from light
and humidity.
ß
Blood/semen (evdence samples).
55
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ü
Store refrigerated, frozen, or at room
temperature, away from light and
humidity.
ß
DNA tubes/tssue samples, etc.
ü
Store refrigerated or frozen,
if possible.
ü
It s recommended that these samples be
stored n a refrgerator/freezer and
solated from evdence that has not
been examned.
Back to the top
Electronic Device Examinations
Commercial Electronic Devices
Examnatons of commercal electronc devces—
ncludng personal dgtal assstants (PDAs),
cellular telephones, pagers, and global postonng
systems (GPSs)—can extract user- or owner-
entered data and other nformaton. In some
cases, t s necessary to dsassemble the devces
durng examnaton.
Interception-of-Communication Devices
Intercepton-of-communcaton (IOC) devces are
used to unlawfully ntercept oral or wre
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
communcatons. The devces consst of rado-
frequency transmtters and recevers.
Examnatons are conducted to dentfy operatng
characterstcs (frequency of operaton, range of
operaton). In some cases, t s necessary to
dsassemble the devces durng examnaton.
Other Electronic Devices and Circuits
Examnatons on other electronc devces and
crcutry—ncludng facsmle machnes, stun guns,
and bomb detonators—can extract user- or
owner-entered data, stored data, and other
nformaton. The examnatons can dentfy
operating characteristics and modifications made
to the devces. In some cases, t s necessary to
dsassemble the devces and/or crcuts durng
examnaton.
Questions concerning electronic device
examinations should be directed to
703-985-2400. Questions concerning shipping
electronic device evidence should be directed
to 703-985-1388. FBI entities may refer to the
Operational Technology Division/Digital
Evidence Section web page on the FBI intranet
for additional information regarding evidence
submission.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Follow the evdence submsson drectons,
ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations
and Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Label the outer contaner “FRAGILE,
SENSITIVE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT”
and “KEEP AWAY FROM MAGNETS OR
MAGNETIC FIELDS.”
ß
Address the outer contaner as follows:
FORENSIC PROGRAM
BUILDING 27958A
ENGINEERING RESEARCH FACILITY
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
QUANTICO VA 22135
Back to the top
Explosives Examinations
Evdence resultng from an apparent exploson
and/or recovery of an explosve devce can be
examned. Examnatons are based on the
premse that components and accessores used
to construct the devces survve the exploson,
although disfigured. The examinations can
accomplsh the followng:
ß
Identfy the components used to construct
the devce, such as swtches, batteres,
detonators, tapes, wres, and fusng systems.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Identfy the explosve man charge.
ß
Determne the constructon characterstcs.
ß
Determne the manner n whch the devce
functoned or was desgned or ntended to
functon.
ß
Determine the specific assembly techniques
employed by the bulder(s) of the devce.
ß
Preserve the trace evdence potentally
present n the devces so that t s not
destroyed or damaged durng the
examnatons.
Call the Laboratory at 703-632-7626 each time
an explosive device or a related explosive item
needs to be shipped. The communcaton
accompanyng the evdence must reference the
telephone conversaton acceptng the evdence.
Questions concerning explosives evidence
should be directed to 703-632-7626.
Explosives are hazardous materials and must
be handled only by qualified public safety
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
personnel, military explosives ordnance
disposal personnel, or certified bomb
technicians. Special packaging is required,
and the amount to be shipped is regulated. An
FD-861 form (Mail/Package Alert) is required
for shipping bomb components to the FBI
Laboratory.
Back to the top
Explosives Residue Examinations
Instrumental analyses of explosves resdue can
determne whether substances are hgh-explosve,
low-explosve, or ncendary mxtures; whether the
composton of the substances s consstent wth
known explosves products; and the type of
explosves. Explosves resdue can be deposted
on metal, plastc, wood, paper, glass, cloth, and
other surfaces. Resdue may be deposted after
handlng, storng, or ntatng an explosve.
Questions concerning explosives residue
evidence should be directed to 703-632-7626.
Follow the evdence submsson drectons,
ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations
and Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Some explosves resdue s water-soluble and
must be protected from mosture. Other
60
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
resdue evaporates quckly and must be
collected as soon as possble n artght
contaners such as metal cans, glass jars, or
heat-sealed or resealable nylon or Mylar
bags. Ziplock storage bags are not suitable for
shppng or storng explosves resdue
evidence. Do not fill the containers to the top.
Pack to prevent breakage.
ß
Collect and preserve control samples from the
blast ste.
ß
Extreme care must be taken to avod
contamnatng explosves resdue evdence.
ß
Never store or shp explosves resdue
evdence wth bulk explosve materals.
Never store or shp explosves resdue evdence
from a crme scene wth evdence from a search
ste.
Back to the top
FBI Disaster Squad
ß
Asssts n prntng the deceased at dsaster
scenes.
ß
Assists in collecting antemortem fingerprints
of vctms.
61
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Asssts n dentfyng frcton rdge skn of the
deceased.
ß
Deployment of the FBI’s Dsaster Squad
requres consent from the dsaster scene
coroner or medcal examner, a rankng law
enforcement or government official, a
representatve of the Natonal Transportaton
Safety Board, or a representatve of the U.S.
Department of State.
ß
Requests for assstance must be made
through the nearest FBI field office or the
FBI’s Strategc Informaton and Operatons
Center at 202-323-3300.
Back to the top
Feather Examinations
Feather examnatons can determne brd speces
and can compare feathers found on clothng,
vehcles, and other objects wth feathers from the
crme scene.
Questions concerning feather evidence
should be directed to 703-632-8449. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Submt feathers n heat-sealed or resealable
plastc bags or paper bags.
Back to the top
Firearm Examinations
Firearms
Frearm examnatons can determne the general
condition of a firearm and whether the firearm is
mechancally functonal or n a condton that could
contrbute to an unntentonal dscharge. Trgger-
pull examnatons can determne the amount of
pressure necessary to release the hammer or
firing pin of a firearm. Examinations can determine
whether a firearm was altered to fire in the full-
automatc mode. Oblterated and/or altered
firearm serial numbers sometimes can be
restored. Firearms can be test-fired to obtain
known specmens for comparson wth evdence
ammunton components, such as bullets,
cartrdge cases, and shotshell casngs.
Comparisons of suspect firearms can be made
with firearms depicted in surveillance images,
possbly resultng n an “assocaton” concluson.
Photogrammetry can determne the length of the
weapon(s) used by the subject(s) depcted n the
survellance mages. See Image Analysis
Examinations.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Bullets
Fred bullets can be examned to determne
general rifling characteristics such as caliber,
physical features of the rifling impressions, and
the manufacturer of the bullets. The mcroscopc
characterstcs on evdence bullets can be
compared with test-fired bullets from a suspect
firearm to determine whether the evidence bullet
was fired from that firearm.
Cartridge Cases or Shotshell Casings
Cartrdge-case or shotshell-casng examnatons
can determne the calber or gauge, the
manufacturer, and whether there are marks of
value for comparson. The mages of questoned
cartrdge cases and shotshell casngs can be
scanned nto the Natonal Integrated Ballstc
Informaton Network (NIBIN) to compare wth
evdence from other shootng ncdents. The
mcroscopc characterstcs of evdence cartrdge
cases and shotshell casngs can be examned to
determine whether they were fired from a specific
firearm.
Shot Pellets, Buckshot, or Slugs
Examnatons of shot pellets, buckshot, or slugs
can determne the sze of the shot, the gauge of
the slug, and the manufacturer.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Wadding
Examnatons of waddng components can
determne the gauge and the manufacturer.
Unfired Cartridges or Shotshells
Examinations of unfired cartridges or shotshells
can determne the calber or gauge and whether
there are marks of value for comparson.
Examnatons also can determne whether the
ammunton was loaded n and extracted from a
specific firearm. Unfired and fired cartridges or
shotshells can be assocated through
manufacturng marks.
Gunshot Residue on Victim’s Clothing
The deposton of gunshot resdue on evdence
such as clothng vares wth the dstance from the
muzzle of the firearm to the target. Patterns of
gunshot resdue can be duplcated usng a
questioned firearm-and-ammunition combination
fired into test materials at known distances. These
patterns serve as a bass for estmatng muzzle-
to-garment dstances.
Gun Parts
Examnatons of gun parts can determne the
calber and model of the gun from whch the parts
orgnated.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Silencers
Muzzle attachments can reduce the nose of a
firearm by suppressing sound during firing. Testing
can determne whether a muzzle attachment can
be classified as a silencer based on a measurable
sound-reducton capablty.
Questions concerning firearm evidence
should be directed to 703-632-8442. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
All firearms must be unloaded.
ß
The firearm should be submitted. If the firearm
cannot be submtted, call 703-632-8442 for
nstructons.
ß
The firearm must be handled minimally to
avod loss or destructon of evdence. Do not
allow objects to enter or contact the firearm’s
barrel, chamber, or other operatng surface.
ß
Frearms and ammunton components such
as bullets, cartrdge cases, and shotshell
casngs can be sent va Regstered Mal
through the U.S. Postal Servce. Evdence
must be packaged separately and identified
66
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
by date, tme, locaton, collector’s name, case
number, and evdence number.
ß
U.S. Department of Transportaton
regulatons and the followng gudelnes must
be followed when shipping live
ammunition:
ü
Package and shp ammunton separately
from firearm(s).
ü
The outsde of the contaner must be
labeled “ORM-D, CARTRIDGES, SMALL
ARMS.”
ü
The Declaraton of Dangerous Goods
must nclude the number of package(s)
and the gross weght n grams of the
completed package(s).
ß
Do not mark the firearm. Firearms must be
identified with a tag containing the caliber,
make, model, and seral number. The date,
tme, name(s) of the owner(s), locaton,
collector’s name, case number, and evdence
number must be on the contaner.
ß
Do not mark bullets, cartrdges and cartrdge
cases, shotshells and shotshell casngs, or
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
other firearm-related evidence. The date,
tme, locaton, collector’s name, case number,
and evdence number must be on the
contaner.
ß
Clothng submtted for gunshot resdue
examnaton must be carefully handled, ar-
dred, and wrapped separately n paper.
Clothng wth blood must be ar-dred and
labeled “BIOHAZARD” on the inner and outer
contaners. The date, tme, locaton, collector’s
name, case number, and evdence number
must be on the contaner.
Back to the top
Forensic Facial Imaging
Vsual nformaton specalsts provde composte
drawngs, two- and three-dmensonal facal
reconstructons from skeletal remans, facal age
progressons, postmortem reconstructons, and
dgtal photographc manpulatons and retouches.
Intervews requred to prepare composte
drawngs may be conducted ether by havng a
visual information specialist travel to the field or by
usng vdeo teleconferencng.
For facal comparsons between known and
questoned subjects, see Image Analysis
Examinations.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Questions concerning forensic facial imaging
should be directed to 703-632-8194.
Back to the top
Glass Examinations
Glass comparson examnatons can determne
whether partcles of glass orgnated from a
broken source of glass. Glass fracture
examnatons can determne the drecton and
type of the breakng force and the sequencng of
shots.
Questions concerning glass evidence should
be directed to 703-632-8449. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
Comparison
ß
Submt samples of glass from each broken
wndow or source n leakproof contaners such
as film canisters or plastic pill bottles. Do not
use paper or glass contaners.
ß
Submt samples of lamnated glass (e.g.,
wndsheld) from each sde of the glass. Label
the samples “INSIDE” and “OUTSIDE” and
package separately n leakproof contaners
such as film canisters or plastic pill bottles. Do
not use paper or glass contaners.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Submt the ar-dred clothng of the vctm(s)
and suspect(s). Package each tem separately
n a paper bag.
ß
Search for partcles n the har, skn, and
wounds of the vctm(s) and suspect(s).
Submt partcles n leakproof contaners such
as film canisters or plastic pill bottles. Do not
use paper or glass contaners.
ß
Search for partcles n vehcles by vacuumng
each secton of the vehcle separately. Do not
use tape for recoverng glass partcles. Submt
vacuum sweepngs n leakproof contaners.
Do not use paper or glass contaners.
ß
Shp known and questoned debrs separately
to avod contamnaton.
ß
Do not process evdence for latent prnts.
Fracture
ß
Label the sdes of the glass n the frame
(“INSIDE” and “OUTSIDE”). Label the glass
where t was removed n the frame (“TOP,”
“BOTTOM,” “LEFT,” and “RIGHT”).
ß
Submt all glass peces so that the peces can
be fit together to identify the radial cracks near
and at the pont(s) of mpact and to ncrease
the probablty of matchng edges. Pack all
70
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
glass separately and securely to avod shftng
and breakng durng shppng.
ß
Submt the entre pece of lamnated glass, f
possble. Secure the glass between sheets of
plywood or sturdy cardboard. Do not place
any objects nto the mpact area.
Do not process evdence for latent prnts.
Back to the top
Hair and Fiber Examinations
Hair
Har examnatons can determne whether hars
are anmal or human. Race, body area, method of
removal, damage, and alteraton (e.g., bleachng
or dyeng) can be determned from human-har
analyss. Examnatons can assocate a har to a
person on the bass of mcroscopc characterstcs
n the har but cannot provde absolute personal
identification. Hairs that are associated will be
submtted for mtochondral DNA analyss.
Fibers
Fiber examinations can identify the type of fiber,
such as anmal (wool), vegetable (cotton), mneral
(glass), and synthetc (manufactured). Questoned
fibers can be compared with fibers from the
clothng, carpetng, and other textles of vctm(s)
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
and suspect(s). A questoned pece of fabrc can
be matched physcally to known fabrc. Fabrc
composton, constructon, and color can be
compared, and mpressons on and from fabrc
can be examned. Label searches can determne
clothng manufacturer nformaton.
Questions concerning hair and fiber evidence
should be directed to 703-632-8449. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
For known har samples, collect at least 25
hars from dfferent parts of the head and/or
pubc regon. Comb and pull out the hars.
Submt hars n clean paper or an envelope
wth sealed corners.
ß
When possble, submt the entre garment or
textile. Submit fibers in clean paper or an
envelope wth sealed corners.
Back to the top
Image Analysis Examinations
Image analyss examnatons are conducted by
the FBI’s Operatonal Technology Dvson (OTD),
Dgtal Evdence Laboratory (DEL), Forensc
Audo, Vdeo, and Image Analyss Unt (FAVIAU).
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
The OTD DEL has dfferent acceptance crtera
and a dfferent physcal address than the FBI
Laboratory, as descrbed below.
Photographic Comparisons
Examinations of film, negatives, digital images,
photographc prnts, and vdeo recordngs,
ncludng survellance mages, nvolve
comparsons of subject(s) or object(s) depcted n
questoned mages wth those n known mages.
Subject(s) or object(s) also can be compared
between multple questoned mages. Subject
comparsons nclude facal comparsons or can be
made between lke body parts, such as hands or
ears. Examples of objects that can be compared
include clothing, firearms, and vehicles.
Photogrammetry
Physcal dmensons can be derved from mages
through the use of geometrc formulas or on-ste
comparson. For on-ste comparsons, examners
enter the scene and place a heght chart at the
locaton of the subject(s) or object(s) of nterest.
Examples of photogrammetry nclude determnng
the heght of a bank robbery subject(s) and the
length of the weapon(s) used by the subject(s)
depcted n survellance mages.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Authenticity and Image-Manipulation
Detection
Photographic evidence—including film, video, and
dgtal mages—can be examned to determne
whether the mage s the result of a composte, an
alteraton, or a copy.
Location, Time, and Date
Examnatons of photographc evdence can
determne the locaton, tme, and date that an
mage was taken.
Source and Age
Photographic products, including film and prints,
can be dated, and the source can be establshed
by examnng manufacturng characterstcs. Ths
can establsh the tme frame durng whch a
photograph was taken.
Cameras
Cameras, both film and digital, seized as evidence
can be compared wth mages to determne
whether a specific camera captured a specific
mage. Smlarly, dgtal vdeo cameras can be
compared wth vdeo clps.
Video
Stll mages can be produced from vdeo clps,
enhanced and enlarged, and used n courtroom
presentatons.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Automobile Make and Model Identification
Vehcles depcted n survellance mages can be
compared wth the Natonal Automotve Image Fle
to determne make and model.
Child Pornography Examinations
Sezed mages of chld pornography should be
searched for known vctms by checkng wth the
Natonal Center for Mssng and Exploted
Chldren and the Innocent Images Natonal
Intatve. The mages also can be compared wth
mages n the Chld Explotaton and Obscenty
Reference Fle to dentfy the source of the
mages. Vdeo clps can be examned to determne
f any of the people and scenes depcted n the
vdeo clps are also recorded as stll mages n the
reference file. Vdeo clps and stll mages also can
be examned to determne f they depct
recordngs or mages of real people and events or
whether they represent computer-generated
subjects and events.
Questions concerning image analysis
examinations should be directed to 703-985-
1393. Questions concerning image analysis
evidence should be directed to 703-985-1388.
Image analyss examnatons may not be
submtted drectly from enttes outsde the FBI.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
State, local, or nternatonal agency cases must
be submitted by the FBI field office servicing the
area and must meet one of the followng two
crtera: 1) the state, local, or nternatonal case
has a nexus to an ongong FBI nvestgaton or
2) the FBI dvson head deems that the case s of
enough regonal mportance to mert the
dedcaton of federal resources to the state, local,
or nternatonal case. These crtera shall be met
wth a wrtten statement from the dvson head
(Specal Agent n Charge). FBI enttes may submt
cases drectly.
Follow the evdence submsson drectons,
ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations
and Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Wrte-protect the orgnal meda. Never use
the Pause operaton when vewng orgnal
vdeo recordngs.
ß
Submt orgnal evdence (e.g., negatves,
vdeotape, CD) whenever possble because t
contans the greatest level of detal. If the
original media is unavailable, submit first-
generaton photographc prnts, vdeotapes, or
digital files of the evidence, being careful not
to ntroduce further compresson.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Process all film prior to submitting. Bank
surveillance film should be processed by the
bank’s securty company accordng to
manufacturer specifications.
ß
When requestng forensc examnatons based
on vdeo mages, queue the orgnal vdeotape
to the approxmate tme of the pertnent area.
State n a communcaton the date and tme of
the pertnent area and use the date-tme
stamp on the mages or the counter ndcator
(set from the begnnng of the tape at 000). If
prnts from the relevant frames are avalable,
submt them for reference.
ß
Arrest or known photographs of suspect(s) for
comparson wth questoned mages must
depct the suspect(s) from many angles
smlar to the questoned mages. If a facal
comparson s requested, ensure that the face
or head of the suspect(s) fills more than half
the frame. If questoned mages show tattoos
or marks, nclude photographs of the same
areas of the body on the known suspect(s).
ß
When takng known photographs for
comparson wth questoned mages, use
35 mm film or digital equivalent (at highest
resoluton settngs to mnmze mage
compresson).
77
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Do not mark or cut tems submtted for
comparison (e.g., clothing or firearms) where
they are vsble n the questoned mages.
ß
Physical items such as clothing and firearms
must be submtted to the Laboratory for other
examnatons such as trace evdence,
ballistic, or fingerprint analyses before they
are submtted for mage comparson.
ß
If photogrammetry s requested, nclude the
dmensons of the scene to the nearest eghth
of an nch and nclude a dagram or prnt from
the relevant mages ndcatng the locaton of
the measurements. Include one dagram or
prnt for every angle used n the scene. Do not
touch or move the survellance cameras.
ß
Submssons for comparson wth the Chld
Explotaton and Obscenty Reference Fle
must be lmted to no more than 30 mages.
Call 703-985-1393 for specific instructions.
ß
When submttng such evdence as a
vdeotape or data card, label the outer
contaner “FRAGILE, SENSITIVE
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT” or “FRAGILE,
SENSITIVE AUDIO/VIDEO MEDIA” and
“KEEP AWAY FROM MAGNETS OR
MAGNETIC FIELDS.”
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Address the outer contaner as follows:
FORENSIC PROGRAM
BUILDING 27958A
ENGINEERING RESEARCH FACILITY
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
QUANTICO VA 22135
Back to the top
Ink Examinations
Examnng nked wrtng n conjuncton wth other
technques (e.g., handwrtng analyss, watermark
identification) can provide details regarding
document preparaton. The composton of wrtng
nks vares wth the type of wrtng nstrument
(e.g., ballpont pen, fountan pen, porous-tp pen)
and the date of the nk manufacture. In general,
nks are composed of dyes n solvents and other
materals that mpart selected characterstcs. Ink
analyss usually s lmted to comparsons of the
organc dye components. When nk formulatons
are the same, t s not possble to determne
whether the nk orgnated from the same source
to the excluson of others. Examnatons cannot
determne how long nk has been on a document.
Questions concerning ink evidence should be
directed to 703-632-8441. Follow the evdence
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submsson drectons, ncludng Requesting
Evidence Examinations and Packaging and
Shipping Evidence.
ß
Pack nk evdence separately from any
document or surface wth nk marks.
Back to the top
Latent Print Examinations
Case Acceptance Policy
Because of the ncreasng casework demands of
the FBI’s prmary msson, protectng the Unted
States from terrorst attacks, the FBI Laboratory
wll no longer accept routne cases from state and
local agences n whch latent prnt examnaton
servces may be obtaned from wthn the
submttng agency’s system. The future
acceptance of any state and local cases generally
wll be based on the submttng agency’s lack of
access to the same technques or servces
provded by the FBI Laboratory, the unusual
techncal nature of the case, or the crcumstances
surrounding the case, e.g., cases of a high-profile
nature or cases that also involve FBI field offices.
Developing Latent Prints at Crime Scenes
The Laboratory s the best place to develop latent
prnts; however, t s sometmes necessary to
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
develop latent prnts at crme scenes. Cauton
should be taken to prevent destroyng latent
prnts. The followng measures ensure that crme
scene latent prnts are protected:
ß
Photograph latent prnts pror to any
processng.
ß
Examne all evdence vsually and wth a laser
or an alternate lght source before usng any
other latent prnt development process.
ß
Photograph latent prnts developed wth
fingerprint powders before lifting them.
ß
Black, gray, or whte powder can be appled to
a surface wth a varety of style of brushes.
The color of the powder should contrast wth
the color of the surface (e.g., black for lght
surfaces and gray or whte for dark surfaces).
ß
Use a short-har brush or cotton to remove
excess powder. Use cauton when powderng.
Avod overbrushng latent prnts and losng
clarty.
ß
Use transparent tape or black-and-whte
rubber lfts to lft latent prnts.
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ß
When transparent tape s used, the color of
the backng card should contrast wth the color
of the powders (e.g., whte backng card for
black powder).
ß
When usng latent prnt development
processes, refer to the manufacturer’s
nstructons and the Materal Safety Data
Sheets. Use personal protectve equpment
(e.g., safety glasses, masks, gloves, smocks).
ß
The Processing Guide for Developing Latent
Prints s a comprehensve gude to latent prnt
processes and protocols. Refer to ths
publcaton to ensure that proper processes
are appled n the recommended order.
Followng ths gude wll maxmze the
potental to develop latent prnts and wll
preserve evdence f other forensc
examnatons are requred. The gude s
avalable at http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/fsc/
backissu/jan2001/lpu.pdf. Law enforcement
personnel may request the Processing Guide
for Developing Latent Prints in field-manual
format by faxng a request on agency
letterhead to 703-632-8374.
Photographing Latent Prints
ß
Use a trpod and cable release when
photographng latent prnts.
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ß
Use a 35 mm or medum-format camera wth
a macro lens capable of half-sze to full-sze
reproducton.
ß
Photograph latent prnts at each step n the
processng sequence before movng to the
next process.
ß
Photograph latent prnts developed wth
fingerprint powders before lifting them.
ß
When possible, use ISO 400 film. Set the lens
f-stop to the smallest possble aperture whle
usng the camera meter to adjust the camera’s
shutter speed to obtan proper exposure.
ß
Take three exposures of each latent prnt by
bracketng:
ü
Orgnal exposure.
ü
One-stop underexposed mage.
ü
One-stop overexposed mage.
ß
Photograph latent prnts ndvdually. Ths
ensures that the target latent prnt s n focus.
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ß
For reference purposes, photograph latent
prnts close to one another n one frame, f
possble.
ß
Fll the frame completely.
ß
Photograph latent prints with an identification
label that ncludes a scale, reference number,
date, collector’s ntals, and locaton of the
latent prints. The identification label should be
placed on the same plane as the latent prnts.
ß
Mantan a photographc log that records each
shot, reference number, date, collector’s
ntals, locaton of prnts, and other pertnent
nformaton.
Questions concerning latent print evidence
should be directed to 703-632-8443. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Stablze the evdence to avod movement or
frcton durng shppng.
ß
Place nonporous evdence (e.g., nonabsorb-
ent, hard surfaces) n separate protectve
coverngs such as thck transparent envelopes
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(glassne), or suspend n a contaner so that
there s mnmal surface contact. Frcton wll
destroy latent prnts on ths type of surface.
ß
Place porous evdence (e.g., paper,
cardboard) n separate protectve coverngs.
Frcton generally wll not destroy latent prnts
on ths type of surface.
ß
Submit known fingerprints and palm prints of
everyone who may have handled the
evdence, ncludng suspects, vctms, those
who had legtmate access, and nvestgatve
personnel. All fingerprint cards must include
pertnent bographcal and/or demographc
nformaton.
ß
Palm prnts should be taken on only one sde
of a separate card, not on the reverse sde of
a fingerprint card or on the reverse side of a
card that has a recorded mpresson on the
other sde.
ß
Fngerprnt cards and major-case prnts
should nclude, at a mnmum, the name of the
person prnted, the name of the person
recordng the prnts, the date, the case-
identification number, and a brief statement of
facts relating to the case. The fingerprint card
should bear an arrest offense.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
The notaton “elmnaton prnts” should be
ncluded f the person prnted s not a suspect.
ß
When known prnts are submtted separately
from evdence, reference prevous
communcatons and case-dentfyng
numbers and other pertnent nformaton.
Submitting Latent and Intentionally Recorded
Print Images in Digital Format
Dgtal mages, ncludng dgtal photographs, of
latent and ntentonally recorded prnts should
nclude a scale or other measurable tem. If a
search of the Integrated Automated Fngerprnt
Identification System (IAFIS) is requested, a scale
or other measurable tem s mandatory.
Dgtal mages, ncludng dgtal photographs, must
meet the followng requrements:
ß
Documentaton of the mage source (e.g.,
wndow, door frame).
ß
Documentaton of the capture devce (e.g.,
flatbed scanner, digital camera).
ß
Documentaton ndcatng the mage s an
orgnal capture.
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ß
Fle propertes for latent mages consstng of:
ü
A file format without compression or with
lossless compresson (e.g., RAW, TIFF).
ü
A mnmum of 8 bts for grayscale mages
and 24 bts for color mages.
ü
A resoluton that meets or exceeds 1000
pxels per nch (PPI) when calbrated to
actual sze (1:1).
ß
Fle propertes for ntentonally recorded prnts
consstng of:
ü
A file format without compression, with
lossless compresson (e.g., RAW, TIFF),
or wth Wavelet Scalar Quantzaton
(WSQ) compresson saved at a maxmum
of 15:1.
ü
A mnmum of 8 bts for grayscale mages
and 24 bts for color mages.
ü
A resoluton that meets or exceeds 500
PPI when calbrated to actual sze (1:1).
Latent prnts submtted as facsmles or
photocopes wll not be examned n the FBI
Laboratory.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Intentonally recorded prnts submtted as
facsmles wll not be examned n the FBI
Laboratory, except when the known prnts wll be
searched aganst IAFIS in order to obtain FBI file
prnts.
Submitting Hands or Fingers of an Unknown
Deceased
ß
Pack each hand or finger in a separate
unbreakable, watertght, and artght contaner.
ß
Label each contaner (e.g., “RIGHT HAND,”
“RIGHT THUMB,” “RIGHT INDEX”).
ß
Shp the remans n the condton n whch
they were found (e.g., n water, frozen, dred)
by the most expedtous means.
ß
Provde a complete physcal descrpton of the
deceased, f possble.
ß
Label the outer contaner “KEEP IN A COOL,
DRY PLACE,” “REFRIGERATE ON
ARRIVAL,” and “BIOHAZARD.”
ß
All human remans wll be returned to the
contrbutor.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Address the outer contaner as follows:
EVIDENCE CONTROL UNIT
LABORATORY DIVISION
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
2501 INVESTIGATION PARKWAY
QUANTICO VA 22135
Legible, complete ten-print fingerprint cards
not related to an ongoing Laboratory
investigation should be sent to the FBI’s
Criminal Justice Information Services Division.
ß
Address the outer contaner as follows:
CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION
SERVICES DIVISION
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
1000 CUSTER HOLLOW ROAD
CLARKSBURG WV 26306
ß
Questions concerning ten-print fingerprint
cards should be directed to 304-625-2360.
Back to the top
Lubricant Examinations
Lubrcants encompass a range of substances,
ncludng petroleum products, natural fatty ester
oils, and polyalkylene glycol oils. Automotive fluids
(e.g., engine oil, brake fluid), certain cosmetics
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
(e.g., bath ols, lotons), and some polshes
contan lubrcants. Lubrcant examnatons may
also be conducted n sexual assault, vehcular
homcde, or heavy-equpment sabotage cases.
Questions concerning lubricant evidence
should be directed to 703-632-8441. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Submt entre tems (e.g., clothng) when
possble. Ar-dry the evdence, and package
separately n paper bags.
ß
Absorb suspected lubrcants onto a clean
cotton cloth or swab. Leave a porton of the
cloth or swab unstaned as a control. Ar-dry
the swab and pack n a heat-sealed or
resealable plastc bag.
ß
Submt suspected sources of lubrcants for
comparson examnatons.
ß
Package lubrcants separately n leakproof
contaners.
Back to the top
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Metallurgy Examinations
Comparison
Comparatve examnatons can determne whether
two metals or metallc objects came from the
same source or from each other. Metal
comparsons can dentfy varous surface and
mcrostructural characterstcs—ncludng
fractured areas, accdental damage, and
fabrcaton marks—to determne whether the
objects share a common orgn. Moreover, the
manufacturng methods used to produce an object
can be determned. These manufacturng
technques can nclude castng, forgng, hot and
cold rollng, extruson, drawng, swagng, mllng,
grndng, spnnng, blankng, ronng, deep
drawng, and others. Examnatons can determne
mechancal propertes, such as the response of a
metal to an appled force or load. Examnatons
also can determne chemcal composton,
ncludng alloyng and trace elements.
Broken or Mechanically Damaged Metal
The causes of falure or damage—such as the
applcaton of stress exceedng the tensle
strength or yeld lmt of the metal; a materal or
manufacturng defect; or corroson, crackng, or
excessve servce usage (fatgue)—can be
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
determned. The magntude of the force or load
that caused the falure, how the force or load was
transmtted to the metal, and the drecton t was
transmtted also can be determned.
Burned, Heated, or Melted Metal
Examnatons can determne the approxmate
temperature to whch a metal was exposed, the
nature of the heat source, and whether a metal
was n an electrcal short-crcut stuaton.
Cut or Severed Metal
Examnatons can determne the method by whch
a metal was severed, such as sawng, shearng,
mllng, turnng, or thermal cuttng. The nature of
the thermal source (e.g., burner bar, electrc arc
welder) used can sometmes be determned.
Metal Fragments
Examnatons can determne how metal fragments
were formed. If fragments were formed by
mpulsve (short-duraton, hgh stran rate) loadng,
an examnaton can determne whether an
explosve was detonated and the magntude of the
detonaton velocty. The nature of the object that
was the source of the fragments often can be
determned as well.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Specification Fraud and Noncompliant
Materials
Metallurgcal testng of materals can determne
whether nferor components were substtuted n
contractng frauds. The composton and
mechancal propertes of materals can be
examned to determne f the components meet
contractual oblgatons or approprate regulatory
codes. Precous-metal content also can be
determned.
Lamp Bulbs
Examnatons can determne whether a lamp bulb
was ncandescent when ts glass envelope was
broken. Determnatons also can be made as to
whether a lamp bulb was ncandescent when t
was subjected to an mpact force such as a
vehcular collson. Such determnatons can be
made even f the glass was broken by the mpact.
Watches, Clocks, and Timers
The condtons causng a watch, clock, tmer, or
other mechansm to stop or malfuncton and
whether the tme dsplayed represents a.m. or
p.m. (calendar-type tmng mechansms only) can
be determned. The on/off condton of applance
timers damaged by a fire or explosion often can
be determned.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Objects with Questioned Internal Components
X-ray radography can nondestructvely reveal the
nteror constructon and the presence or absence
of defects, cavtes, or foregn materals. The
poston of on/off swtches and other mechancal
components can be determned.
Questions concerning metallurgy evidence
should be directed to 703-632-8441. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
Back to the top
National Missing Person DNA Database
Program Examinations
The Natonal Mssng Person DNA Database
(NMPDD) Program s supported by both the DNA
Analyss Unt I (DNAUI) and DNA Analyss Unt II
(DNAUII). Nuclear DNA examnatons are
conducted n the DNAUI and mtochondral DNA
examnatons are conducted n the DNAUII to
support the NMPDD Program. Each unt has an
NMPDD Program Manager who s avalable to
answer any questons regardng case submsson
(contact nformaton s lsted below). Local, state,
and federal law enforcement mssng-person
cases can be submtted drectly to the FBI
Laboratory or through the FBI field offices or
resdent agences. All agences must contact one
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
of the FBI Laboratory’s NMPDD Program
Managers before submttng samples. The
submttng agency must have the necessary
nformaton and completed forms for sample
submsson. The FBI wll perform mtochondral
DNA and nuclear DNA (STR) analyses on
samples.
All samples submtted to the FBI Laboratory must
have an ncomng letter descrbng the samples
submtted. A copy of the anthropology, odontology
(dental), medcal examner and/or coroner, and
law enforcement reports must be ncluded wth
unidentified human remains samples submitted.
Contact ether of the NMPDD Program Managers
pror to submttng samples or for questons
concernng samples.
ß
Call 703-632-7586 for the DNAUI or 703-632-
7582 for the DNAUII.
ß
For FBI (nternal) e-mal, wrte to Erc Pokorak
for the DNAUI or John E. Stewart for the
DNAUII.
ß
For Internet e-mal, wrte to eric.pokorak@
ic.fbi.gov for the DNAUI or john.stewart@
ic.fbi.gov for the DNAUII.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Follow the evdence submsson drectons,
ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations
and Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
Samples from Biological Relatives of Missing
Persons
ß
Samples must be sent wth a Consent and
Informaton Form for the Natonal Mssng
Person DNA Database (FD-935 form). A copy
of the law enforcement report should
accompany the samples submtted.
ß
Collect samples n the followng order of
preference:
1. Dred bloodstans.
2. Buccal (oral) swabs.
Dried Bloodstains
Use the blood-cell collecton kts that are avalable
in FBI field offices or by contacting the NMPDD
Program Managers at 703-632-7582 or
703-632-7586.
Buccal (Oral) Swabs
ß
Use sterle, cotton-tpped applcator swabs to
collect four buccal (oral) samples. Rub the
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
nsde surfaces of the cheeks thoroughly (use
two swabs on each sde).
ß
Ar-dry the swabs and place them back nto
the orgnal packagng or an envelope wth
sealed corners. Do not use plastc contaners.
ß
Identfy each sample wth the date, tme,
subject’s name, locaton, collector’s name,
and case number.
ß
Buccal samples do not need to be
refrgerated.
Samples from Unidentified Human Remains
Call the Laboratory prior to submitting bones,
teeth, or tissue. The communcaton
accompanyng the evdence must reference the
telephone conversaton acceptng the evdence.
Skeletal Samples
Anthropologcal examnatons can determne
whether skeletal remans are human or anmal.
Race, sex, approxmate heght, and stature at
death can be determned from human remans.
ß
Pck up samples wth gloved hands or clean
forceps.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Ar-dry samples and place n paper bags.
ß
Submt whole samples. Cuttng skeletal
samples ncreases the possblty of
contamnaton.
ß
If possble, submt three samples.
ß
Submt skeletal samples wth an anthropolog-
cal report, preferably from an anthropologst
certified by the American Board of Forensic
Anthropology, or a medcal examner’s/
coroner’s report.
ß
Submt skeletal samples n the followng order
of preference:
1. Femur.
2. Tba.
3. Humerus.
4. Teeth, skull, and/or mandble.
5. Hand and foot bones.
6. Lower arm bone.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
7. Vertebrae.
8. Rbs.
Teeth
Personal identifications can be made by
comparng teeth wth dental records and X-rays.
ß
Pck up teeth wth gloved hands or clean
forceps.
ß
Ar-dry teeth and place n paper bags.
ß
Submt teeth wth an odontologcal report,
preferably from an odontologist certified by
the Amercan Board of Forensc Odontology,
or a medcal examner’s/coroner’s report.
ß
Submt teeth n the followng order of
preference:
1. Nonrestored molar.
2. Nonrestored premolar.
3. Nonrestored canne.
4. Nonrestored front tooth.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
5. Restored molar.
6. Restored premolar.
7. Restored canne.
8. Restored front tooth.
Tissue
Tissue samples usually will provide sufficient
quanttes of DNA for testng.
ß
Pck up tssue wth gloved hands or clean
forceps.
ß
Collect 1–2 cubc nches of red skeletal
muscle.
ß
Place tssue samples n a clean, artght
plastc contaner wthout formaln or
formaldehyde and keep refrgerated or frozen.
ß
Label the outer contaner “KEEP IN A COOL,
DRY PLACE,” “REFRIGERATE ON
ARRIVAL,” and “BIOHAZARD.”
ß
Submt to the Laboratory as soon as possble.
Back to the top
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Paint Examinations
The layer structure of a questoned pant sample
can be compared wth a known source from a
suspect. The sequence, relatve thckness, color,
texture, number, and chemcal composton of
each of the layers can be compared.
The color, manufacturer, model, and model year
of an automoble may be determned from a pant
chp. Sourcng automotve pants s lmted to
factory-appled, orgnal automotve pant.
Pant on safes, vaults, wndowslls, and door
frames can be transferred to and from tools. A
comparson can be made between the pant from
an object and the pant on a tool.
The Laboratory wll not examne evdence to
authenticate fine art or historical artifacts or to
source spray pant or archtectural pants.
Questions concerning paint evidence should
be directed to 703-632-8441. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Search the accdent or crme scene and the
personal effects of the vctm(s) to locate pant
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
fragments. Pant fragments often are found n
the clothng of the ht-and-run vctm(s).
Submt the clothng. Pants can be transferred
from one car to another, from car to object, or
from object to car durng an accdent or a
crme.
ß
Control pant chps must be collected from the
suspected source of the evdentary pant.
Controls must be taken from an area close to,
but not n, any damaged area. If no damage s
obvous, controls should be taken from
several areas of the suspect substrate. Each
layer can be a pont of comparson. Controls
must have all of the layers of pant to the
substrate. Ths can be accomplshed by the
followng:
ü
Secton an area of the panted surface.
ü
Cut a pant sample from the surface usng
a clean, sharp nstrument.
ü
Lft or pry loosely attached chps or
dslodge the pant by gently httng the
opposte sde of the panted surface.
ß
Package pant specmens n leakproof
contaners such as vals or pllboxes. Do not
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
attach pant partcles to adhesve tape. Do not
use plastc bags, cotton, or envelopes to
package pant specmens.
Back to the top
Pepper-Spray or Pepper-Foam
Examinations
Oleoresn capscum s a resn n varous peppers.
It may be used n self-defense sprays or foams.
Ultravolet dye (orange) and/or tear gas also may
be n the sprays or foams. Items can be analyzed
for the presence of oleoresn capscum, dye, or
tear gas.
Questions concerning pepper-spray evidence
should be directed to 703-632-8441. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Submt entre tems (e.g., clothng) when
possble. Ar-dry the evdence, and package
separately n paper bags.
ß
Mosten a clean cotton cloth or swab wth
sopropanol (rubbng alcohol), and wpe over
the suspected sprays or foams. Prepare a
second mostened cloth or swab as a control.
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Ar-dry the cloths or swabs and pack
separately n heat-sealed or resealable plastc
bags.
ß
Submt spray cansters when possble.
ß
Refer to Hazardous Materials
Transportation when submttng pepper-
spray cansters.
Back to the top
Pharmaceutical Examinations
Pharmaceutcal examnatons can dentfy
consttuents, actve ngredents, quantty, and
weght.
ß
Questions concerning pharmaceutical
evidence should be directed to 703-632-
8441. Follow the evdence submsson
drectons, ncludng Requesting Evidence
Examinations and Packaging and Shipping
Evidence.
ß
Lst the names of the pharmaceutcals and
nformaton on ther use.
ß
If possble, submt pharmaceutcals n orgnal
contaners.
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Polymer Examinations
Polymer evdence typcally conssts of peces of
plastc or other manufactured materals. The
source, use, or manufacturer of polymer evdence
usually cannot be identified by compositional
analyss.
Motor vehcle trm can be compared wth plastc
remanng on property struck n a ht-and-run case.
The manufacturer, make, model, and model year
of a vehcle can be determned f a manufacturer’s
part number s on the trm.
Plastcs n wre nsulaton and mscellaneous
plastcs such as buttons can be compared wth
known sources.
Questions concerning polymer evidence
should be directed to 703-632-8441. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
When a motor vehcle has been n an
accdent, fragments (e.g., plastc lens covers)
can be left at the scene. These peces can be
physcally reconstructed wth the remnants of
the fixture left on the car. Collect and package
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
the fragments carefully to keep the edges
ntact.
ß
Search the accdent or crme scene and
personal effects of the vctm(s) to locate
plastc fragments. Submt fragments n
leakproof containers such as film canisters or
plastc pll bottles. Do not use cotton or paper
contaners.
ß
Remove damaged suspect motor vehcle
parts, and package separately n resealable
plastc bags or boxes.
ß
If possble, submt entre tems (e.g., clothng)
wth potental or smeared polymerc transfers.
Package separately n paper bags. If the
entre tem cannot be submtted, cut wth a
clean, sharp nstrument a secton where the
transfer s suspected. Collect an unstaned
control sample. Pack to prevent stan removal
by abrasve acton durng shppng. Pack n
clean paper. Do not use plastc contaners.
Back to the top
Product-Tampering Examinations
Product tamperng s when a commercal product
s ntentonally dstorted to harm someone or to
extort money or other thng of value. Examples
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
range from drug tamperng n medcal
envronments, food adulteraton n supermarkets,
and the combnaton of tamperng and alterng n
domestc settngs.
The Laboratory wll not assess manufacturng
quality control or product specifications in
commercal products.
Questions concerning product-tampering
evidence should be directed to 703-632-8441.
Follow the evdence submsson drectons,
ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations
and Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Submt control samples of the unadulterated
product.
ß
Package and shp control and suspect
samples separately to avod contamnaton.
Submt samples n leakproof contaners such
as film canisters or plastic pill bottles. Do not
use paper or glass contaners.
ß
Use cauton to prevent the destructon of
latent prnts.
Back to the top
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Questioned Document Examinations
Handwriting and Hand Printing
The examnaton and comparson of handwrtng
characterstcs can determne the orgn or
authentcty of questoned wrtng, although not all
handwriting is identifiable with a specific writer.
Intent and such trats as age, sex, and personalty
cannot be determned from handwrtng
examnatons. Some reasons for nconclusve
results nclude:
ß
Lmted questoned and/or known wrtng.
ß
Lack of sufficiently comparable known writing
for comparson.
ß
Lack of contemporaneous wrtng or lapse of
tme between executon of questoned and
known wrtng.
ß
Dstorton or dsguse n the questoned and/or
known wrtng.
ß
Lack of sufficient identifying characteristics.
ß
Submsson of photocoped evdence nstead
of orgnal evdence.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Procedures for Obtaining Known Writing
Exemplars
ß
The text, sze of paper, space avalable for
wrtng, wrtng nstrument, and wrtng style
(handwrtng or hand prntng) must be as
close to the orgnal wrtng as possble.
ß
Gve verbal or typewrtten nstructons
concernng the text to be wrtten. Do not gve
nstructons on spellng, punctuaton, or
arrangement of wrtng.
ß
All exemplars must be on separate peces of
paper.
ß
The wrter and wtness must ntal and date
each page of wrtng.
ß
Do not allow the wrter to see the prevous
exemplars or the questoned wrtng. Remove
each exemplar from the wrter’s sght as soon
as t s completed.
ß
Numerous repettons may be necessary to
obtan naturally prepared wrtng.
ß
Obtan exemplars from the rght and left
hands.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Obtan hand-prntng exemplars n upper- and
lowercase letters.
ß
Obtain a sufficient quantity of exemplars to
account for natural varaton n the wrtng.
ß
Obtan undctated wrtng such as busness
records, personal correspondence, and
cancelled checks or other documents
prepared durng the normal course of
busness actvty.
Common Types of Nongenuine Signatures
ß
Traced sgnatures are prepared by drectly
usng a genune sgnature as a template or
pattern.
ß
Smulated sgnatures are prepared by copyng
or drawng a genune sgnature.
ß
Freehand sgnatures are wrtten n the forger’s
normal handwrtng wth no attempt to copy
another’s wrtng style. Therefore t may be
possble to dentfy the wrter(s) who prepared
the sgnature(s).
Altered or Obliterated Writing
Documents can be examned for the presence of
altered or oblterated wrtng, and the orgnal
wrtng may be decphered.
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Typewriting
Questioned typewriting may be identified with the
typewrter that produced t. Ths s most common
when the typewrter s a typebar machne. The
identification is based on individual characteristics
that develop durng the manufacturng process
and through use and abuse of the typewrter.
Typewrters wth nterchangeable elements (e.g.,
ball, prntwheel, or thmble) are less lkely to be
assocated wth questoned typewrtng. However,
these typing elements may be positively identified
with specific texts by examining individual
characterstcs of the elements.
Comparson of questoned typewrtng wth
reference standards can determne a possble
make and model of the typewrter and/or the
typewrter elements.
Carbon-film typewriter ribbons and correction
rbbons retan readable text. These rbbons
can be compared wth questoned typewrtten
mpressons. Generally, fabrc rbbons cannot be
read or identified.
Procedures for Obtaining Known Typewriting
Exemplars
ß
If the typewriter has a carbon-film ribbon or
correcton rbbon, remove t from the
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
typewrter and submt the rbbon to the
Laboratory. Insert a new rbbon n the
typewrter pror to obtanng exemplars.
ß
If the typewrter has a fabrc rbbon, remove t
from the typewrter and put the typewrter n
the stencl poston. Place a sheet of carbon
paper over a sheet of blank paper and nsert
both nto the typewrter. Allow the typeface to
strke the carbon paper. Submt the fabrc
rbbon and the exemplars typed on the carbon
paper to the Laboratory.
ß
Obtan two full word-for-word typed exemplars
of the questoned text and two typed
exemplars of the entre keyboard (all symbols,
numbers, and upper- and lowercase letters).
ß
Record the make, model, and seral number
of the typewrter on the exemplars. Also
record the date the exemplars were obtaned
and the name of the person who typed the
exemplars.
ß
Obtan the typewrter servce and repar
hstory, f avalable.
ß
Normally t s not necessary to send the
typewrter to the Laboratory; however, n some
cases, the examner wll request the
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
typewrter. It must be packed securely to
prevent damage durng shpment. Typewrter
elements (e.g., ball, prntwheel, or thmble)
also must be submtted to the Laboratory.
Photocopies or Facsimiles
Photocopes or facsmles of documents can be
identified with the machine used to produce them
f the exemplars and questoned documents are
relatvely contemporaneous. The possble make
and model of the photocoper or facsmle machne
sometmes can be determned.
Procedures for Obtaining Known Photocopy
Exemplars
ß
Obtan at least 10 exemplars wthout a
document on the glass plate and wth the
cover down.
ß
Obtan at least 10 exemplars wthout a
document on the glass plate and wth the
cover up.
ß
Obtan at least 10 exemplars wth a document
on the glass plate and the cover down.
ß
Obtan at least 10 exemplars wth a document
through the automatc document feeder, f
applcable.
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ß
Record on each exemplar the date the
exemplars were obtaned, the name of the
person who prepared the exemplars, and the
condtons under whch the exemplars were
made.
ß
Record the make, model, and seral number
of the photocoper; nformaton about the toner
supples and components; whether the paper
supply s sheet- or roll-fed; and optons such
as color, reducton, enlargement, zoom, mask,
trm, and edtor board.
ß
Do not store or shp photocopes n plastc
envelopes.
Graphic Arts (Commercial and Office
Printing)
Prnted documents can be assocated wth a
common source or identified with known
commercal prntng paraphernala such as
artwork, negatives, and plates or office printing
devces such as nk-jet or laser prnters.
Paper
Torn edges can be compared. The paper
manufacturer can be determned f a watermark s
present. Paper can be examned for ndented
wrtng. Do not rub the ndentatons wth a pencl.
Do not add ndentatons by wrtng on top of the
evdence.
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Burned or Charred Paper
Burned or charred documents (not completely
reduced to ash) may be decphered and stablzed.
The document must be handled mnmally. The
document must be shpped n the contaner n
which it was burned, in polyester film
encapsulaton, or between layers of cotton n a
rgd contaner.
Age of a Document
The earlest date a document could have been
prepared may be determned by examnng varous
physcal characterstcs, ncludng watermarks,
ndented wrtng, prntng, typewrtng, and nks.
Carbon Paper or Carbon-Film Ribbon
Used carbon paper or a carbon-film ribbon can be
examned to dsclose the content of the text.
Checkwriters
A checkwrter mpresson can be compared wth a
known source. Examnng checkwrter mpressons
may determne the brand or model of the
checkwrter.
Embossings and Seals
An embossed or seal mpresson can be compared
wth a known source. Submt the devce to the
Laboratory.
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Rubber Stamps
A rubber-stamp mpresson can be compared wth
a known source. Submt the rubber stamp to the
Laboratory uncleaned.
Plastic Bags
Plastc bags (e.g., sandwch and garbage bags)
can be compared wth a roll or box of bags.
Anonymous Letter File
The Anonymous Letter Fle contans mages of
anonymous and/or threatenng communcatons
submtted to the Questoned Documents Unt for
examination. This file can be searched in an
attempt to assocate text from a communcaton n
one case wth text from communcatons n other
cases.
Bank Robbery Note File
The Bank Robbery Note Fle contans mages of
notes used in bank robberies. This file can be
searched n an attempt to assocate text from one
bank robbery note wth text from bank robbery
notes n other cases.
Questions concerning documentary evidence
should be directed to 703-632-8444. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
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ß
Documentary evdence must be preserved n
the condton n whch t was found. It must not
be unnecessarly folded, torn, marked, soled,
stamped, or wrtten on or handled excessvely.
Protect the evdence from nadvertent
ndented wrtng. Mark documents
unobtrusvely by wrtng the collector’s ntals,
date, and other nformaton n pencl.
ß
Whenever possble, submt the orgnal
evdence to the Laboratory. The lack of detal
in photocopies makes examinations difficult
and often wll result n nconclusve opnons.
Copies are sufficient for reference-file
searches.
ß
Do not store or shp photocopes n plastc
envelopes.
Back to the top
Rope and Cordage Examinations
A pece of rope or cord can be compared wth
a questoned rope or cord. The composton,
constructon, color, and dameter can be
determned. If a tracer s present, the
manufacturer can be determned.
Questions concerning rope and cordage
evidence should be directed to 703-632-8449.
Follow the evdence submsson drectons,
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations
and Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Submt the entre rope or cord. If the rope or
cord must be cut, specfy whch end was cut
durng evdence collecton.
ß
Label the known and questoned samples.
ß
Handle the sectons of rope or cord carefully
to prevent loss of trace materal or
contamnaton.
ß
Submt n heat-sealed or resealable plastc or
paper bags.
Back to the top
Safe-Insulation Examinations
Safe nsulaton can be compared to a known
source. Examnatons of safe nsulaton
sometmes can determne the manufacturer.
Questions concerning safe-insulation
evidence should be directed to 703-632-8449.
Follow the evdence submsson drectons,
ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations
and Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Collect safe-nsulaton samples from damaged
areas.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Safe nsulaton can adhere to people, clothng,
tools, bags, and stolen tems and can transfer
to vehcles. If possble, submt the evdence to
the Laboratory for examners to remove the
debrs. Package each tem of evdence n a
separate paper bag. Do not process tools for
latent prnts.
ß
Shp known and questoned debrs separately
to avod contamnaton. Submt known and
questoned debrs n leakproof contaners
such as film canisters or plastic pill bottles. Do
not use paper or glass contaners. Pack to
keep lumps ntact.
Back to the top
Serial-Number Examinations
Obliterated serial or identification numbers—
ncludng markngs on metal, wood, plastc, and
fiberglass—often are restorable. Comparisons can
be made wth suspect des.
Questions concerning serial-number evidence
should be directed to 703-632-8442. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
For large objects, and f possble, remove the
secton contanng the seral number and
submt t to the Laboratory.
ß
If t s not possble to remove the secton
contanng the seral number, make a cast to
submt to the Laboratory.
1. Use an acrylc-surface replca cast kt. Call
the Laboratory at 703-632-8442 regardng
the approprate cast kt.
2. Dfferent formulas are used n dfferent
temperatures. If possble, move the
evdence to a warm area.
3. Casts wll duplcate foregn materal n the
stamped characters. Clean the area
before proceedng. Remove pant and drt
wth a solvent such as acetone, gasolne,
or pant remover. Use Naval Jelly to
remove rust. Use a soft brush. Do not use
a wre brush.
4. Buld a dam around the stamped
characters to retan the acrylc lqud
whle t hardens. Use a soft and plable
dam materal such as modelng clay.
Ensure there are no vods n the dam.
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5. Followng the nstructons n the kt, mx
the lqud and powder for one mnute and
pour the mxture nto the dam.
6. The acrylc lqud wll take 30 mnutes to
harden. Remove the cast when t s hard.
If pant and rust are on the cast, make
addtonal casts and submt the cleanest
one to the Laboratory.
7. Indcate from where on the object (often a
vehcle) the cast was taken.
8. Pack the cast to prevent breakage.
Back to the top
Shoe Print and Tire Tread Examinations
Shoe prnt or tre tread mpressons are routnely
left at crme scenes. These mpressons are
retaned on surfaces n two- and three-
dmensonal forms. Almost all mpressons,
ncludng partal mpressons, have value for
forensc comparsons. The examnaton of detaled
shoe prnt and tre tread mpressons often results
in the positive identification of the shoes of the
suspect(s) or tre(s) from the vehcle(s) of the
suspect(s).
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Photographing Shoe Print and Tire Tread
Impressions
General crme scene photographs must be taken
to relate the mpressons to the crme scene.
Examnaton-qualty photographs then must be
taken to obtan maxmum detal for forensc
examnaton and must nclude a scale. All
mpressons must be photographed usng both
methods.
General Crime Scene Photographs
General crme scene photographs of shoe prnt or
tre tread mpressons must nclude close-range
and long-range photographs. ISO 400 color film
should be used. The photographs must show the
relatonshp of the mpressons to the surroundng
area. General crme scene photographs are not
sutable for footwear or tre examnatons.
Examination-Quality Photographs
Examnaton-qualty photographs must be taken
drectly over the mpressons usng a trpod and
lghtng. A scale must be n every photograph. The
purpose of these photographs s to produce a
detaled negatve that can be enlarged to natural
sze. Examnaton-qualty photographs must be
taken as follows:
1. Place a lnear scale such as a ruler
next to and on the same plane as the
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
mpresson. Place a label n the pcture to
correlate the mpresson wth crme scene
notes and general photographs.
2. Images should be taken usng a 35 mm or
medium-format film camera. Low-cost
digital cameras do not provide sufficient
mage detal for examnaton-qualty
photographs. Use a manual-focus
camera. If the shoe prnt s made from a
colored substance (e.g., blood), color film
may be preferable to black and whte. In
most ambent-lght stuatons, use ISO
100 film. Use ISO 200 or 400 film, if
necessary.
3. Place the camera on a trpod and poston
t drectly over the mpresson. Adjust the
heght of the camera, and f possble, use
a normal lens (50 mm for a 35 mm
camera). Fll the frame wth the
mpresson and scale. Poston the
camera so the film plane is parallel to the
mpresson.
4. Set the f-stop on f/16 or f/22 for a greater
depth of field.
5. Attach an electronic flash with a long
extenson cord to the camera.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
6. Block out brght ambent lght wth a
sunscreen to maxmze the lght from the
flash.
7. Focus on the bottom of the mpresson,
not on the scale. Take an exstng- or
reflected-light photograph.
8. Position the flash at a very low angle
(10–15 degrees) to the mpresson. Ths
wll enhance the detal of the mpresson.
For consistent exposure, hold the flash at
least 5–7 feet from the mpresson. Shoot
several exposures, bracketng toward
overexposure to obtan maxmum mage
detail. Move the flash two or more angles
to the mpresson.
9. Take the exposures, move the lght to
another poston, adjust the sunscreen,
and repeat Steps 7 and 8.
Impressions in Snow
Impressions in snow are difficult to photograph
because of lack of contrast. Frst, attempt to
photograph the mpressons as f n sol. To
ncrease the contrast, lghtly spray snow
mpressons wth Snow Prnt Wax, a materal used
for castng snow mpressons, or wth colored
spray pant. Hold the spray can at least 2–3 feet
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
from the mpresson so the force of the aerosol
does not damage the mpresson. Drect a lght
applcaton of spray at an angle of about 30–45
degrees so the colored pant strkes only the hgh
ponts of the mpresson. Hghlghted mpressons
wll absorb heat from the sun and must be
shelded untl photographed and cast to prevent
meltng.
Recovering the Original Evidence
Whenever possble, submt to the Laboratory the
evdence bearng the orgnal mpresson. If the
evdence cannot be submtted to the Laboratory,
use the followng technques to recover the
evdence.
Casting Three-Dimensional Impressions
Castng a three-dmensonal mpresson n sol,
sand, or snow s necessary to capture detal for
examnaton. Dental stone, wth a compressve
strength of 8,000 ps or greater, must be used for
castng all mpressons. The compressve strength
s lsted on the contaner along wth the proper
rato of powder to water used for mxng. Dental
stone s avalable through local dental supply
houses. Colored dental stone s preferred.
Plaster of pars, modelng plasters, and dental
plasters are not sufficiently hard, do not resist
abrason when cleaned, and must not be used.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Mixing Dental Stone in a Bag
Store dental stone n resealable plastc bags. An
8- by 12-nch resealable plastc bag can store two
pounds of dental stone powder. Wth premeasured
bags, castng mpressons at the crme scene
nvolves only addng water. The bag contanng
the dental stone powder can be used to mx and
pour the dental stone.
To make a cast, add the approprate amount of
water to the bag and close the top. Mx the castng
materal by vgorously massagng t through the
bag for 3–5 mnutes. Ensure that the materal n
the corners of the bag s also mxed. After t has
been mxed, the materal should have the
consstency of pancake batter or heavy cream.
Mixing Dental Stone in a Bucket or Bowl
If the mpressons are numerous or large, t may
be necessary to mx larger quanttes of dental
stone n a bucket or bowl. The dental stone should
be added slowly to the water and strred
contnuously for 3–5 mnutes. After t has been
mxed, the materal should have the consstency
of pancake batter or heavy cream.
Pouring Dental Stone
Casting material has sufficient weight and volume
to erode and destroy detal f t s poured drectly
on top of the mpresson. The castng materal
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
should be poured on the ground next to the
impression, allowing it to flow into the impression.
The impression should be filled with casting
material until it has overflowed.
If the mixture does not flow easily into all areas of
the impression, use a finger or a small stick on the
surface to cause the dental stone to flow into the
impression. Do not put the stick or finger more
than 1/4 nch below the surface of the castng
materal because t can damage the mpresson.
Before the cast hardens completely, wrte the
date, collector’s ntals, and other dentfyng
nformaton on t. In warm weather, the cast should
be left undsturbed for at least 20–30 mnutes. In
cold weather, the cast should be left undsturbed
longer. Casts have been destroyed or damaged
when lfted too soon. If the cast s n sand or loose
sol, t should lft easly. Casts n mud or clay may
requre careful treatment and excavaton when
beng removed.
Allow the cast to ar-dry for at least 48 hours.
Package the cast n paper, not n plastc. An FBI
Laboratory examner must clean the cast.
Lifting Two-Dimensional Impressions
Lftng an mpresson allows for the transfer of a
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
two-dmensonal resdue or dust mpresson to a
lifting film. It also allows the impression to be
shpped to the Laboratory for photographng and
examnaton.
Electrostatic Lifts
An electrostatc lftng devce lfts footwear
mpressons from porous and nonporous surfaces
wthout damagng the mpressons. Ths devce
works on dry dust or resdue mpressons on clean
surfaces but wll not work f the mpressons were
wet or have become wet. Electrostatc lftng
devces come wth nstructons for use.
Storing Electrostatic Lifting Film
Lifted impressions are damaged easily if the film
is not stored properly. The film has a residual
charge that attracts dust and debrs and causes
the film to cling to other surfaces. To preserve and
store the lifting film containing an impression, tape
one edge of the film securely in a clean, smooth,
high-quality paper file folder or tape the edges
securely n a shallow photographc paper box.
Low-grade cardboard boxes such as pzza boxes
must not be used because the resdual charge
on the film will pull dust from the box and
contamnate the mpresson.
Items that contan a dry resdue footwear
mpresson must not be wrapped or stored n
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
plastc because a partal transfer of the mpresson
to the plastc wll occur.
Gelatin and Adhesive Lifts
Gelatn lfters can be used to lft mpressons from
porous and nonporous surfaces. Black gelatn
lfters work well for lftng lght-colored dry or wet
mpressons. Whte gelatn lfters can be used to
lift impressions developed with fingerprint powders
or mpressons dark enough to contrast wth a
whte background.
Adhesve lfters can be used only to lft
mpressons from smooth, nonporous surfaces.
Whte adhesve lfters can be used to lft
impressions developed with fingerprint powders.
Transparent adhesve lfters can be used to lft
impressions developed with black or fluorescent
powders. Transparent tapes such as two-nch
fingerprint-lifting tape also can be used to lift
powdered mpressons f the mpressons are
transferred to a whte card.
Lifting Materials
ß
Electrostatic: can be used on porous and
nonporous surfaces. Used to lft dry dust and
resdue mpressons. Nondestructve. Useful
for searchng for latent mpressons.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
White adhesive: can be used on smooth,
nonporous surfaces. Used to lft wet or dry
mpressons that have been chemcally
enhanced or developed with dark fingerprint
powder.
ß
Transparent adhesive: can be used on
smooth, nonporous surfaces. Used to lft wet
or dry mpressons that have been treated wth
black or fluorescent fingerprint powder. Do not
use on an orgnal mpresson.
ß
White gelatin: can be used on all porous and
nonporous surfaces as long as the gelatn
contrasts wth an mpresson. Used to lft wet
or dry mpressons that have been chemcally
enhanced or developed with fluorescent
fingerprint powder.
ß
Black gelatin: can be used on all porous and
nonporous surfaces. Used to lft wet or dry
mpressons. Offers good contact wth most
resdue.
Searching Shoe Print and Tire Tread Files
A file of shoe manufacturers’ designs and a file of
tre treads and other reference materal can be
searched to determne brand names and
manufacturers.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Questions concerning shoe print and tire tread
evidence should be directed to 703-632-7288,
703-632-7314, or 703-632-7315. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
For shoe prnt and tre tread comparsons,
submt orgnal evdence whenever possble
(shoes, tres, photographc negatves, casts,
lfts).
ß
For shoe print and tire tread file searches,
submt qualty photographs of the
mpressons. If photographs are not avalable,
submt casts, lfts, or the orgnal evdence.
Detaled sketches or photocopes are
acceptable. Images of mpresson evdence
may be submtted electroncally. Call
703-632-7288 for specifics on submitting
evdence n ths manner.
ß
Unobtrusvely wrte the collector’s ntals,
dates, and other relevant nformaton on the
evdence.
ß
Ar-dry and package evdence separately n
Bubble Wrap; clean, smooth, hgh-qualty
paper or lamnated folders; or paper bags,
dependng on the tems beng submtted for
examnaton.
Back to the top
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Soil Examinations
Sol examnatons can determne whether sols
share a common orgn by comparng color,
texture, and composton.
Questions concerning soil evidence should be
directed to 703-632-8449. Follow the evdence
submsson drectons, ncludng Requesting
Evidence Examinations and Packaging and
Shipping Evidence.
ß
Collect sol samples as soon as possble,
because the sol at the crme scene can
change dramatcally.
ß
Collect sol samples from the mmedate crme
scene area and from the logcal access and
escape route(s).
ß
Collect sol samples where there are
notceable changes n color, texture, and
composton.
ß
Collect sol samples at a depth that s
consstent wth the depth from whch the
questoned sol may have orgnated.
ß
If possble, collect sol samples from alb
areas such as the yard or work area of the
suspect(s).
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Submt a map dentfyng sol-sample
locatons.
ß
Do not remove sol adherng to shoes,
clothng, and tools. Do not process tools for
latent prnts. Ar-dry the sol and the clothng,
and package separately n paper bags.
ß
Carefully remove sol adherng to vehcles.
Ar-dry the sol, and package separately n
paper bags.
ß
Shp known and questoned debrs separately
to avod contamnaton. Submt known and
questoned sol n leakproof contaners such
as film canisters or plastic pill bottles. Do not
use paper envelopes or glass contaners.
Pack to keep lumps ntact.
Back to the top
Special-Event and Situational
Awareness Support
Visual information specialists travel to the field
and conduct dgtal ste/venue surveys. These
operatons nclude three-dmensonal laser
scannng and documentaton of physcal
structures and objects, 360-degree sphercal
vdeo capture, and geographc nformaton system
(GIS) mappng.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Questions concerning special-event and
situational awareness support should be
directed to 703-632-8194.
Tape Examinations
Tape composton, constructon, and color can be
compared wth known sources. Comparsons can
be made wth the torn end of tape and a suspect
roll of tape.
The Laboratory wll examne duct, vnyl electrcal,
packagng, maskng, and cellulose acetate (e.g.,
Scotch) tapes.
Questions concerning tape evidence should
be directed to 703-632-8441. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Whenever possble, submt tape stll adhered
to the substrate. Ths mnmzes the loss of
trace evidence, latent fingerprints, or contact
mpressons. If t s not possble to submt the
substrate, the tape may be manually removed
and placed adhesve sde down on a clean,
colorless pece of plastc sheetng (e.g.,
transparency film or Kapak tubular rollstock),
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
not on cardboard, paper, or vnyl document
protectors. Do not dstort or tear the tape
durng removal.
ß
If the tape s cut durng removal, document
and ntal each cut. Use a method that
produces a unque cuttng pattern (e.g.,
pnkng shears).
Back to the top
Toolmark Examinations
Toolmarks
Tools can bear unque mcroscopc characterstcs
because of manufacturng processes and use.
These characterstcs can be transferred to
surfaces that had contact wth the tools. Evdence
toolmarks can be compared wth recovered tools.
In the absence of a questoned tool, toolmark
examnatons can determne the type of tool(s)
that produced the toolmark and whether the
toolmark s of value for comparson. Toolmark
examnatons also nclude lock-and-key
examnatons.
Fractures
Fracture examnatons sometmes can be used to
determne whether evdence was joned together
and subsequently broken apart.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Questions concerning toolmark evidence
should be directed to 703-632-8442. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
If possble, submt the tool-marked evdence.
ß
If t s not possble to submt the tool-marked
evdence, make a cast to submt to the
Laboratory.
1. Use an acrylc-surface replca cast kt.
Call the Laboratory at 703-632-8442
regardng the approprate cast kt.
2. Dfferent formulas are used n dfferent
temperatures. If possble, move the
evdence to a warm area.
3. Casts wll duplcate foregn materal n the
stamped characters. Clean the area
before proceedng. Remove pant and drt
wth a solvent such as acetone, gasolne,
or pant remover. Use Naval Jelly to
remove rust. Use a soft brush. Do not use
a wre brush.
4. Buld a dam around the stamped
characters to retan the acrylc lqud
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
whle t hardens. Use a soft and plable
dam materal such as modelng clay.
Ensure there are no vods n the dam.
5. Followng the nstructons n the kt, mx
the lqud and powder for one mnute and
pour the mxture nto the dam.
6. The acrylc lqud wll take 30 mnutes to
harden. Remove the cast when t s hard.
If pant and rust are on the cast, make
addtonal casts and submt the cleanest
one to the Laboratory.
7. Indcate where on the object (often a
vehcle) the cast was taken.
8. Pack the cast to prevent breakage.
ß
Photographs locate toolmarks but are of no
value for identification purposes.
ß
Obtan samples of any materal deposted on
the tools. Submt samples n leakproof
containers such as film canisters or plastic pill
bottles.
ß
To avod contamnaton, do not place the tool
aganst the tool-marked evdence.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Submt the tool rather than makng test cuts or
mpressons.
ß
Mark the ends of the evdence and specfy
whch end was cut durng evdence collecton.
Back to the top
Toxicology Examinations
The Toxcology dscplne of the FBI Laboratory s
accredted by the Amercan Board of Forensc
Toxcologsts. Toxcology examnatons can
dsclose the presence of drugs and posons n
bologcal specmens and food products. The
examnatons can determne the crcumstances
surroundng drug- or poson-related homcdes,
sucdes, and accdents.
Because of the large number of potentally toxc
substances, t may be necessary to screen for
classes of posons. Examples nclude:
ß
Volatle compounds (ethanol, methanol,
sopropanol).
ß
Heavy metals (arsenc).
ß
Nonvolatle organc compounds (drugs of
abuse, pharmaceutcals).
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Mscellaneous (strychnne, cyande).
Questions concerning toxicology evidence
should be directed to 703-632-8441. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Acceptng evdence n alleged poson
nvestgatons wll be based on whether the
vctm(s) sought medcal attenton or a
suspcous death occurred. A doctor’s medcal
evaluaton and report must be ncluded wth
the evdence.
ß
Bologcal evdence n drug-facltated assaults
must nclude a urne sample. The urne must
be collected as soon as possble after the
assault but must not have been collected
more than 96 hours after the alleged
druggng.
ß
Toxcologcal analyss of har specmens wll
be performed only for specific drugs or
posons. Call the Laboratory at
703-632-8441 prior to submitting hair to
ensure that the evidence will be accepted
for examination. The communcaton
accompanyng the evdence must reference
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
the telephone conversaton acceptng the
evdence.
ß
The quantty of bologcal specmens
submtted depends on whether the dentty of
a toxc substance s known, the route of
admnstraton, the tme after exposure that
bologcal specmens are collected, and
whether subjects(s) or vctm(s) are lvng or
deceased. Call the Laboratory at
703-632-8441 prior to submitting the
specimens to ensure that the correct
quantity is submitted. The communcaton
accompanyng the evdence must reference
the telephone conversaton acceptng the
evdence.
ß
Each bologcal specmen must be placed n
separate, labeled, sealed glass tubes, plastc
cups, or heat-sealed or resealable plastc
bags. Affix BIOHAZARD labels to the inside
and outsde contaners.
ß
Refrgerate or freeze bologcal specmens
durng storage and shppng to prevent
deteroraton. Pack so that no breakage,
leakage, or contamnaton occurs.
ß
Submt a copy of the autopsy or ncdent
report.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Descrbe the symptoms of the suspect(s) or
vctm(s) at the tme of the crme or pror to the
death.
ß
Lst any known or questoned drugs
consumed by or prescrbed for the
suspect(s) or vctm(s).
ß
Descrbe any known or questoned
envronmental exposure to toxc
substances by the suspect(s) or vctm(s).
Back to the top
Video Examinations
Vdeo examnatons are conducted by the FBI’s
Operatonal Technology Dvson (OTD), Dgtal
Evdence Laboratory (DEL), Forensc Audo,
Vdeo, and Image Analyss Unt (FAVIAU). The
OTD DEL has dfferent acceptance crtera and a
dfferent physcal address than the FBI Laboratory,
as descrbed below.
Authenticity
Authentcty examnatons are conducted to
determne whether vdeo recordngs are orgnal,
contnuous, unaltered, and consstent wth the
operaton of the recordng devce used to make
the recordng.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Enhancement
Enhancement examnatons are conducted to
maxmze the clarty of the vdeo sgnal.
Video Image Processing
Enhanced stll mages can be produced from
mages on vdeo and made as prnts or dgtal
files.
Standards Conversion
Vdeo can be converted from one standard to
another (e.g., PAL to NTSC or SECAM).
Format Conversion
Vdeo can be converted from one format to
another (e.g., Beta to VHS).
Synchronization
Audo and vdeo sgnals can be combned to
produce one composte recordng.
Special Effects
Specal effects, such as a mosac or blur spot, can
be added to vdeo recordngs to protect a person’s
dentty.
Damaged Media Repair
Vdeo recordngs can be repared, restored, or
retreved for playback and examnaton, f damage
s not too extensve.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Questions concerning video examinations
should be directed to 703-985-1393. Questions
concerning video evidence should be directed
to 703-985-1388.
Vdeo examnatons may not be submtted drectly
from enttes outsde the FBI. State, local, or
nternatonal agency cases must be submtted by
the FBI field office servicing the area and must
meet one of the followng two crtera: 1) the state,
local, or nternatonal case has a nexus to an
ongong FBI nvestgaton or 2) the FBI dvson
head deems that the case s of enough regonal
mportance to mert the dedcaton of federal
resources to the state, local, or nternatonal case.
These crtera shall be met wth a wrtten
statement from the dvson head (Specal Agent n
Charge). FBI enttes may submt cases drectly.
Follow the evdence submsson drectons,
ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations
and Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Wrte-protect the orgnal meda. Never use
the Pause operaton when vewng orgnal
vdeo recordngs.
ß
Submt orgnal vdeo recordngs. If orgnals
cannot be obtaned, call for further
nstructons.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Queue the orgnal vdeotape to the
approxmate tme of the pertnent area. State
n a communcaton the date and tme of the
pertnent area, and use the date-tme stamp
on the vdeo or the counter ndcator (set from
the begnnng of the tape at 000).
ß
Label the outer contaner “FRAGILE,
SENSITIVE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT” or
“FRAGILE, SENSITIVE AUDIO/VIDEO
MEDIA” and “KEEP AWAY FROM MAGNETS
OR MAGNETIC FIELDS.”
ß
Address the outer contaner as follows:
FORENSIC PROGRAM
BUILDING 27958A
ENGINEERING RESEARCH FACILITY
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
QUANTICO VA 22135
Back to the top
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Examinations
A weapon of mass destructon (WMD) s typcally
assocated wth nuclear and/or radologcal,
bologcal, or chemcal agents; however, t also
may be an explosve. WMDs are desgned to
cause a large amount of destructon or dsrupton
to people and nfrastructures.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
The FBI Laboratory has formalzed partnershps
wth a varety of government, academc, and
prvate laboratores to conduct forensc
examnatons of evdence that ether contans or s
contamnated wth hazardous chemcal, bologcal,
and/or radologcal materal.
Dependng on the nature of the threat—.e.,
chemcal, bologcal, or radologcal—evdence
examnatons wll be conducted by the Laboratory
or at a desgnated FBI partner laboratory specally
equpped to handle hazardous materals.
The Laboratory can drect or apply the use of
specalzed analytcal technques to dentfy and
characterze a wde range of bologcal pathogens,
toxns, chemcal agents, toxc chemcals, and
trace radoactve compounds that consttute a
suspected or potental WMD.
The FBI’s Hazardous Evdence Analyss Team
(HEAT), composed of forensc examners and
techncans from the varous FBI Laboratory
dscplnes, s traned to safely conduct tradtonal
examnatons of hazardous evdence. These
examnatons are conducted at FBI partner
laboratores.
Suspected or confirmed WMD crime scenes
should be handled only by qualified personnel.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Upon notification or suspicion of a possible
WMD incident, contact the FBI’s Strategic
Information and Operations Center at
202-323-3300 and ask for the Weapons of
Mass Destruction Operations Unit Duty Officer.
Before t can be analyzed by the Laboratory or
partner laboratories, suspected or confirmed
WMD evidence must be properly field-screened
by qualified personnel to determine the absence
or presence of hazardous materals. Questions
concerning WMD evidence examinations
should be directed to 703-632-7766.
Back to the top
Wood Examinations
Wood examnatons can match sdes, ends, and
fractures; determne wood speces; and compare
wood partcles found on clothng, vehcles, and
other objects wth wood from the crme scene.
Questions concerning wood evidence should
be directed to 703-632-8449. Follow the
evdence submsson drectons, ncludng
Requesting Evidence Examinations and
Packaging and Shipping Evidence.
ß
Submt wood n plastc or paper bags.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Crime Scene Safety
Personnel have the ultmate responsblty to
recognze chemcal, bologcal, and physcal
hazards when processng a crme scene.
However, t s the responsblty of each agency
respondng to and provdng support at the crme
scene to develop polces, programs, and tranng
on health and safety practces.
Always consult local, state, and federal
envronmental and occupatonal health and safety
laws when workng wth forensc evdence. All
shppng of forensc evdence must comply wth
U.S. Department of Transportaton and
Internatonal Ar Transport Assocaton regulatons.
SAFETY
Ths secton descrbes the hazards, safety
precautons, safe work practces, and personal
protectve equpment recommended for personnel
processng routne crme scenes. Ths secton also
explans the mportance of complyng wth waste-
dsposal regulatons.
Routes of Exposure
Personnel operatng n or around contamnated
envronments must be aware of the varous ways
n whch hazards may enter and harm the body.1
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Inhalation
Inhalaton s the ntroducton of a toxc product by
the respratory system. Arborne contamnants
may be n the form of a dust, aerosol, smoke,
vapor, gas, or fume. Materals may be n a sold or
lqud form and stll represent an nhalaton hazard
because they produce vapors, msts, and fumes.
Proper work practces and adequate ventlaton
can mnmze the rsk of arborne-contamnant
nhalaton. When workng n areas wth arborne
contamnants present, personnel must wear
respiratory protection. Personnel must be certified
to wear respratory protecton and, therefore, to
work n areas contanng arborne contamnants.
Skin Contact
Contamnaton through the skn can result from
drect contact or by absorpton. The severty of the
njury can depend on the concentraton of the
contamnant and the amount of exposure tme.
Systemc effects—such as dzzness, tremors,
nausea, blurred vson, lver and kdney damage,
shock, or collapse—can occur when the
substances are absorbed through the skn and
crculated throughout the body. Exposure can be
prevented by usng personal protectve equpment
(e.g., gloves, safety glasses, goggles, face
shelds, and protectve clothng).
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Ingestion
Ingeston nvolves ntroducng contamnants nto
the body through the mouth. Ingeston can cause
severe damage to the mouth, throat, and dgestve
tract. To prevent entry of contamnants nto the
mouth, safe work practces—such as washng
hands before eatng, smokng, or applyng
cosmetcs—must always be used. Personnel
should not brng food, drnks, or cgarettes nto
areas where contamnaton can occur, regardless
of personal protecton they may be wearng.
Injection
The drect njecton of contamnants nto the
body—ether by needle stcks or mechancal
njures from contamnated glass, metal, or other
sharp objects—can cause severe complcatons.
Contamnants enter drectly nto the bloodstream
and can spread rapdly. Extreme cauton should
be exercsed when handlng objects wth sharp or
jagged edges. Work gloves must be worn at all
tmes.
Safety
Bloodborne Pathogen Safety
On December 6, 1991, OSHA ssued Ttle 29,
Secton 1910.1030, of the Code of Federal
Regulatons (CFR), Bloodborne Pathogens.2
149
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Occupatons at rsk for exposure to bloodborne
pathogens nclude law enforcement, emergency
response, and forensc laboratory personnel.
Fundamental to the bloodborne pathogens
standard s the concept of followng unversal
precautons. Ths concept s the prmary
mechansm for nfecton control. It requres that
employees treat all blood, body fluids, or other
potentally nfectous materals as f nfected wth
bloodborne dseases, such as the hepatts B vrus
(HBV), the hepatts C vrus (HCV), and the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The following
protectve measures should be taken to avod
drect contact wth potentally nfectous materals:
ß
Use barrer protecton—such as dsposable
gloves, coveralls, and shoe covers—f contact
wth potentally nfectous materals may occur.
Change gloves when torn or punctured or
when ther ablty to functon as a barrer s
compromsed. Wear approprate eye and face
protecton to protect aganst splashes, sprays,
and spatters of potentally nfectous materals.
ß
Wash hands after removng gloves or other
personal protectve equpment. Remove
gloves and other personal protectve
equpment n a manner that wll not result n
contamnatng unprotected skn or clothng.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Prohbt eatng, drnkng, smokng, or applyng
cosmetics where human blood, body fluids, or
other potentally nfectous materals are
present, regardless of personal protecton that
may be worn.
ß
Place contamnated sharps n approprate
closable, leakproof, puncture-resstant
contaners when transported or dscarded.
Label the containers with a BIOHAZARD
warnng label.
ß
Do not bend, re-cap, remove, or otherwse
handle contamnated needles or other sharps.
ß
After use, decontamnate equpment wth a
daly prepared soluton of household bleach
dluted 1:10 or wth 70 percent sopropyl
alcohol or other approprate dsnfectant.
Noncorrosve dsnfectants are commercally
available. It is important to allow sufficient
contact tme for complete dsnfecton.
ß
In addton to unversal precautons,
engneerng controls and prudent work
practces can reduce or elmnate exposure to
potentally nfectous materals. Examples of
engneerng controls nclude long-handled
mrrors used to locate and retreve evdence n
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
confined or hidden spaces and puncture-
resstant contaners used to store and dspose
of sharps and pant strrers.
Chemical Safety
Dependng on the type of materal encountered, a
varety of health and safety hazards can exst.
Some of these hazards are identified by the
followng categores:1, 3
ß
Flammable or combustble materals—such as
gasolne, acetone, and ether—gnte easly
when exposed to ar and an gnton source,
such as a spark or flame.
ß
Over tme, some explosve materals, such as
ntroglycerne and ntroglycerne-based
dynamte, deterorate to become chemcally
unstable. In partcular, ether wll form
peroxdes around the mouth of the vessel n
whch t s stored. All explosve materals are
senstve to heat, shock, and frcton.
ß
Pyrophorc materals—such as phosphorus,
sodum, and barum—can be lqud or sold
and can gnte wthout an external gnton
source n ar temperatures less than 130
degrees Fahrenhet (540 degrees Celsus).
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Oxdzers—such as ntrates, hydrogen
peroxde, and concentrated sulfurc acd—are
chemcal compounds that readly yeld oxygen
to promote combuston. Avod storage wth
flammable and combustible materials or
substances that could rapdly accelerate ther
decomposton.
ß
Corrosve materals can cause destructon to
lvng tssue or objects such as wood and
steel. The amount of damage depends on the
concentraton and duraton of contact.
ß
When workng wth chemcals, be aware of
hazardous propertes, dsposal technques,
personal protecton, packagng and shppng
procedures, and emergency preparedness.
Ths awareness comes from approprate
tranng and the nformaton n a Materal
Safety Data Sheet. The Materal Safety Data
Sheet provdes nformaton on the hazards of
a partcular materal so that personnel can
work safely and responsbly wth hazardous
materals.
Light-Source Safety
When usng ultravolet lghts, lasers, and other
lght sources, personnel must protect ther eyes
from drect and ndrect exposure.4 Not all laser
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
beams are vsble, and rreversble eye damage
can result from exposure to drect or ndrect lght
from reflected beams. Prolonged exposure to the
skn also should be avoded.
All personnel n the vcnty of the lght source
should wear protectve eyewear approprate for
the light source. Goggles must have sufficient
protective material and fit snugly to prevent light
from enterng at any angle. The goggles must
dsplay the Amercan Natonal Standards
Insttute’s (ANSI’s) mark denotng eye-protecton
complance. Laser-protectve eyewear must be of
the approprate optcal densty to protect aganst
the maxmum operatng wavelength of the laser
source.
Confined-Space Safety
A confined space is an enclosed area large
enough for personnel to enter and work, but t has
lmted or restrcted means for entry and ext.
Confined spaces (e.g., sewers, open pits, tank
cars, and vats) are not desgned for contnuous
occupancy. Confined spaces can expose
personnel to hazards ncludng toxc gases,
explosive or oxygen-deficient atmospheres,
electrcal dangers, or materals that can engulf
personnel enterng the space.5
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Conditions in a confined space must be
consdered dangerous, and personnel may not
enter the space until a confined-space permit has
been ssued. The atmosphere must be montored
contnuously wth a calbrated, drect-readng
nstrument for oxygen, carbon monoxde,
flammable gases and vapors, and toxic air
contamnants. Perodc readngs from these
monitors should be documented. Only certified
confined-space personnel may operate in
confined spaces. Rescue services must be
mmedately avalable to the ste.
The followng practces must be followed when
working in a confined space:
ß
Never enter before all atmospherc,
engulfment, mechancal, and electrcal
hazards have been identified and
documented. Isolatng hazards must be
performed n accordance wth OSHA 29 CFR
1910.147, The Control of Hazardous Energy
(Lockout/Tagout).6
ß
Provde ventlaton. Ensure that ventlaton
equpment does not nterfere wth entry, ext,
or rescue procedures.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Provde barrers to warn unauthorzed
personnel and to keep entrants safe from
external hazards.
ß
Provde constant communcaton between
personnel entering the confined space and
attendants.
ß
Ensure that back-up communcaton s n
place pror to entry.
ß
Wear approprate personal protectve
equpment, such as self-contaned breathng
apparatus (SCBA), a full-body harness, head
protecton, and other necessary equpment.
ß
Never attempt a rescue unless part of a
desgnated rescue team.
ß
Ensure that personnel certified in first aid and
CPR (cardopulmonary resusctaton) are
on-ste.
ß
For addtonal nformaton, refer to the OSHA
standard for Permit-Required Confined
Spaces, 29 CFR 1910.146.7
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Excavation Safety
All excavatons must meet the requrements set
forth n OSHA’s standards for excavatons,
29 CFR 1926.650,8 1926.651,9 and 1926.652.10
Each employee n an excavaton shall be
protected from cave-ns by an adequate protectve
system desgned n accordance wth 29 CFR
1926.652(b) or 29 CFR 1926.652(c),10 unless
excavations are less than five feet in depth and
examnaton of the ground s made by a
competent person to prevent cave-ns. A
competent person s someone capable of
dentfyng exstng and predctable hazards n
the surroundngs or workng condtons that are
unsantary, hazardous, or dangerous to
employees and who has the authorzaton to take
prompt correctve acton to elmnate those
hazards.
As wth all excavatons, personnel should be
aware of bured utltes and control standng
water, hazardous environments, confined spaces,
and oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
X-Ray Safety
Portable, handheld X-ray machnes, often used to
dentfy the contents of unknown packages, pose
a rsk for exposure to X-ray radaton at crme
scenes.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Keep X-ray exposure as low as reasonably
achevable by adherng to the followng:
ß
Sheld the X-ray devce, the questonable
object, and the operator.
ß
Remove all nonessental personnel from the
X-ray field.
ß
Lmt the tme that personnel must be n the
area of operaton.
ß
Always wear assgned montorng devces
approprate for X-ray radaton.
ß
Ensure that standard X-ray operatng
procedures are n place and followed and that
adequate tranng has been provded n
accordance wth federal and state regulatons.
Back to the top
Personal Protective Equipment
At all crme scenes, the selecton of personal
protectve equpment must be done n
coordnaton wth a hazard rsk assessment
completed by trained and qualified personnel. The
hazard rsk assessment should dentfy the
possble contamnants as well as the hazards
assocated wth each product. Dependng on the
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
outcome of the assessment or uncertanty of the
hazards assocated wth the gven scene, OSHA’s
standard for Hazardous Waste Operations and
Emergency Response, 29 CFR 1910.120,11 may
need to be appled. Entry nto these types of
scenes wll depend on each law enforcement
organzaton’s avalable equpment, stuatonal
training, and qualified personnel.
Hand Protection
Hand protecton should be selected on the bass
of the type of materal beng handled and the
hazard(s) assocated wth the materal.12, 13
Detaled nformaton can be obtaned from the
manufacturer. The followng lst provdes
nformaton about glove materal types and
functons:
ß
Ntrle provdes protecton from acds, alkalne
solutions, hydraulic fluid, photographic
solutons, fuels, lubrcants, aromatcs,
petroleum, and chlornated solvents. It also
offers some resstance to cuts and snags.
ß
Neoprene offers resstance to ol, grease,
acds, solvents, alkales, bases, and most
refrgerants.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Polyvnyl chlorde (PVC) s resstant to
alkales, ols, and lmted concentratons of
ntrc and chromc acds.
ß
Latex (natural rubber) ressts mld acds,
caustcs, detergents, germcdes, and ketonc
solutons. Latex wll swell and degrade f
exposed to gasolne or kerosene. When
exposed to prolonged, excessve heat or
drect sunlght, latex gloves can degrade,
causng the glove materal to lose ts ntegrty.
ß
Usng powder-free gloves wth reduced
proten content reduces the rsk of developng
latex allerges. Personnel allergc to latex
usually can wear ntrle or neoprene.
Gudelnes for glove use nclude the followng:
ß
Pror to donnng gloves, nspect them for
holes, punctures, and tears. Remove rngs or
other sharp objects that can cause punctures.
ß
When workng wth heavly contamnated
materals, wear a double layer of gloves.
ß
Change gloves when they become torn or
punctured or when ther ablty to functon as a
barrer s compromsed.
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ß
To avod contamnatng unprotected skn or
clothng, remove dsposable gloves by
graspng the cuffs and pullng them off nsde
out. Dscard dsposable gloves n desgnated
contaners. Do not reuse.
Eye Protection
Personnel handlng chemcal, bologcal, and
radoactve materals should wear approprate
eye protecton, such as safety glasses and
goggles.1, 14 Face shelds offer better protecton
when there is a potential for splashing or flying
debrs. Face shelds must be worn n combnaton
wth safety glasses or goggles because face
shelds alone are not consdered approprate eye
protecton.
Contact lens users must wear safety glasses or
goggles to protect the eyes. In the event of a
chemical splash into the eye, it can be difficult to
remove the contact lens to rrgate the eye, and
contamnants can be trapped behnd the contact
lens.
Protectve eyewear also should be worn over
prescrpton glasses. Alternately, safety glasses
may be made to the wearer’s eyeglass
prescrpton.
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Foot Protection
Shoes that completely cover and protect the foot
are essental.12, 15 Protectve footwear should be
worn at crme scenes when there s a danger of
foot njures from fallng or rollng objects, from
objects percng the sole, or from exposure to
electrcal hazards. The standard recognzed by
OSHA for protectve footwear s the American
National Standard for Personal Protection—
Protective Footwear, ANSI Z41-1991.16 In some
stuatons, nonpermeable shoe covers can provde
barrer protecton to shoes and prevent the
transfer of contamnaton outsde the crme scene.
Respiratory Protection
Certan crme scenes, such as bombngs and
clandestne laboratores, can produce noxous
fumes and other arborne contamnants n whch
responders must use respratory protecton.1, 12, 17
Complance wth 29 CFR 1910.134, Respiratory
Protection,18 s mandatory whenever resprators
are used. Crtcal elements for the safe use of
resprators nclude a wrtten program, tranng,
medical evaluation, fit testing, and a respirator
mantenance program. Wthout these elements,
the wearer s not guaranteed protecton.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Head Protection
At certan crme scenes where structural damage
has occurred or may occur, protectve helmets
should be worn. The standard recognzed by
OSHA for protectve helmets s ANSI’s
requrements for ndustral head protecton,
Z89.1-2003.19
Back to the top
Hazardous Materials Transportation
All shipments of suspected or confirmed
hazardous materals must comply wth U.S.
Department of Transportaton and Internatonal Ar
Transport Assocaton regulatons. Ttle 49 of the
CFR lists specific requirements that must be
observed when preparng hazardous materals for
shpment by ar, land, or sea.20 In addton, the
Internatonal Ar Transport Assocaton annually
publshes Dangerous Goods Regulations,21 whch
detals how to prepare and package shpments for
ar transportaton.
Ttle 49 CFR 172.101 provdes a Hazardous
Materals Table22 that identifies items considered
hazardous for the purpose of transportaton.
Ttle 49 CFR 172.101 also addresses specal
provsons for certan materals, hazardous
materals communcatons, emergency response
nformaton, and tranng requrements for
163
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
shppers. Personnel who serve any functon n the
shpment of hazardous materals must receve the
specified training prior to shipping any materials
by commercal transportaton.
Back to the top
Hazardous Waste Regulations
The U.S. Envronmental Protecton Agency’s
Resource Conservaton and Recovery Act
(RCRA),23 commonly referred to as the “cradle-to-
grave” regulaton, was establshed to track
chemcals from “cradle,” or generaton, to “grave,”
or dsposal. Ths system mposes requrements on
both generators and transporters, as well as on
transport, storage, and dsposal facltes. RCRA
specifies that once a material is determined to be
hazardous, t becomes the generator’s complete
responsblty.
The process for determnng whether a materal s
a hazardous waste should be completed by
qualified personnel. Even new material in its
orgnal contaner may be consdered waste f
there s no use for t. The servces of a hazardous
waste contractor and transporter can be used to
help remove materals from scenes. Hazardous
materals that are removed from crme scenes are
consdered evdence and would not fall under
RCRA waste provsons. However, when a case
164
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
has been adjudcated or, for other reasons, the
materal s not needed, the mmedate assstance
of a qualified contractor knowledgeable about
local regulatons must be sought. Clandestne
drug laboratores and envronmental crme scenes
are examples of stuatons that may requre the
removal of waste.
Back to the top
References
1. Natonal Research Councl. Commttee on
Hazardous Substances n the Laboratory. Prudent
Practices for Handling Hazardous Chemicals in
Laboratories. Natonal Academy Press,
Washngton, D.C., 1981.
2. Bloodborne Pathogens, 29 CFR 1910.1030,
U.S. Department of Labor, Occupatonal Safety
and Health Admnstraton, Washngton, D.C.
Avalable: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/
owadsp.show_document?p_table=standards
&p_d=10051.
3. Upfal, M. J. Pocket Guide to First Aid for
Chemical Injuries. Genum, Schenectady, New
York, 1993.
165
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
4. Amercan Natonal Standards Insttute.
American National Standard for Safe Use of
Lasers (ANSI Z136.1-2000). American National
Standards Insttute, New York, 2000.
5. Confort, J. V. Confined Space Pocket Guide.
Genum, Schenectady, New York, 1996.
6. The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/
Tagout), 29 CFR 1910.147, U.S. Department of
Labor, Occupatonal Safety and Health
Admnstraton, Washngton, D.C. Avalable:
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadsp.show
_document?p_table=standards&p_d=9804.
7. Permit-Required Confined Spaces, 29 CFR
1910.146, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupatonal Safety and Health Admnstraton,
Washngton, D.C. Avalable: http://www.osha.gov/
pls/oshaweb/owadsp.show_document?p_table
=standards&p_d=9797.
8. Scope, Application, and Definitions Applicable
to This Subpart, 29 CFR 1926.650, U.S.
Department of Labor, Occupatonal Safety and
Health Admnstraton, Washngton, D.C.
Avalable: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/
owadsp.show_document?p_table=standards&p
_d=10774.
166
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
9. Specific Excavation Requirements, 29 CFR
1926.651, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupatonal Safety and Health Admnstraton,
Washngton, D.C. Avalable: http://www.osha.gov/
pls/oshaweb/owadsp.show_document?p_table
=standards&p_d=10775.
10. Requirements for Protective Systems, 29 CFR
1926.652, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupatonal Safety and Health Admnstraton,
Washngton, D.C. Avalable: http://www.osha.gov/
pls/oshaweb/owadsp.show_document?p_table
=standards&p_d=10776.
11. Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency
Response, 29 CFR 1910.120, U.S. Department of
Labor, Occupatonal Safety and Health
Admnstraton, Washngton, D.C. Avalable:
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadsp.show
_document?p_table=standards&p_d=9765.
12. Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
Laboratory Survival Manual. Unversty of Vrgna,
Charlottesvlle, Vrgna, 1998. Avalable:
http://ehs.vrgna.edu/chem/home.html.
13. Choose the proper gloves for chemcal
handlng. In: Best’s Safety Directory. A. M. Best,
Oldwck, New Jersey, 1998.
167
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
14. Amercan Natonal Standards Insttute.
American National Standard Practice for
Occupational and Educational Eye and Face
Protection (ANSI Z87.1-2003). American National
Standards Insttute, New York, 2003.
15. Occupational Foot Protection, 29 CFR
1910.136, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupatonal Safety and Health Admnstraton,
Washngton, D.C. Avalable: http://www.osha.gov/
pls/oshaweb/owadsp.show_document?p_table
=standards&p_d=9786.
16. Amercan Natonal Standards Insttute.
American National Standard for Personal
Protection—Protective Footwear (ANSI Z41-
1991). Amercan Natonal Standards Insttute,
New York, 1991.
17. Gorman, C. Hazardous Waste Handling
Pocket Guide. Genum, Schenectady, New York,
1997.
18. Respiratory Protection, 29 CFR 1910.134,
U.S. Department of Labor, Occupatonal Safety
and Health Admnstraton, Washngton, D.C.
Avalable: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/
owadsp.show_document?p_table=standards&p
_d=12716.
168
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
19. Amercan Natonal Standards Insttute.
American National Standard for Personnel
Protection—Protective Headwear for Industrial
Workers—Requirements (ANSI Z89.1-2003).
Amercan Natonal Standards Insttute, New York,
2003.
20. Transportation, 49 CFR 100–185, U.S.
Department of Transportaton, Washngton, D.C.
Avalable: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/
cfr/wasdx_05/49cfr172_05.html.
21. Internatonal Ar Transport Assocaton.
Dangerous Goods Regulations. 44th ed.,
Montreal, Canada, 2003.
22. Hazardous Materals Table, 49 CFR 172.101,
U.S. Department of Transportaton, Washngton,
D.C.
Avalable: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/
cfr/wasdx_05/49cfr172_05.html.
23. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 40
CFR 3001–3020, U.S. Envronmental Protecton
Agency, Washngton, D.C. Avalable:
http://www.epa.gov/regon5/defs/html/rcra.htm.
Back to the top
169
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
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170
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Crime Scene Search
Crime scenes involving suspected or
confirmed weapons of mass destruction
(WMD) (nuclear and/or radiological, biological,
chemical, or explosive agents) should be
handled only by qualified personnel. The FBI
is the lead federal agency of a suspected or
confirmed WMD crime scene. Specific
information on how to process a hazardous
materials crime scene is not covered in this
section. Upon notification or suspicion of a
possible WMD incident, contact the FBI’s
Strategic Information and Operations Center at
202-323-3300 and ask for the Weapons of Mass
Destruction Operations Unit Duty Officer.
A crme scene search s planned, coordnated,
and executed by law enforcement officials to
locate physcal evdence.
Basic Principles
SEARCH
ß
The best search optons are usually the
most difficult and time-consuming.
ß
Physcal evdence cannot be
overdocumented.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
There are two search approaches:
1. A cautous search of vsble areas,
avodng evdence loss or contamnaton.
2. A vgorous search of concealed areas.
Preparation
ß
Obtan a search warrant, f necessary.
ß
Dscuss the search wth nvolved personnel
before arrvng at the scene, f possble.
ß
Establsh a command headquarters for
communcaton and decson makng n major
or complcated crme scene searches.
ß
Ensure that personnel are aware of the types
of evdence usually encountered and the
proper handlng of the evdence.
ß
Make prelmnary personnel assgnments
before arrvng at the scene, f possble.
ß
Establsh communcaton between the medcal
examner, laboratory personnel, and
prosecutve attorneys so that questons that
arse durng the crme scene search can be
resolved.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Coordnate agreements wth all agences n
multjursdctonal crme scene searches.
ß
Accumulate evdence collecton and
packagng materals and equpment.
ß
Prepare the paperwork to document the
search.
ß
Provde protectve clothng, communcaton,
lghtng, shelter, transportaton, equpment,
food, water, restroom facltes, medcal
assstance, and securty for search personnel.
ß
In prolonged searches, use shfts of two or
more teams. Transfer paperwork and
responsblty n a preplanned manner from
one team to the next.
ß
Ensure that assgnments are n keepng wth
the atttude, apttude, tranng, and experence
of search personnel. Personnel may be
assgned two or more responsbltes:
Team Leader
ü
Ensure scene securty.
ü
Prepare admnstratve log.
173
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ü
Conduct prelmnary survey (ntal
walk-through).
ü
Prepare narratve descrpton.
ü
Resolve problems.
ü
Make final decisions.
Photographer
ü
Photograph and log evdence and scene.
Sketch Preparer
ü
Sketch and log scene.
Evidence Recorder
ü
Serve as evdence custodan and log
evdence.
Evidence Recovery Personnel
ü
Ensure that evdence s located and
documented (photo and sketch).
ü
Intal and date all evdence collected.
Specialists
ü
Brought n from the FBI Laboratory,
prvate ndustry, academa, other
174
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
laboratores, etc., on a case-by-case bass
to assst n ther area of expertse.
ü
Should be identified prior to the time they
are actually needed.
Approach
ß
Be alert for evdence, especally transent
evdence.
ß
Take extensve notes.
ß
Consder the safety of all personnel.
Secure and Protect
ß
Take control of the scene mmedately.
ß
Determne the extent to whch the scene has
been protected. Obtan nformaton from
personnel who have knowledge of the orgnal
condton.
ß
Contnue to take extensve notes.
ß
Keep out unauthorzed personnel.
ß
Record who enters and leaves.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Preliminary Survey
The prelmnary survey s an organzatonal stage
to plan for the search.
ß
Cautously walk through the scene.
ß
Mantan admnstratve and emotonal control.
ß
Select a narratve technque (wrtten, audo,
or vdeo).
ß
Take prelmnary photographs.
ß
Delneate the extent of the search area.
Expand the ntal permeter as needed.
ß
Organze methods and procedures.
ß
Recognze specal problem areas.
ß
Identfy and protect transent physcal
evdence.
ß
Determne personnel and equpment needs.
Make specific assignments.
ß
Determne the need for any specalsts.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Develop a general theory of the crme.
ß
Take extensve notes to document the scene,
physcal and envronmental condtons, and
personnel movements.
Evaluate Physical Evidence Possibilities
Ths evaluaton begns upon arrvng at the scene
and becomes detaled n the prelmnary survey
stage.
ß
Ensure that collecton and packagng
materials and equipment are sufficient.
ß
Focus first on evidence that could be lost.
Leave the least transent evdence for last.
ß
Consder all categores of evdence
possbltes.
ß
Search the easly accessble areas and
progress to out-of-vew locatons. Look for
hdden tems.
ß
Evaluate whether evdence appears to have
been moved nadvertently.
ß
Evaluate whether the scene appears
contrved.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Narrative
The narratve s a runnng descrpton of the crme
scene.
ß
Use a systematc approach n the narratve.
ß
Nothing is insignificant to record if it catches
one’s attenton.
ß
Under most crcumstances, do not collect
evdence durng the narratve.
ß
Use photographs and sketches to
supplement, not substtute for, the narratve.
ß
The narratve should nclude the followng:
ü
Case identifier.
ü
Date, tme, and locaton.
ü
Weather and lghtng condtons.
ü
Identty and assgnments of personnel.
ü
Condton and poston of evdence when
an evdence recovery log s not used.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Photography
ß
Photograph the crme scene as soon as
possble.
ß
Prepare a photographc log that records all
photographs and a descrpton and locaton of
evdence.
ß
Establsh a progresson of overall, medum,
and close-up vews of the crme scene.
ß
Photograph from eye level to represent the
normal vew.
ß
Photograph the most fragle areas of the
crime scene first.
ß
Photograph all evdence n place pror to
recovery.
ß
All tems of evdence should be photographed
by close-ups, first without a scale and then
with a scale, filling the frame.
ß
Photograph the nteror crme scene n an
overlappng seres usng a normal lens, f
possble. Overall photographs may be taken
usng a wde-angle lens.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Photograph the exteror crme scene,
establshng the locaton of the scene wth a
seres of overall photographs ncludng a
landmark. Photographs should have 360
degrees of coverage. Consder usng aeral
photography, when possble.
ß
Photograph entrances and exts from the
nsde and the outsde.
ß
Pror to enterng the scene, acqure—f
possble—pror photographs, blueprnts, or
maps of the scene.
Sketch
The sketch establshes a permanent record of
tems, condtons, and dstance and sze
relatonshps.
ß
Sketches should supplement photographs.
ß
Sketch number desgnatons should
coordnate wth the evdence log number
desgnatons.
ß
Sketches normally are not drawn to
scale. However, the sketch should have
measurements and detals for a
drawn-to-scale dagram, f necessary.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
The sketch should nclude the followng:
ü
Case identifier.
ü
Date, tme, and locaton.
ü
Weather and lghtng condtons.
ü
Identty and assgnments of personnel.
ü
Dmensons of rooms, furnture, doors,
and wndows.
ü
Dstances between objects, persons,
bodes, entrances, and exts.
ü
Measurements showng the locaton of
evdence. Each object should be located
by at least two measurements usng an
establshed measurement system, e.g.,
trangulaton, transectng baselne, or
azmuth.
ü
Key, legend, compass orentaton, scale,
scale dsclamer, or a combnaton of
these features.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Conduct Detailed Search
ß
Use a search pattern (grd, strp or lane, or
spral).
ß
Search for evdence from the general to the
specific.
ß
Be alert for all evdence.
ß
Search entrances and exts.
Record and Collect Physical Evidence
ß
Ensure that all tems are photographed pror
to collecton.
ß
Mark evdence locatons on the sketch.
ß
Complete an evdence log notng all tems of
evdence collected. If possble, have one
person serve as evdence custodan.
ß
Two people should observe the evdence n
place, then as t s collected, ntaled, and
dated. Evdence tems are marked drectly
only when postve the marks wll not nterfere
wth subsequent forensc examnaton.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Wear latex or cotton gloves to avod leavng
fingerprints.
ß
Do not excessvely handle the evdence after
recovery.
ß
Seal all evdence packages at the crme
scene.
ß
Obtain known standards (e.g., fiber samples
from a known carpet).
ß
Constantly check paperwork, packagng, and
other nformaton for errors.
Final Survey
ß
The final survey is a review of all aspects of
the search.
ß
Dscuss the search wth all personnel.
ß
Ensure that all documentaton s correct and
complete.
ß
Photograph the scene showing the final
condton.
ß
Ensure that all evdence s accounted for
before departng the scene.
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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
ß
Ensure that all supples and equpment are
removed from the scene.
ß
Ensure that no areas have been overlooked n
the detaled search.
ß
Reconsder the need for addtonal specalsts.
Release
ß
Release the crime scene after the final survey.
ß
The scene should be released only when all
personnel are satisfied that the scene was
searched correctly and completely.
ß
Only the person n charge should release the
scene.
ß
Ensure that the approprate nventory has
been provded, consstent wth legal
requrements, to the person to whom the
scene s released.
ß
Crme scene release documentaton should
nclude the tme and date of release, to whom
released, and by whom released.
ß
Once the scene has been released, reentry
may requre a warrant.
Back to the top
184
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Index
A
Abrasves, 14
glass samples from, 69–71
Acrylc-surface replca cast
make and model
kt, 119–121, 136–137
identification, 75
Adhesves, 14–15. See also
pant samples from,
Tapes
101–102
for lftng mpressons,
tre tread examnatons,
127–130
121–131
Arborne contamnants,
148–149
B
Ammunton. See also
Bank robbery, survellance
Bullets; Frearms
films, 73, 75–78
cartrdge cases or
Bank Robbery Note Fle, 116
shotshell casngs, 64
Bank securty dyes, 21
packagng, shppng,
Bohazardous materals
labelng, 11–12, 66–68
bloodborne pathogen
shot pellets, buckshot, or
safety, 149–152
slugs, 64
packagng, shppng, and
waddng, 65
labelng, 9–12, 46, 68,
Anonymous Letter Fle, 116
88–89, 100, 139–141
Anthropologcal
routes of exposure n
examnatons, 15–16
contamnated
Arrest photos, 77
envronments, 147–149
Arson, 17
Bologcal relatves, mssng
lmtatons, 4
persons and samples
Audo, 18–20
from, 95–97
Authentcty/manpulaton
Bologcal tssue sample
detecton, 18, 74, 141
examnaton. See DNA
See also Image analyss
examnatons
Automobles
accdents, 5, 101–102
INDEX
automoble theft, 5
185
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Blood
Buckshot, 64
blood examnaton request
Buldng materals, 22
letter, 50
Bullets. See also Ammunton;
on clothng submtted for
Frearms
gunshot resdue
bullet jacket alloys, 23–24
examnaton, 68
fired, 64
collectng from a person,
packagng, shppng, and
45–46
labelng, 66–68
collectng known samples,
Burglary, 5
45–46, 48–50
collecton, mssng persons
C
and, 95–96
Cameras, mage analyss
dred, 48–50, 96
and, 74, 78. See also
lqud, 48
Photographs/photography;
on a person, 48
Survellance mages
stans, 49–50
Carbon paper or carbon-film
on surfaces, n snow or
rbbon, 115
water, 48
Carjackng, 5
wet bloodstaned garments
Cartrdges, cartrdge cases,
and objects, 49–50
23–24, 64, 65, 66–68
Bloodborne pathogen safety,
Castng, See Impressons
149–152
and casts
Body fluids. See also DNA
Caulk, 14–15
examnatons; specific
Cellular phones, 56–58
fluids, e.g., Blood, Salva
Checkwrters, 115
Unversal precautons,
Chemcal safety, 152–153
150–152
Chemcal unknowns, 24–26
Bones. See Anthropologcal
Chld Explotaton and
examnatons; Tssue,
Obscenty Reference Fle,
bones, and teeth. See also
75, 78
Skeletal samples
Buccal (oral) swab samples,
47, 96–97
186
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Chld pornography
Computer Analyss
examnatons, mage
Response Team, 27
analyss, 75–79
Computers
Clocks, 93
comparson, 26
Clothng, fabrc, and textles
computer-anmated
bank securty dye on, 21
modelng, 31
blood on, 49
content, 26
buldng materals debrs
deleted data files, 26
on, 22
extracton, 26
for comparsons, 73
format converson, 26
controlled substances on,
keyword searchng, 27
29–30
labelng and shppng,
explosves resdue on,
28–29
60–61
lmted source code, 27
glass samples on, 70
passwords, 27
gunshot resdue on, 65, 68
procedures for
hair/fibers on, 71–72
examnaton, 27–29
pant on, 101–102
search or field
pepper spray or
examnaton, 27–28
pepper foam on,
transacton, 26
103
Confined-space safety,
protectve. See Personal
154–156
protectve equpment
Contamnated envronments
safe nsulaton on,
routes of exposure n,
118–119
147–149
wood partcles on, 146
Controlled substances, 29–30
Coded messages. See
Cordage, 117–118
Cryptanalyss
Crme scene safety. See also
Commercal electronc
Bohazardous materals
devces, 56–58
about, 147
Communcaton devces
bloodborne pathogen
ntercepton-of-, 57–58
safety, 149–152
chemcal safety, 152–153
187
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
confined-space safety,
release, 184
154–156
search, 182
hazardous materals
search personnel,
transportaton, 163–164
173–175
hazardous waste
secure and protect, 175
regulatons, 164–165
sketches, 180–181
lght-source safety,
weapons of mass
153–154
destructon and, 171
personal protectve
Crme scene surveys,
equpment, 158–163
documentaton, and
routes of exposure n
reconstructon, 31
contamnated
Crmnal Justce Informaton
envronments, 147–149
Servces Dvson, 89
X-ray safety, 157–158
Cryptanalyss, 31–33
Crme scene search
procedures
D
approach, 175
Damaged meda restoraton
basc prncples,
audo recordngs, 19–20
171–172
vdeo, 142–144
final survey, 183–184
Debrs
latent prnts, 80–89
arson and, 17
narratve, 178
buldng materals, 22
photography, 82–84,
glass samples, 69–70
86–87, 121–124,
pant, 100–102
179–180
safe nsulaton and,
physcal evdence
118–119
possbltes evaluaton,
sol examnatons and,
177
131–133
prelmnary survey,
Decontamnaton/dsnfecton
176–177
of equpment, 151
preparaton, 172–175
Demonstratve evdence, 33
record and collect,
Dental stone, mxng and
182–183
pourng, 125–127
188
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Digital cameras and film. See
Drug records, 32
Cameras; Flm
Drug resdue, 30
DNA examnatons
Dyes, bank securty, 21
about, 33–35
anthropologcal
E
examnatons of bone,
Electronc devces, 56–58
15–16
Electrostatc lfts, 127–128
buccal (oral) swabs, 47,
Elmnaton prnts, 85
96–97
Embossngs, 115
case acceptance polcy,
Enhancement examnatons
35–40
audo recordngs, 18–20
documentng, collectng,
vdeo, 142–144
packagng, and
Evdence
preservng, 44–45
packagng and shppng,
har, 42–44, 53–54,
9–12
71–72
submsson, 7–12
mtochondral DNA,
Evdence examnatons,
34–35, 40–43
requestng, 7–9. See also
nuclear DNA, 34–35
specific items, e.g.,
preservng DNA evdence,
Abrasves, DNA,
55–56
Explosves
salva, 52–53
Expert wtness testmony, 2–3
semen and semen stan
Explosve ncdents and
examnatons, 50–52
hoaxes, 4
semnal evdence from
Explosves, 58–60. See also
sexual assault vctms,
Chemcal safety
52
Explosves resdue, 60–61
sources for analyss,
Eye protecton, 154, 161
33–35
tssue, bones, teeth,
54–55, 97–100
F
urne, 52–53
Fabrc and textles, See
Document age, 115
Clothng, fabrc, and
textles
189
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Facsmle machnes, See
shotshells, 65
Electronc devces;
waddng, 65
Questoned document
Foot protecton, 162
examnatons
Footprnts. See Shoe prnts
Facsmles, 57, 87, 112–113
Forensc facal magng/
FBI Dsaster Squad, 61–62
reproducton, 16, 68–69
FBI Laboratory, 1–3
Forensc servces
FBI Laboratory Evdence
about, 1–3
Control Unt, 7, 12
lmtatons, 3–5
FBI Operatonal Technology
Dvson, 1–3, 18, 27, 57,
G
72, 141
Gamblng, 32
Feathers, 62–63
Gelatn lfts, 128–130
Fbers, 71–72
General unknowns (powders,
Flm, mage analyss, 72–79
lquds, stans), 24–26
Fngerprntng human
remans, 88–89. See also
Glass, 69–71
Latent prnts
Global postonng systems
Fngerprnts. See Latent
(GPSs), 56–58
prnts
Graphc arts (prntng), 114
Fre. See Arson
Guns. See Frearms
Frearms, 63–68. See also
Gunshot resdue
Ammunton; Bullets
on clothng, 65, 68
cartrdge cases or
shotshell casngs, 64
H
gun parts, 65
Har, 43–44, 53–54, 71–72
gunshot resdue on
toxcology screenng, 139
vctm’s clothng, 65, 68
Hand protecton, 159–161
mage analyss, 73, 78
Handwrtng and hand
shot pellets, buckshot, or
prntng, 79–80, 107–110
slugs, 64
Hazard rsk assessment,
slencers, 66
personal protectve
unfired cartridges or
equpment and, 158–159
190
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Hazardous materals handlng
model identification, 75
and transportaton, 10–12,
cameras, 74
163–164. See also
chld pornography
Bohazardous materals;
examnatons, 75, 78
Chemcal safety; specific
clothng, 73, 78
hazardous materials, e.g.,
film, 73–74, 76–79
Ammunton, Explosves
firearms, 78
Hazardous waste regulatons,
locaton, tme, and date of
164–165
photographc evdence,
Head protecton, 163
74
Hepatts B and C vruses,
packagng, shppng, and
150
labelng of, 76–79
Ht-and-run (automoble)
photogrammetry, 73, 78
cases, 5, 101–102,
photographc
105–106
comparsons, 73
Human immunodeficiency
photographs, 73–78
vrus (HIV),150
procedures for
Human remans
submsson, 76–79
anthropologcal
provdng orgnals, 76
examnatons, 15–16
source and age, 74
hands/fingers for latent
vdeo, 73–78
prnts, 88–89
Impressons and casts
samples from unidentified,
of serial/identification
44, 97–100
numbers, 119–121
three-dmensonal
I
mpresson casts,
Igntable materals. See
125–127
Arson
for toolmark examnatons,
Image analyss
136–137
authentcty and mage-
two-dmensonal
manpulaton detecton,
mpressons, 127–130
74
Infectous materals, 149–152
automoble make and
191
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Ingeston of contamnants,
Lftng materals, 81, 127–130
149
Lght-source safety, 153–154
Inhalaton exposure, 148
Loan-sharkng, 32
Injecton of contamnants,
Lubrcants, 89–90
149
Ink, 79–80
M
Innocent Images, 75
Malcous mschef, 5
Insect samples,
Metallurgy
anthropologcal
broken or mechancally
examnatons of bone
and, 16
damaged metal, 91
Intercepton-of-
burned, heated, or melted
communcaton (IOC)
metal, 92
devces, 57–58
comparatve examnatons,
90–91
L
cut or severed metal, 92
lamp bulbs, 93
Labels and labelng, shppng,
metal fragments, 92
9–12. See also specific
objects wth questoned
items
nternal components, 93
Lamp bulbs, 93
specification fraud and
Latent labels, 10
noncomplant
Latent prnts,
materals, 92–93
case acceptance polcy, 80
watches, clocks, and
developng at crme
tmers, 93
scenes, 80–82
Mnor theft and fraud, 5
dgtal mages of, 86–87
Mssng persons
glass samples and, 71
about samples, 94–97
lftng, 81
blood collecton and,
packagng, shppng, and
96
labelng, 84–86
bone submssons, 97–98
photographng, 82–84
buccal (oral) swabs, 96–97
submitting hands/fingers
dred bloodstans, 96
of deceased for, 88–89
192
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
samples from bologcal
Pagers, 56–58
relatves, 95–96
Pant, 100–102
skeletal samples, 97–98
Paper, 114–117
teeth and, 98–99
Pepper spray or foam,
tssue samples, 100
103–104
Mtochondral DNA (mtDNA)
Personal dgtal assstants,
See DNA examnatons
(PDAs), 56–58
Money launderng, 32
Personal protectve
equpment (PPE),
N
eye protecton, 154, 161
Natonal Automotve Image
foot protecton, 162
Fle, 75
hand protecton, 159–161
Natonal Center for Mssng
hazard rsk assessment
and Exploted Chldren, 75
and, 158–159
Natonal Integrated Ballstc
head protecton, 163
Informaton Network
respratory protecton, 162
(NIBIN), 64
Pharmaceutcals, 104. See
Natonal Mssng Person
also Toxcology
DNA Database, 37, 40, 94
Photocopes, 87, 112–114,
Nonfatal traffic accidents, 5
117, 131
Nuclear DNA (nDNA). See
Photogrammetry, 73, 78
DNA examnatons
Photographs/photography
crme scene search
O
procedures, 179–180
examnaton-qualty,
Oleoresn capscum. See
122–124
Pepper spray or foam
mage analyss, 73–75, 77
Oral swab samples, 47,
mpressons n snow, 124
96–97
latent prnts, 82–84
P
locaton, tme, and date
determnatons and, 74
Packagng and shppng
photographc
evdence, 9–12
comparsons, 73
193
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
shoe prnts and tre
embossngs and seals,
treads, 121–124
115
of suspects, 77
facsmles, 112–114
toolmarks, 137
graphc arts (prntng), 114
Plastc bags, 115
handwrtng and hand
Posons. See Crme scene
prntng, 107–110
safety; Toxcology
nk and, 79
Polymers, 104–106
nongenune sgnatures,
Pornography examnatons,
110
mage analyss, 75–79
packagng, shppng, and
Prntng and prnted matter,
labelng, 116–117
114
paper, 114
Product tamperng, 106–107
photocopes, 112–114, 117
Property crme, 3–5
plastc bags, 115
Prosttuton, 32–33
rubber stamps, 115
Protectve clothng and
typewrtng, 110–112
equpment, 158–163
R
Q
Racketeerng records, 31–33
Questoned documents,
Respratory protecton, 148,
altered or oblterated
162
wrtng, 110
Rope, 117–118
Anonymous Letter Fle,
Routes of exposure n
116
contamnated
Bank Robbery Note Fle,
envronments, 147–149
116
Rubber stamps, 115
burned or charred paper,
114
S
carbon paper and
Safe nsulaton, 118–119
carbon-film ribbon, 115
Safety. See Crme scene
checkwrters, 115
safety
document age, 115
Salva, 34, 52–53, 55–56
Sealants, 14–15
194
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
Seals, 115
Specal-event and stuatonal
Search patterns, 182
awareness support, 133
Semen and semen stan
Submttng evdence, 7–12
examnatons, 50–52
Substances, unknown
Semnal evdence from
(powders, lquds, stans),
sexual assault vctms, 52
24–26
Seral numbers, 119–121
Survellance mages, 73–79
Serology. See DNA
Suspects, arrest or known
examnatons
photographs of, 77
Sexual assault, semnal
evdence from, 52
T
Shppng of evdence. See
Tape, 134–135
Packagng and shppng
for lftng mpressons,
evdence; specific items
128–130
Shoe prnts, 121–131
for lftng latent prnts, 81
Shot pellets, 64
Ten-print fingerprint cards, 89
Shotshells and shotshell
Teeth. See Tssue, bones,
casngs, 64, 65
and teeth
Sgnal analyss, audo
Tmers, 93
recordngs, 19
Tre treads, 121–131
Sgnatures, 110
Tssue, bones, and teeth
Slencers, 66
anthropologcal
Skeletal remans, See Human
examnatons of
remans
bone, 15–16
Skeletal samples, 97–98
DNA examnatons, 54–55
Skn contamnaton/contact,
97–100
148
unidentified human
Slugs, 64
remans, 44, 97–100
Snow
Toolmarks, 135–138
blood n, 48
Toxcology, 138–141
mpressons n, 124
Traffic accidents, 5
Sol, 131–133
Typewrtng, 110–112
195
Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007
U
X
Unversal precautons,
X-ray safety, 157–158
150–152
X-rays, known ndvdual
Urne, 52–53, 139
comparson to skeletal
remans, 16
V
Vandalsm, 5
Vdeo, 141–144
mage analyss, 72–79
Volent crme, 3–4
Vsual nformaton
specalsts, 31, 33, 68, 133
Voce comparsons, 18–19
W
Waddng, ammunton, 65
Watches, 93
Watermark identification, 79,
115
Weapons of mass
destructon, 144–146
crme scene search
procedures and, 171
Wood, 146
Wrtng examnatons. See
Handwrtng and hand
prntng; Questoned
documents
196
The Handbook of Forensic Services s also
avalable onlne at http://www.fbi.gov/
hq/lab/handbook/forensics.pdf. Law
enforcement officers and forensic laboratory
personnel may obtan the handbook n
field-manual format by faxing a request on
agency letterhead to the FBI Laboratory
Lbrary at 703-632-8374.
197
198
Document Outline
