Office of the Director Since its 1932 inception, the FBI Laboratory has consistently strived to enhance its service to the law enforcement and criminal justice communities, The Handbook of Forensic Science includes information to clarify the capabilities of the FB Laboratory, as well as current techniques used to examine physical evidence. ‘Through exhaustive analysis, our technicians develop appropriate methodology toapply the most recent scientific and technological innovations to the examination of forensic evidence in criminal investigations. The reliability of these techniques is crucial, not only to the law enforcement profession, but also to the public we serve. The men and women who collect physical evidence at crime scenes must exercise prudent care in its handling and packaging in order to preserve its integrity. By doing so, they help to ensure that the results of laboratory examinations are accurate. Suggested guidelines and proce- dures are inclucted in this manual. The FBI distributes the Handbook of Forensic Science in its continuing efforts to assist crime investigators and laboratories thoughout the world. [hope that this publica- tion will promote optimum use of forensic evidence and crime laboratories. These are essential components in facilitating the successful resolution of the high number of inves- tigations and prosecutions which overwhelm the criminal justice system and tax our resources at all levels of govemmment. y LAL Louis J. Frech DirectorHandbook of Forensic Science -