Forensics

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 FBIs 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: FBI field offices and legal attachs.
U.S. attorneys, mltary trbunals, and other federal agences for cvl and crmnal matters. 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: 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. 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. No testmony wll be furnshed f testmony on the same subject and n the same case s
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provded for the prosecuton by another expert. 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: FBI examners wll choose approprate techncal processes to address the contrbutors request for examnaton. Dependng on the caseload of the Laboratory and the needs of the contrbutor, evdence examnatons may be subcontracted. 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
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: Arson of unoccuped resdental and commercal buldngs and property. Explosve ncdents and hoaxes targetng unoccuped resdental and commercal buldngs and property.
Vandalsm and malcous mschef drected toward resdental or commercal buldngs and property. Nonfatal traffic accidents involving speedometer and headlght examnatons except n cases nvolvng law enforcement and government officials. Ht-and-run automoble accdents not nvolvng personal njury. Automoble theft, except automoble theft rngs or carjackngs. Breakng and enterng. Burglary. Mnor theft (under $100,000).
Mnor fraud (under $100,000).

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Submitting Evidence
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 attach (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: The submttng contact persons name, agency, address, and telephone number.
SUBMISSIONS
Previous case-identification numbers, evdence submssons, and communcatons relatng to the case. Descrpton of the nature and the basc facts of the case as they pertan to evdence examnatons. 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. The name of the prosecutor assgned, f avalable. A lst of the evdence beng submtted herewth (enclosed) or under separate cover. 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.
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.
What type(s) of examnaton(s) s/are requested. Where the evdence should be returned and where the Laboratory report should be sent. A street address must be ncluded. 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

Pror to packagng and shppng evdence, call the pertinent unit for specific instructions. Take precautons to preserve the evdence. Wrap and seal each tem of evdence separately to avod contamnaton.
Place the evdence n a clean, dry, and prevously unused nner contaner. Seal the nner contaner wth tamper-evdent or filament tape. 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. Affix the evidence examination request and all case nformaton between the nner and outer contaners. Place the sealed nner contaner n a clean, dry, and prevously unused outer contaner wth clean packng materals. Do not use loose Styrofoam. Completely seal the outer contaner so that tamperng wth the contaner would be evdent. 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. 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: Package and shp ammunton separately from firearm(s).
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The outsde of the contaner must be labeled ORM-D, CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS. The Declaraton of Dangerous Goods must nclude the number of packages and the gross weght n grams of the completed packages.
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
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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Evidence Examinations
Abrasves . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Adhesves . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Anthropology . . . . . . . . . . 15 Arson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Audo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Bank Securty Dyes . . . . . 21 Buldng Materals . . . . . . . 22 Bullet Jacket Alloys. . . . . . 23 Caulk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Chemcal Unknowns. . . . . 24 Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Controlled Substances . . . 29 Cordage . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Crme Scene Surveys, Documentaton, and Reconstructon . . . . . . . 31 Cryptanalyss . . . . . . . . . . 31 Demonstratve Evdence. . 33 Dsaster Squad . . . . . . . . . 61 DNA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Electronc Devces . . . . . . 56 Explosves . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Explosves Resdue . . . . . 60 Feathers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Fbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Frearms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Forensc Facal Imagng . . 68 Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Har . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Image Analyss . . . . . . . . . 72 Ink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Latent Prnts . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Lubrcants . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Metallurgy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Mssng Persons . . . . . . . . 94 Pant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Pepper Spray or Foam. . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Pharmaceutcals . . . . . . . 104 Polymers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Product Tamperng. . . . . . 106 Questoned Documents . . 107 Racketeerng Records . . . . 31 Rope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Safe Insulaton . . . . . . . . . 118 Sealants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Seral Numbers . . . . . . . . 119 Shoe Prnts . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Sol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Specal-Event and Stuatonal Awareness Support . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Tape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Tre Treads. . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Toolmarks . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Toxcology . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Vdeo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Weapons of Mass Destructon . . . . . . . . . 144 Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
EXAMINATIONS
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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. Employ personnel famlar wth the operatons and mechancs of engnes and machnery to recover abrasves. Abrasves settle n ol and fuel. Submt the ol and fuel from the engine pump and/or filters. Abrasves embed n bearngs and other parts. Submt the bearngs and other parts. 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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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. 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. 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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remans. Damage to bone such as cuts, bluntforce 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. 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. 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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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 heatsealed plastic bags approved for fire debris. Do not fill the containers to the top. Pack to prevent breakage.
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Audio Examinations
Audo examnatons are conducted by the FBIs 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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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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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. Wrte-protect the orgnal recordng, whch may include finalizing CD and DVD media. Submt orgnal audo recordngs. Identfy known and questoned voce samples. Label the outer contaner FRAGILE, SENSITIVE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT or FRAGILE, SENSITIVE AUDIO/VIDEO MEDIA and KEEP AWAY FROM MAGNETS OR MAGNETIC FIELDS. Address the outer contaner as follows:
FORENSIC PROGRAM BUILDING 27958A ENGINEERING RESEARCH FACILITY FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION QUANTICO VA 22135 Back to the top
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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. Only evdence wth vsble red or pnk stans wll be examned. Do not submt large staned evdence (e.g., car seats). When possble, cut a small sample of the staned area and submt n a heatsealed 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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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. 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. Collect known samples from the penetrated or damaged areas. 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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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 testfired 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 manufacturers or among the bullet jacket alloys n manufacturers producton lnes. Questions concerning bullet jacket alloy examinations should be directed to 703-6328441. Follow the evdence submsson drectons, ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations and Packaging and Shipping Evidence. 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, collectors name, case number, and evdence number wrtten on the contaner.
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U.S. Department of Transportaton regulatons and the followng gudelnes must be followed when shppng lve ammunton: Package and shp ammunton separately from firearm(s). The outsde of the contaner must be labeled ORM-D, CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS. The Declaraton of Dangerous Goods must nclude the number of package(s) and the gross weght n grams of the completed package(s).
Do not mark bullets, cartrdges, cartrdge cases, shotshells, or shotshell casngs. The date, tme, locaton, collectors name, case number, and evdence number must be on the contaner. Back to the top
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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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. 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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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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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: Determne the type(s) of computers and operatng systems. If applcable, determne the type of network software, the locaton of the network servers, and the number of computers on the network. Determne whether encrypton and/or password protecton s used.
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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. For most examnatons, submt only the central processng unts and the nternal and external storage meda. 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. Pack and shp central processng unts n the uprght poston. Label the outsde contaner THIS END UP.
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Dsks, cartrdges, tapes, and hard drves must be packed to avod movement durng shppng. Label the outer contaner FRAGILE, SENSITIVE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT and KEEP AWAY FROM MAGNETS OR MAGNETIC FIELDS. Address the outer contaner as follows:
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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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. Submt evdence n separate heat-sealed or resealable plastc bags. Fold clothng to preserve trace evdence. Do not submit used drug field-test kits with evdence.
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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 threedmensonal 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 objectmovement 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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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
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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.
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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 bodyfluid 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
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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
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materal. Addtonally, the maternal nhertance of mtDNA allows scentsts to compare a mtDNA profile to reference samples from that persons 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 identificatons 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 The DNAUI accepts FBI cases for serologcal and nDNA analyss. FBI cases are prortzed
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accordng to the FBIs prortes of counterterrorsm; 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. The DNAUI accepts cases from FBI field offices and legal attachs (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. Cases are accepted provded that: 1. The submttng agency s not served by another government forensc DNA laboratory.
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2. The submtted case has not been examned prevously by another laboratory. Case Consideration Policy 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. 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. 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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The DNAUI does not conduct low-copynumber (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. 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: DNAUI cases may be prortzed accordng to scheduled trial dates or other case-specific nformaton. 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. 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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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 unts 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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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 mssngperson cases s approprate only when bone or
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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 victims 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 vctms reference samples are not avalable or other
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approprate reference samples are unavalable for nDNA analyss. For example, a kdnappng vctm s mssng, but a bloodstan s found n the suspects vehcle and only a maternal relatves (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 relatves reference sample, and the suspects 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 12 hars. For example, f 10 hars collected from a vctms 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:
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Known vctm har samples (of all types) must be submtted to determne whether evdence hars are smlar or dssmlar to the vctms har. 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: 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). 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).
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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. If DNA evdence s not properly documented, ts orgn can be questoned.
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If t s not properly collected, bologcal actvty can be lost. If t s not properly packaged, contamnaton can occur. 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 Only qualified medical personnel should collect blood samples from a person.
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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). Label each tube wth the date, tme, persons name, locaton, collectors name, case number, and evdence number. Refrgerate, do not freeze, lqud blood samples (tubes may break f frozen). Use cold packs, not dry ce, durng shppng. Pack lqud blood tubes ndvdually n Styrofoam or cylndrcal tubes wth absorbent materal surroundng the tubes. Package blood samples from dfferent ndvduals separately. Label the outer contaner KEEP IN A COOL, DRY PLACE, REFRIGERATE ON ARRIVAL, and BIOHAZARD. Submt to the Laboratory as soon as possble.
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Buccal (Oral) Swabs Use clean cotton swabs to collect buccal (oral) samples. Rub the nsde surfaces of the cheeks thoroughly. Ar-dry the swabs and place n clean paper or an envelope wth sealed corners. Do not use plastc contaners. Identfy each sample wth the date, tme, persons name, locaton, collectors name, case number, and evdence number. Package oral samples from dfferent ndvduals separately. Buccal samples do not need to be refrgerated. Submt to the Laboratory as soon as possble. 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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Blood on a Person 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. 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 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. 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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Bloodstains 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. 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. 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. 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
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an envelope wth sealed corners. Do not use plastc contaners. Blood Examination Request Letter A blood examnaton request letter must contan the followng nformaton: A bref statement of facts relatng to the case. Clams made by the suspect(s) regardng the source of the blood. Whether anmal blood s present. Whether the stans were laundered or dluted with other body fluids. 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 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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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. 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. 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. 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 Sexual assault vctms must be medcally examined in a hospital or a physicians office
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usng a standard sexual assault evdence kt to collect vagnal, oral, and anal evdence. Refrgerate and submt the evdence to the Laboratory as soon as possble.
Saliva and Urine, Other Sources of Body-Fluid Evidence 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. Submt small suspected dry salva- or urnestaned 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. 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.
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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. 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. Pck up envelopes and stamps wth gloved hands or clean forceps and place n a clean envelope. Do not use plastc contaners.
Hair Pck up har carefully wth clean forceps to prevent damagng the root tssue. Air-dry hair mixed with suspected body fluids. Package each group of har separately n clean paper or an envelope wth sealed corners. Do not use plastc contaners.
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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. Pck up suspected tssue, bones, and teeth wth gloved hands or clean forceps. Collect 12 cubc nches of red skeletal muscle. Submt whole bones. Cuttng bones ncreases the possblty of contamnaton. Collect teeth n the followng order: 1. Nonrestored molar. 2. Nonrestored premolar. 3. Nonrestored canne. 4. Nonrestored front tooth.
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5. Restored molar. 6. Restored premolar. 7. Restored canne. 8. Restored front tooth. 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. Freeze the evdence, place n Styrofoam contaners, and shp overnght on dry ce.
Preserving DNA EvidenceLong-Term Storage Blood/salva (reference samples). Refrgerate, do not freeze, lqud blood samples. Store refrigerated, frozen (if dried), or at room temperature, away from light and humidity.
Blood/semen (evdence samples).
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Store refrigerated, frozen, or at room temperature, away from light and humidity.
DNA tubes/tssue samples, etc. Store refrigerated or frozen, if possible. It s recommended that these samples be stored n a refrgerator/freezer and solated from evdence that has not been examned.
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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 ownerentered 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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communcatons. The devces consst of radofrequency 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 crcutryncludng facsmle machnes, stun guns, and bomb detonatorscan 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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Follow the evdence submsson drectons, ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations and Packaging and Shipping Evidence. Label the outer contaner FRAGILE, SENSITIVE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT and KEEP AWAY FROM MAGNETS OR MAGNETIC FIELDS. Address the outer contaner as follows:
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: Identfy the components used to construct the devce, such as swtches, batteres, detonators, tapes, wres, and fusng systems.
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Identfy the explosve man charge. Determne the constructon characterstcs. Determne the manner n whch the devce functoned or was desgned or ntended to functon. Determine the specific assembly techniques employed by the bulder(s) of the devce. 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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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.
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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. Some explosves resdue s water-soluble and must be protected from mosture. Other
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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. Collect and preserve control samples from the blast ste. Extreme care must be taken to avod contamnatng explosves resdue evdence. 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.
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FBI Disaster Squad

Asssts n prntng the deceased at dsaster scenes. Assists in collecting antemortem fingerprints of vctms.
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Asssts n dentfyng frcton rdge skn of the deceased. Deployment of the FBIs 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. Requests for assstance must be made through the nearest FBI field office or the FBIs Strategc Informaton and Operatons Center at 202-323-3300.
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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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Submt feathers n heat-sealed or resealable plastc bags or paper bags.
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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. Trggerpull 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 fullautomatc 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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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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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 Victims 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 muzzleto-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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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. All firearms must be unloaded. The firearm should be submitted. If the firearm cannot be submtted, call 703-632-8442 for nstructons. The firearm must be handled minimally to avod loss or destructon of evdence. Do not allow objects to enter or contact the firearms barrel, chamber, or other operatng surface. 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
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by date, tme, locaton, collectors name, case number, and evdence number. U.S. Department of Transportaton regulatons and the followng gudelnes must be followed when shipping live ammunition: Package and shp ammunton separately from firearm(s). The outsde of the contaner must be labeled ORM-D, CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS. The Declaraton of Dangerous Goods must nclude the number of package(s) and the gross weght n grams of the completed package(s).
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, collectors name, case number, and evdence number must be on the contaner. Do not mark bullets, cartrdges and cartrdge cases, shotshells and shotshell casngs, or
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other firearm-related evidence. The date, tme, locaton, collectors name, case number, and evdence number must be on the contaner. Clothng submtted for gunshot resdue examnaton must be carefully handled, ardred, 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, collectors name, case number, and evdence number must be on the contaner.
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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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Questions concerning forensic facial imaging should be directed to 703-632-8194.

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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 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. 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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Submt the ar-dred clothng of the vctm(s) and suspect(s). Package each tem separately n a paper bag. 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. 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. Shp known and questoned debrs separately to avod contamnaton. Do not process evdence for latent prnts.
Fracture 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). 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
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glass separately and securely to avod shftng and breakng durng shppng. 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.

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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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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. 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. When possble, submt the entre garment or textile. Submit fibers in clean paper or an envelope wth sealed corners.
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Image Analysis Examinations

Image analyss examnatons are conducted by the FBIs Operatonal Technology Dvson (OTD), Dgtal Evdence Laboratory (DEL), Forensc Audo, Vdeo, and Image Analyss Unt (FAVIAU).
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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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Authenticity and Image-Manipulation Detection Photographic evidenceincluding film, video, and dgtal magescan 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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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 703-9851393. 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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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. Wrte-protect the orgnal meda. Never use the Pause operaton when vewng orgnal vdeo recordngs. 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 firstgeneraton photographc prnts, vdeotapes, or digital files of the evidence, being careful not to ntroduce further compresson.
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Process all film prior to submitting. Bank surveillance film should be processed by the banks securty company accordng to manufacturer specifications. 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. 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). When takng known photographs for comparson wth questoned mages, use 35 mm film or digital equivalent (at highest resoluton settngs to mnmze mage compresson).
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Do not mark or cut tems submtted for comparison (e.g., clothing or firearms) where they are vsble n the questoned mages. 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. 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. 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. 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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Address the outer contaner as follows:
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. Pack nk evdence separately from any document or surface wth nk marks.
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Latent Print Examinations

Case Acceptance Policy Because of the ncreasng casework demands of the FBIs 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 agencys system. The future acceptance of any state and local cases generally wll be based on the submttng agencys 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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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: Photograph latent prnts pror to any processng. Examne all evdence vsually and wth a laser or an alternate lght source before usng any other latent prnt development process. Photograph latent prnts developed wth fingerprint powders before lifting them. 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). Use a short-har brush or cotton to remove excess powder. Use cauton when powderng. Avod overbrushng latent prnts and losng clarty. Use transparent tape or black-and-whte rubber lfts to lft latent prnts.
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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). When usng latent prnt development processes, refer to the manufacturers nstructons and the Materal Safety Data Sheets. Use personal protectve equpment (e.g., safety glasses, masks, gloves, smocks). 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 Use a trpod and cable release when photographng latent prnts.
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Use a 35 mm or medum-format camera wth a macro lens capable of half-sze to full-sze reproducton. Photograph latent prnts at each step n the processng sequence before movng to the next process. Photograph latent prnts developed wth fingerprint powders before lifting them. When possible, use ISO 400 film. Set the lens f-stop to the smallest possble aperture whle usng the camera meter to adjust the cameras shutter speed to obtan proper exposure. Take three exposures of each latent prnt by bracketng: Orgnal exposure. One-stop underexposed mage. One-stop overexposed mage.
Photograph latent prnts ndvdually. Ths ensures that the target latent prnt s n focus.
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For reference purposes, photograph latent prnts close to one another n one frame, f possble. Fll the frame completely. Photograph latent prints with an identification label that ncludes a scale, reference number, date, collectors ntals, and locaton of the latent prints. The identification label should be placed on the same plane as the latent prnts. Mantan a photographc log that records each shot, reference number, date, collectors 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. Stablze the evdence to avod movement or frcton durng shppng. Place nonporous evdence (e.g., nonabsorbent, 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. Place porous evdence (e.g., paper, cardboard) n separate protectve coverngs. Frcton generally wll not destroy latent prnts on ths type of surface. 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. 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. 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 caseidentification number, and a brief statement of facts relating to the case. The fingerprint card should bear an arrest offense.
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The notaton elmnaton prnts should be ncluded f the person prnted s not a suspect. 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: Documentaton of the mage source (e.g., wndow, door frame). Documentaton of the capture devce (e.g., flatbed scanner, digital camera). Documentaton ndcatng the mage s an orgnal capture.
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Fle propertes for latent mages consstng of: A file format without compression or with lossless compresson (e.g., RAW, TIFF). A mnmum of 8 bts for grayscale mages and 24 bts for color mages. A resoluton that meets or exceeds 1000 pxels per nch (PPI) when calbrated to actual sze (1:1).
Fle propertes for ntentonally recorded prnts consstng of: 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. A mnmum of 8 bts for grayscale mages and 24 bts for color mages. 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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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 Pack each hand or finger in a separate unbreakable, watertght, and artght contaner. Label each contaner (e.g., RIGHT HAND, RIGHT THUMB, RIGHT INDEX). Shp the remans n the condton n whch they were found (e.g., n water, frozen, dred) by the most expedtous means. Provde a complete physcal descrpton of the deceased, f possble. Label the outer contaner KEEP IN A COOL, DRY PLACE, REFRIGERATE ON ARRIVAL, and BIOHAZARD. All human remans wll be returned to the contrbutor.
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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 FBIs Criminal Justice Information Services Division. Address the outer contaner as follows:
CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION SERVICES DIVISION FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION 1000 CUSTER HOLLOW ROAD CLARKSBURG WV 26306
Questions concerning ten-print fingerprint cards should be directed to 304-625-2360.
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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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(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. Submt entre tems (e.g., clothng) when possble. Ar-dry the evdence, and package separately n paper bags. 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. Submt suspected sources of lubrcants for comparson examnatons. Package lubrcants separately n leakproof contaners.
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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 characterstcsncludng fractured areas, accdental damage, and fabrcaton marksto 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 damagesuch 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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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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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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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.
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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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of the FBI Laboratorys 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. Call 703-632-7586 for the DNAUI or 703-6327582 for the DNAUII. For FBI (nternal) e-mal, wrte to Erc Pokorak for the DNAUI or John E. Stewart for the DNAUII. 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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Follow the evdence submsson drectons, ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations and Packaging and Shipping Evidence. Samples from Biological Relatives of Missing Persons 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. 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 Use sterle, cotton-tpped applcator swabs to collect four buccal (oral) samples. Rub the
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nsde surfaces of the cheeks thoroughly (use two swabs on each sde). Ar-dry the swabs and place them back nto the orgnal packagng or an envelope wth sealed corners. Do not use plastc contaners. Identfy each sample wth the date, tme, subjects name, locaton, collectors name, and case number. 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. Pck up samples wth gloved hands or clean forceps.
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Ar-dry samples and place n paper bags. Submt whole samples. Cuttng skeletal samples ncreases the possblty of contamnaton. If possble, submt three samples. Submt skeletal samples wth an anthropologcal report, preferably from an anthropologst certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology, or a medcal examners/ coroners report. 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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7. Vertebrae. 8. Rbs. Teeth Personal identifications can be made by comparng teeth wth dental records and X-rays. Pck up teeth wth gloved hands or clean forceps. Ar-dry teeth and place n paper bags. Submt teeth wth an odontologcal report, preferably from an odontologist certified by the Amercan Board of Forensc Odontology, or a medcal examners/coroners report. 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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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. Pck up tssue wth gloved hands or clean forceps. Collect 12 cubc nches of red skeletal muscle. Place tssue samples n a clean, artght plastc contaner wthout formaln or formaldehyde and keep refrgerated or frozen. Label the outer contaner KEEP IN A COOL, DRY PLACE, REFRIGERATE ON ARRIVAL, and BIOHAZARD. Submt to the Laboratory as soon as possble.
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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. Search the accdent or crme scene and the personal effects of the vctm(s) to locate pant
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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. 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: Secton an area of the panted surface. Cut a pant sample from the surface usng a clean, sharp nstrument. Lft or pry loosely attached chps or dslodge the pant by gently httng the opposte sde of the panted surface.
Package pant specmens n leakproof contaners such as vals or pllboxes. Do not
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attach pant partcles to adhesve tape. Do not use plastc bags, cotton, or envelopes to package pant specmens.
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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. Submt entre tems (e.g., clothng) when possble. Ar-dry the evdence, and package separately n paper bags. 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. Submt spray cansters when possble. Refer to Hazardous Materials Transportation when submttng pepperspray cansters.
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Pharmaceutical Examinations
Pharmaceutcal examnatons can dentfy consttuents, actve ngredents, quantty, and weght. Questions concerning pharmaceutical evidence should be directed to 703-6328441. Follow the evdence submsson drectons, ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations and Packaging and Shipping Evidence. Lst the names of the pharmaceutcals and nformaton on ther use. 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 manufacturers 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. 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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the fragments carefully to keep the edges ntact. 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. Remove damaged suspect motor vehcle parts, and package separately n resealable plastc bags or boxes. 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.
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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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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. Submt control samples of the unadulterated product. 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. Use cauton to prevent the destructon of latent prnts.
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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: Lmted questoned and/or known wrtng. Lack of sufficiently comparable known writing for comparson. Lack of contemporaneous wrtng or lapse of tme between executon of questoned and known wrtng. Dstorton or dsguse n the questoned and/or known wrtng. Lack of sufficient identifying characteristics. Submsson of photocoped evdence nstead of orgnal evdence.
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Procedures for Obtaining Known Writing Exemplars 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. Gve verbal or typewrtten nstructons concernng the text to be wrtten. Do not gve nstructons on spellng, punctuaton, or arrangement of wrtng. All exemplars must be on separate peces of paper. The wrter and wtness must ntal and date each page of wrtng. Do not allow the wrter to see the prevous exemplars or the questoned wrtng. Remove each exemplar from the wrters sght as soon as t s completed. Numerous repettons may be necessary to obtan naturally prepared wrtng. Obtan exemplars from the rght and left hands.
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Obtan hand-prntng exemplars n upper- and lowercase letters. Obtain a sufficient quantity of exemplars to account for natural varaton n the wrtng. 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 Traced sgnatures are prepared by drectly usng a genune sgnature as a template or pattern. Smulated sgnatures are prepared by copyng or drawng a genune sgnature. Freehand sgnatures are wrtten n the forgers normal handwrtng wth no attempt to copy anothers 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 If the typewriter has a carbon-film ribbon or correcton rbbon, remove t from the
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typewrter and submt the rbbon to the Laboratory. Insert a new rbbon n the typewrter pror to obtanng exemplars. 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. 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). 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. Obtan the typewrter servce and repar hstory, f avalable. 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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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 Obtan at least 10 exemplars wthout a document on the glass plate and wth the cover down. Obtan at least 10 exemplars wthout a document on the glass plate and wth the cover up. Obtan at least 10 exemplars wth a document on the glass plate and the cover down. Obtan at least 10 exemplars wth a document through the automatc document feeder, f applcable.
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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. 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. 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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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 collectors ntals, date, and other nformaton n pencl. 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. Do not store or shp photocopes n plastc envelopes.
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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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ncludng Requesting Evidence Examinations and Packaging and Shipping Evidence. Submt the entre rope or cord. If the rope or cord must be cut, specfy whch end was cut durng evdence collecton. Label the known and questoned samples. Handle the sectons of rope or cord carefully to prevent loss of trace materal or contamnaton. Submt n heat-sealed or resealable plastc or paper bags.
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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. Collect safe-nsulaton samples from damaged areas.
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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. 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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Serial-Number Examinations
Obliterated serial or identification numbers ncludng markngs on metal, wood, plastc, and fiberglassoften 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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For large objects, and f possble, remove the secton contanng the seral number and submt t to the Laboratory. 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.
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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 threedmensonal 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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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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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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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 (1015 degrees) to the mpresson. Ths wll enhance the detal of the mpresson. For consistent exposure, hold the flash at least 57 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 23 feet
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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 3045 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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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 35 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 35 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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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, collectors ntals, and other dentfyng nformaton on t. In warm weather, the cast should be left undsturbed for at least 2030 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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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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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 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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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. 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. 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. 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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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. For shoe prnt and tre tread comparsons, submt orgnal evdence whenever possble (shoes, tres, photographc negatves, casts, lfts). 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. Unobtrusvely wrte the collectors ntals, dates, and other relevant nformaton on the evdence. 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.
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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. Collect sol samples as soon as possble, because the sol at the crme scene can change dramatcally. Collect sol samples from the mmedate crme scene area and from the logcal access and escape route(s). Collect sol samples where there are notceable changes n color, texture, and composton. Collect sol samples at a depth that s consstent wth the depth from whch the questoned sol may have orgnated. If possble, collect sol samples from alb areas such as the yard or work area of the suspect(s).
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Submt a map dentfyng sol-sample locatons. 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. Carefully remove sol adherng to vehcles. Ar-dry the sol, and package separately n paper bags. 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.
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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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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. 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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not on cardboard, paper, or vnyl document protectors. Do not dstort or tear the tape durng removal. 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).
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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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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. If possble, submt the tool-marked evdence. 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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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. Photographs locate toolmarks but are of no value for identification purposes. Obtan samples of any materal deposted on the tools. Submt samples n leakproof containers such as film canisters or plastic pill bottles. To avod contamnaton, do not place the tool aganst the tool-marked evdence.
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Submt the tool rather than makng test cuts or mpressons. Mark the ends of the evdence and specfy whch end was cut durng evdence collecton.
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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: Volatle compounds (ethanol, methanol, sopropanol). Heavy metals (arsenc). Nonvolatle organc compounds (drugs of abuse, pharmaceutcals).
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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. Acceptng evdence n alleged poson nvestgatons wll be based on whether the vctm(s) sought medcal attenton or a suspcous death occurred. A doctors medcal evaluaton and report must be ncluded wth the evdence. 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. 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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the telephone conversaton acceptng the evdence. 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. 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. Refrgerate or freeze bologcal specmens durng storage and shppng to prevent deteroraton. Pack so that no breakage, leakage, or contamnaton occurs. Submt a copy of the autopsy or ncdent report.
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Descrbe the symptoms of the suspect(s) or vctm(s) at the tme of the crme or pror to the death. Lst any known or questoned drugs consumed by or prescrbed for the suspect(s) or vctm(s). Descrbe any known or questoned envronmental exposure to toxc substances by the suspect(s) or vctm(s).
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Video Examinations
Vdeo examnatons are conducted by the FBIs 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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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 persons 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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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. Wrte-protect the orgnal meda. Never use the Pause operaton when vewng orgnal vdeo recordngs. Submt orgnal vdeo recordngs. If orgnals cannot be obtaned, call for further nstructons.
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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). Label the outer contaner FRAGILE, SENSITIVE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT or FRAGILE, SENSITIVE AUDIO/VIDEO MEDIA and KEEP AWAY FROM MAGNETS OR MAGNETIC FIELDS. Address the outer contaner as follows:
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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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 radologcalevdence 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 FBIs 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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Upon notification or suspicion of a possible WMD incident, contact the FBIs 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.
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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. Submt wood n plastc or paper bags.
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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 wastedsposal 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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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 effectssuch as dzzness, tremors, nausea, blurred vson, lver and kdney damage, shock, or collapsecan 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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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 practcessuch as washng hands before eatng, smokng, or applyng cosmetcsmust 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 bodyether by needle stcks or mechancal njures from contamnated glass, metal, or other sharp objectscan 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
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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: Use barrer protectonsuch as dsposable gloves, coveralls, and shoe coversf 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. 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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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. Place contamnated sharps n approprate closable, leakproof, puncture-resstant contaners when transported or dscarded. Label the containers with a BIOHAZARD warnng label. Do not bend, re-cap, remove, or otherwse handle contamnated needles or other sharps. 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. 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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confined or hidden spaces and punctureresstant 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 Flammable or combustble materalssuch as gasolne, acetone, and ethergnte easly when exposed to ar and an gnton source, such as a spark or flame. 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. Pyrophorc materalssuch as phosphorus, sodum, and barumcan 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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Oxdzerssuch as ntrates, hydrogen peroxde, and concentrated sulfurc acdare chemcal compounds that readly yeld oxygen to promote combuston. Avod storage wth flammable and combustible materials or substances that could rapdly accelerate ther decomposton. 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. 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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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 Insttutes (ANSIs) 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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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: 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 Provde ventlaton. Ensure that ventlaton equpment does not nterfere wth entry, ext, or rescue procedures.
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Provde barrers to warn unauthorzed personnel and to keep entrants safe from external hazards. Provde constant communcaton between personnel entering the confined space and attendants. Ensure that back-up communcaton s n place pror to entry. Wear approprate personal protectve equpment, such as self-contaned breathng apparatus (SCBA), a full-body harness, head protecton, and other necessary equpment. Never attempt a rescue unless part of a desgnated rescue team. Ensure that personnel certified in first aid and CPR (cardopulmonary resusctaton) are on-ste. For addtonal nformaton, refer to the OSHA standard for Permit-Required Confined Spaces, 29 CFR 1910.146.7
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Excavation Safety All excavatons must meet the requrements set forth n OSHAs 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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Keep X-ray exposure as low as reasonably achevable by adherng to the followng: Sheld the X-ray devce, the questonable object, and the operator. Remove all nonessental personnel from the X-ray field. Lmt the tme that personnel must be n the area of operaton. Always wear assgned montorng devces approprate for X-ray radaton. 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.
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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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outcome of the assessment or uncertanty of the hazards assocated wth the gven scene, OSHAs 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 organzatons 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: 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. Neoprene offers resstance to ol, grease, acds, solvents, alkales, bases, and most refrgerants.
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Polyvnyl chlorde (PVC) s resstant to alkales, ols, and lmted concentratons of ntrc and chromc acds. 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. 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: Pror to donnng gloves, nspect them for holes, punctures, and tears. Remove rngs or other sharp objects that can cause punctures. When workng wth heavly contamnated materals, wear a double layer of gloves. Change gloves when they become torn or punctured or when ther ablty to functon as a barrer s compromsed.
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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 wearers 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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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 ANSIs requrements for ndustral head protecton, Z89.1-2003.19
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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
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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.
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Hazardous Waste Regulations

The U.S. Envronmental Protecton Agencys Resource Conservaton and Recovery Act (RCRA),23 commonly referred to as the cradle-tograve 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 generators 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
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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.
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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.
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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
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: Bests Safety Directory. A. M. Best, Oldwck, New Jersey, 1998.
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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 ProtectionProtective Footwear (ANSI Z411991). 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.
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19. Amercan Natonal Standards Insttute. American National Standard for Personnel ProtectionProtective Headwear for Industrial WorkersRequirements (ANSI Z89.1-2003). Amercan Natonal Standards Insttute, New York, 2003. 20. Transportation, 49 CFR 100185, 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 30013020, U.S. Envronmental Protecton Agency, Washngton, D.C. Avalable: http://www.epa.gov/regon5/defs/html/rcra.htm.
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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 FBIs 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
The best search optons are usually the most difficult and time-consuming. Physcal evdence cannot be overdocumented.
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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
Obtan a search warrant, f necessary. Dscuss the search wth nvolved personnel before arrvng at the scene, f possble. Establsh a command headquarters for communcaton and decson makng n major or complcated crme scene searches. Ensure that personnel are aware of the types of evdence usually encountered and the proper handlng of the evdence. Make prelmnary personnel assgnments before arrvng at the scene, f possble. 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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Coordnate agreements wth all agences n multjursdctonal crme scene searches. Accumulate evdence collecton and packagng materals and equpment. Prepare the paperwork to document the search. Provde protectve clothng, communcaton, lghtng, shelter, transportaton, equpment, food, water, restroom facltes, medcal assstance, and securty for search personnel. In prolonged searches, use shfts of two or more teams. Transfer paperwork and responsblty n a preplanned manner from one team to the next. 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 Ensure scene securty. Prepare admnstratve log.
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Conduct prelmnary survey (ntal walk-through). Prepare narratve descrpton. Resolve problems. Make final decisions.
Photographer Photograph and log evdence and scene. Sketch Preparer Sketch and log scene. Evidence Recorder Serve as evdence custodan and log evdence. Evidence Recovery Personnel Ensure that evdence s located and documented (photo and sketch). Intal and date all evdence collected.
Specialists Brought n from the FBI Laboratory, prvate ndustry, academa, other
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laboratores, etc., on a case-by-case bass to assst n ther area of expertse. Should be identified prior to the time they are actually needed.
Approach
Be alert for evdence, especally transent evdence. Take extensve notes. Consder the safety of all personnel.
Secure and Protect

Take control of the scene mmedately. Determne the extent to whch the scene has been protected. Obtan nformaton from personnel who have knowledge of the orgnal condton. Contnue to take extensve notes. Keep out unauthorzed personnel. Record who enters and leaves.
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Preliminary Survey
The prelmnary survey s an organzatonal stage to plan for the search. Cautously walk through the scene. Mantan admnstratve and emotonal control. Select a narratve technque (wrtten, audo, or vdeo). Take prelmnary photographs. Delneate the extent of the search area. Expand the ntal permeter as needed. Organze methods and procedures. Recognze specal problem areas. Identfy and protect transent physcal evdence. Determne personnel and equpment needs. Make specific assignments. Determne the need for any specalsts.
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Develop a general theory of the crme. 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. Ensure that collecton and packagng materials and equipment are sufficient. Focus first on evidence that could be lost. Leave the least transent evdence for last. Consder all categores of evdence possbltes. Search the easly accessble areas and progress to out-of-vew locatons. Look for hdden tems. Evaluate whether evdence appears to have been moved nadvertently. Evaluate whether the scene appears contrved.
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Narrative
The narratve s a runnng descrpton of the crme scene. Use a systematc approach n the narratve. Nothing is insignificant to record if it catches ones attenton. Under most crcumstances, do not collect evdence durng the narratve. Use photographs and sketches to supplement, not substtute for, the narratve. The narratve should nclude the followng: Case identifier. Date, tme, and locaton. Weather and lghtng condtons. Identty and assgnments of personnel. Condton and poston of evdence when an evdence recovery log s not used.
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Photography
Photograph the crme scene as soon as possble. Prepare a photographc log that records all photographs and a descrpton and locaton of evdence. Establsh a progresson of overall, medum, and close-up vews of the crme scene. Photograph from eye level to represent the normal vew. Photograph the most fragle areas of the crime scene first. Photograph all evdence n place pror to recovery. All tems of evdence should be photographed by close-ups, first without a scale and then with a scale, filling the frame. 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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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. Photograph entrances and exts from the nsde and the outsde. Pror to enterng the scene, acquref possblepror photographs, blueprnts, or maps of the scene.
Sketch
The sketch establshes a permanent record of tems, condtons, and dstance and sze relatonshps. Sketches should supplement photographs. Sketch number desgnatons should coordnate wth the evdence log number desgnatons. 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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The sketch should nclude the followng: Case identifier. Date, tme, and locaton. Weather and lghtng condtons. Identty and assgnments of personnel. Dmensons of rooms, furnture, doors, and wndows. Dstances between objects, persons, bodes, entrances, and exts. 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. Key, legend, compass orentaton, scale, scale dsclamer, or a combnaton of these features.
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Conduct Detailed Search

Use a search pattern (grd, strp or lane, or spral). Search for evdence from the general to the specific. Be alert for all evdence. Search entrances and exts.
Record and Collect Physical Evidence

Ensure that all tems are photographed pror to collecton. Mark evdence locatons on the sketch. Complete an evdence log notng all tems of evdence collected. If possble, have one person serve as evdence custodan. 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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Wear latex or cotton gloves to avod leavng fingerprints. Do not excessvely handle the evdence after recovery. Seal all evdence packages at the crme scene. Obtain known standards (e.g., fiber samples from a known carpet). Constantly check paperwork, packagng, and other nformaton for errors.
Final Survey
The final survey is a review of all aspects of the search. Dscuss the search wth all personnel. Ensure that all documentaton s correct and complete. Photograph the scene showing the final condton. Ensure that all evdence s accounted for before departng the scene.
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Ensure that all supples and equpment are removed from the scene. Ensure that no areas have been overlooked n the detaled search. Reconsder the need for addtonal specalsts.
Release
Release the crime scene after the final survey. The scene should be released only when all personnel are satisfied that the scene was searched correctly and completely. Only the person n charge should release the scene. Ensure that the approprate nventory has been provded, consstent wth legal requrements, to the person to whom the scene s released. Crme scene release documentaton should nclude the tme and date of release, to whom released, and by whom released. Once the scene has been released, reentry may requre a warrant.
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Index
A
Abrasves, 14 Acrylc-surface replca cast kt, 119121, 136137 Adhesves, 1415. See also Tapes for lftng mpressons, 127130 Arborne contamnants, 148149 Ammunton. See also Bullets; Frearms cartrdge cases or shotshell casngs, 64 packagng, shppng, labelng, 1112, 6668 shot pellets, buckshot, or slugs, 64 waddng, 65 Anonymous Letter Fle, 116 Anthropologcal examnatons, 1516 Arrest photos, 77 Arson, 17 lmtatons, 4 Audo, 1820 Authentcty/manpulaton detecton, 18, 74, 141 See also Image analyss Automobles accdents, 5, 101102 automoble theft, 5 glass samples from, 6971 make and model identification, 75 pant samples from, 101102 tre tread examnatons, 121131
B
Bank robbery, survellance films, 73, 7578 Bank Robbery Note Fle, 116 Bank securty dyes, 21 Bohazardous materals bloodborne pathogen safety, 149152 packagng, shppng, and labelng, 912, 46, 68, 8889, 100, 139141 routes of exposure n contamnated envronments, 147149 Bologcal relatves, mssng persons and samples from, 9597 Bologcal tssue sample examnaton. See DNA examnatons
INDEX
185
Blood blood examnaton request letter, 50 on clothng submtted for gunshot resdue examnaton, 68 collectng from a person, 4546 collectng known samples, 4546, 4850 collecton, mssng persons and, 9596 dred, 4850, 96 lqud, 48 on a person, 48 stans, 4950 on surfaces, n snow or water, 48 wet bloodstaned garments and objects, 4950 Bloodborne pathogen safety, 149152 Body fluids. See also DNA examnatons; specific fluids, e.g., Blood, Salva Unversal precautons, 150152 Bones. See Anthropologcal examnatons; Tssue, bones, and teeth. See also Skeletal samples Buccal (oral) swab samples, 47, 9697
Buckshot, 64 Buldng materals, 22 Bullets. See also Ammunton; Frearms bullet jacket alloys, 2324 fired, 64 packagng, shppng, and labelng, 6668 Burglary, 5
C
Cameras, mage analyss and, 74, 78. See also Photographs/photography; Survellance mages Carbon paper or carbon-film rbbon, 115 Carjackng, 5 Cartrdges, cartrdge cases, 2324, 64, 65, 6668 Castng, See Impressons and casts Caulk, 1415 Cellular phones, 5658 Checkwrters, 115 Chemcal safety, 152153 Chemcal unknowns, 2426 Chld Explotaton and Obscenty Reference Fle, 75, 78
186
Chld pornography examnatons, mage analyss, 7579 Clocks, 93 Clothng, fabrc, and textles bank securty dye on, 21 blood on, 49 buldng materals debrs on, 22 for comparsons, 73 controlled substances on, 2930 explosves resdue on, 6061 glass samples on, 70 gunshot resdue on, 65, 68 hair/fibers on, 7172 pant on, 101102 pepper spray or pepper foam on, 103 protectve. See Personal protectve equpment safe nsulaton on, 118119 wood partcles on, 146 Coded messages. See Cryptanalyss Commercal electronc devces, 5658 Communcaton devces ntercepton-of-, 5758
Computer Analyss Response Team, 27 Computers comparson, 26 computer-anmated modelng, 31 content, 26 deleted data files, 26 extracton, 26 format converson, 26 keyword searchng, 27 labelng and shppng, 2829 lmted source code, 27 passwords, 27 procedures for examnaton, 2729 search or field examnaton, 2728 transacton, 26 Confined-space safety, 154156 Contamnated envronments routes of exposure n, 147149 Controlled substances, 2930 Cordage, 117118 Crme scene safety. See also Bohazardous materals about, 147 bloodborne pathogen safety, 149152 chemcal safety, 152153
187
confined-space safety, 154156 hazardous materals transportaton, 163164 hazardous waste regulatons, 164165 lght-source safety, 153154 personal protectve equpment, 158163 routes of exposure n contamnated envronments, 147149 X-ray safety, 157158 Crme scene search procedures approach, 175 basc prncples, 171172 final survey, 183184 latent prnts, 8089 narratve, 178 photography, 8284, 8687, 121124, 179180 physcal evdence possbltes evaluaton, 177 prelmnary survey, 176177 preparaton, 172175 record and collect, 182183
release, 184 search, 182 search personnel, 173175 secure and protect, 175 sketches, 180181 weapons of mass destructon and, 171 Crme scene surveys, documentaton, and reconstructon, 31 Crmnal Justce Informaton Servces Dvson, 89 Cryptanalyss, 3133
D
Damaged meda restoraton audo recordngs, 1920 vdeo, 142144 Debrs arson and, 17 buldng materals, 22 glass samples, 6970 pant, 100102 safe nsulaton and, 118119 sol examnatons and, 131133 Decontamnaton/dsnfecton of equpment, 151 Demonstratve evdence, 33 Dental stone, mxng and pourng, 125127
188
Digital cameras and film. See Cameras; Flm DNA examnatons about, 3335 anthropologcal examnatons of bone, 1516 buccal (oral) swabs, 47, 9697 case acceptance polcy, 3540 documentng, collectng, packagng, and preservng, 4445 har, 4244, 5354, 7172 mtochondral DNA, 3435, 4043 nuclear DNA, 3435 preservng DNA evdence, 5556 salva, 5253 semen and semen stan examnatons, 5052 semnal evdence from sexual assault vctms, 52 sources for analyss, 3335 tssue, bones, teeth, 5455, 97100 urne, 5253 Document age, 115
Drug records, 32 Drug resdue, 30 Dyes, bank securty, 21
E
Electronc devces, 5658 Electrostatc lfts, 127128 Elmnaton prnts, 85 Embossngs, 115 Enhancement examnatons audo recordngs, 1820 vdeo, 142144 Evdence packagng and shppng, 912 submsson, 712 Evdence examnatons, requestng, 79. See also specific items, e.g., Abrasves, DNA, Explosves Expert wtness testmony, 23 Explosve ncdents and hoaxes, 4 Explosves, 5860. See also Chemcal safety Explosves resdue, 6061 Eye protecton, 154, 161
F
Fabrc and textles, See Clothng, fabrc, and textles
189
Facsmle machnes, See Electronc devces; Questoned document examnatons Facsmles, 57, 87, 112113 FBI Dsaster Squad, 6162 FBI Laboratory, 13 FBI Laboratory Evdence Control Unt, 7, 12 FBI Operatonal Technology Dvson, 13, 18, 27, 57, 72, 141 Feathers, 6263 Fbers, 7172 Flm, mage analyss, 7279 Fngerprntng human remans, 8889. See also Latent prnts Fngerprnts. See Latent prnts Fre. See Arson Frearms, 6368. See also Ammunton; Bullets cartrdge cases or shotshell casngs, 64 gun parts, 65 gunshot resdue on vctms clothng, 65, 68 mage analyss, 73, 78 shot pellets, buckshot, or slugs, 64 slencers, 66 unfired cartridges or
shotshells, 65 waddng, 65 Foot protecton, 162 Footprnts. See Shoe prnts Forensc facal magng/ reproducton, 16, 6869 Forensc servces about, 13 lmtatons, 35
G
Gamblng, 32 Gelatn lfts, 128130 General unknowns (powders, lquds, stans), 2426 Glass, 6971 Global postonng systems (GPSs), 5658 Graphc arts (prntng), 114 Guns. See Frearms Gunshot resdue on clothng, 65, 68
H
Har, 4344, 5354, 7172 toxcology screenng, 139 Hand protecton, 159161 Handwrtng and hand prntng, 7980, 107110 Hazard rsk assessment, personal protectve equpment and, 158159
190
Hazardous materals handlng and transportaton, 1012, 163164. See also Bohazardous materals; Chemcal safety; specific hazardous materials, e.g., Ammunton, Explosves Hazardous waste regulatons, 164165 Head protecton, 163 Hepatts B and C vruses, 150 Ht-and-run (automoble) cases, 5, 101102, 105106 Human immunodeficiency vrus (HIV),150 Human remans anthropologcal examnatons, 1516 hands/fingers for latent prnts, 8889 samples from unidentified, 44, 97100
I
Igntable materals. See Arson Image analyss authentcty and magemanpulaton detecton, 74 automoble make and
model identification, 75 cameras, 74 chld pornography examnatons, 75, 78 clothng, 73, 78 film, 7374, 7679 firearms, 78 locaton, tme, and date of photographc evdence, 74 packagng, shppng, and labelng of, 7679 photogrammetry, 73, 78 photographc comparsons, 73 photographs, 7378 procedures for submsson, 7679 provdng orgnals, 76 source and age, 74 vdeo, 7378 Impressons and casts of serial/identification numbers, 119121 three-dmensonal mpresson casts, 125127 for toolmark examnatons, 136137 two-dmensonal mpressons, 127130 Infectous materals, 149152
191
Ingeston of contamnants, 149 Inhalaton exposure, 148 Injecton of contamnants, 149 Ink, 7980 Innocent Images, 75 Insect samples, anthropologcal examnatons of bone and, 16 Intercepton-ofcommuncaton (IOC) devces, 5758
Lftng materals, 81, 127130 Lght-source safety, 153154 Loan-sharkng, 32 Lubrcants, 8990
M
Malcous mschef, 5 Metallurgy broken or mechancally damaged metal, 91 burned, heated, or melted metal, 92 comparatve examnatons, 9091 cut or severed metal, 92 lamp bulbs, 93 metal fragments, 92 objects wth questoned nternal components, 93 specification fraud and noncomplant materals, 9293 watches, clocks, and tmers, 93 Mnor theft and fraud, 5 Mssng persons about samples, 9497 blood collecton and, 96 bone submssons, 9798 buccal (oral) swabs, 9697 dred bloodstans, 96
L
Labels and labelng, shppng, 912. See also specific items Lamp bulbs, 93 Latent labels, 10 Latent prnts, case acceptance polcy, 80 developng at crme scenes, 8082 dgtal mages of, 8687 glass samples and, 71 lftng, 81 packagng, shppng, and labelng, 8486 photographng, 8284 submitting hands/fingers of deceased for, 8889
192
samples from bologcal relatves, 9596 skeletal samples, 9798 teeth and, 9899 tssue samples, 100 Mtochondral DNA (mtDNA) See DNA examnatons Money launderng, 32
N
Natonal Automotve Image Fle, 75 Natonal Center for Mssng and Exploted Chldren, 75 Natonal Integrated Ballstc Informaton Network (NIBIN), 64 Natonal Mssng Person DNA Database, 37, 40, 94 Nonfatal traffic accidents, 5 Nuclear DNA (nDNA). See DNA examnatons
O
Oleoresn capscum. See Pepper spray or foam Oral swab samples, 47, 9697
P
Packagng and shppng evdence, 912
Pagers, 5658 Pant, 100102 Paper, 114117 Pepper spray or foam, 103104 Personal dgtal assstants, (PDAs), 5658 Personal protectve equpment (PPE), eye protecton, 154, 161 foot protecton, 162 hand protecton, 159161 hazard rsk assessment and, 158159 head protecton, 163 respratory protecton, 162 Pharmaceutcals, 104. See also Toxcology Photocopes, 87, 112114, 117, 131 Photogrammetry, 73, 78 Photographs/photography crme scene search procedures, 179180 examnaton-qualty, 122124 mage analyss, 7375, 77 mpressons n snow, 124 latent prnts, 8284 locaton, tme, and date determnatons and, 74 photographc comparsons, 73
193
shoe prnts and tre treads, 121124 of suspects, 77 toolmarks, 137 Plastc bags, 115 Posons. See Crme scene safety; Toxcology Polymers, 104106 Pornography examnatons, mage analyss, 7579 Prntng and prnted matter, 114 Product tamperng, 106107 Property crme, 35 Prosttuton, 3233 Protectve clothng and equpment, 158163
embossngs and seals, 115 facsmles, 112114 graphc arts (prntng), 114 handwrtng and hand prntng, 107110 nk and, 79 nongenune sgnatures, 110 packagng, shppng, and labelng, 116117 paper, 114 photocopes, 112114, 117 plastc bags, 115 rubber stamps, 115 typewrtng, 110112
Q
Questoned documents, altered or oblterated wrtng, 110 Anonymous Letter Fle, 116 Bank Robbery Note Fle, 116 burned or charred paper, 114 carbon paper and carbon-film ribbon, 115 checkwrters, 115 document age, 115
R
Racketeerng records, 3133 Respratory protecton, 148, 162 Rope, 117118 Routes of exposure n contamnated envronments, 147149 Rubber stamps, 115
S
Safe nsulaton, 118119 Safety. See Crme scene safety Salva, 34, 5253, 5556 Sealants, 1415
194
Seals, 115 Search patterns, 182 Semen and semen stan examnatons, 5052 Semnal evdence from sexual assault vctms, 52 Seral numbers, 119121 Serology. See DNA examnatons Sexual assault, semnal evdence from, 52 Shppng of evdence. See Packagng and shppng evdence; specific items Shoe prnts, 121131 Shot pellets, 64 Shotshells and shotshell casngs, 64, 65 Sgnal analyss, audo recordngs, 19 Sgnatures, 110 Slencers, 66 Skeletal remans, See Human remans Skeletal samples, 9798 Skn contamnaton/contact, 148 Slugs, 64 Snow blood n, 48 mpressons n, 124 Sol, 131133
Specal-event and stuatonal awareness support, 133 Submttng evdence, 712 Substances, unknown (powders, lquds, stans), 2426 Survellance mages, 7379 Suspects, arrest or known photographs of, 77
T
Tape, 134135 for lftng mpressons, 128130 for lftng latent prnts, 81 Ten-print fingerprint cards, 89 Teeth. See Tssue, bones, and teeth Tmers, 93 Tre treads, 121131 Tssue, bones, and teeth anthropologcal examnatons of bone, 1516 DNA examnatons, 5455 97100 unidentified human remans, 44, 97100 Toolmarks, 135138 Toxcology, 138141 Traffic accidents, 5 Typewrtng, 110112
195
U
Unversal precautons, 150152 Urne, 5253, 139
X
X-ray safety, 157158 X-rays, known ndvdual comparson to skeletal remans, 16
V
Vandalsm, 5 Vdeo, 141144 mage analyss, 7279 Volent crme, 34 Vsual nformaton specalsts, 31, 33, 68, 133 Voce comparsons, 1819
W
Waddng, ammunton, 65 Watches, 93 Watermark identification, 79, 115 Weapons of mass destructon, 144146 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.
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Handbook of Forensic Services

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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

FBI Forensic Services

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Violent Crime Versus Property Crime

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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Mnor fraud (under $100,000).

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Packaging and Shipping Evidence

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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Adhesive, Caulk, and Sealant Examinations

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Submt medcal records and X-rays, f possble.

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Bank Security Dye Examinations

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Building Materials Examinations

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Bullet Jacket Alloy Examinations

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Chemical Examinations of General Unknowns

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Specfy whether a sezure of computers and meda or an on-ste examnaton s requred.

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Controlled Substance Examinations

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

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Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Crime Scene Surveys, Documentation, and Reconstruction

Cryptanalysis and Racketeering Record Examinations

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Ths page ntentonally left blank

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Mnor fraud (under $100,000).

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Ths page ntentonally left blank

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Submt medcal records and X-rays, f possble.

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Specfy whether a sezure of computers and meda or an on-ste examnaton s requred.

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Refrgerate and submt to the Laboratory as soon as possble.

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Blood/semen (evdence samples).

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Submt feathers n heat-sealed or resealable plastc bags or paper bags.

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Handbook of Forensc Servces 2007

Do not process evdence for latent prnts.