Evidence Handling and Laboratory Capabilities Guide
Virginia Department of Forensic Science
See also the instructional videos on "Evidence Collection"
This Evidence Handling and Laboratory Capabilities Guide is intended to promote the maximum use of physical evidence and encourage greater use of the services of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS). It has been developed as a cooperative effort of the Forensic Training Section and Laboratory Disciplines of DFS. This Guide is intended for use only by those entities served by DFS and listed in the Code of Virginia under ยง 9.1-1101(A).
The objective of this Guide is to provide practical information concerning how the Forensic Laboratory can assist in criminal investigations, and procedures for the collection, preservation, and submission of physical evidence, available to law enforcement personnel.
While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, it is inevitable that with time some changes will occur. It is, therefore, recommended that the user of this Guide keep abreast of those changes.
The Guide is not intended to cover all situations or to supersede agency policies or procedures. The Laboratory intends to make periodic updates and changes to this Guide as new methods are developed.