Update - National Forensic Laboratory Services - November 5, 2018

Automation, Innovation and Modernization: National Forensic Laboratory Services (NFLS) is committed to improving service delivery by introducing modern workflows and updating internal processes. Following are some updates and reminders that underpin our shared responsibility in providing timely service for court proceedings. NFLS, PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS Firearms Turnaround Turnaround times for firearm service requests have decreased significantly over the past few weeks. Casework related to the most serious offences is currently trending towards an average of 90 days per service request. This is largely due to new employees taking on casework independently and contracting external providers, but also due to the introduction of new procedures that help streamline workflows in the firearms section. Bloodstain Pattern Analysis NFLS has been accepting multiple service requests for DNA analysis that are often redundant. In one case, NFLS accepted 35 separate swabs involving bloodstain samples that resulted in the same DNA profile being developed 35 times. Moving forward, representatives at the NFLS Forensic Assessment Centre will be inquiring about the forensic relevance of BPA-related service requests. Your active participation in identifying exhibits with the most probative value and narrowing down the number of swabs ensures the most effective use of forensic resources in support of criminal investigations. Cuttings Starting immediately, the Biology Services program will no longer be returning exhibit “cuttings” – this refers to the portions removed from an exhibit that have been consumed during analysis. NFLS will continue to return the DNA extracted from the cuttings and all portions of the original exhibit not used for analysis; however, the cuttings will be discarded by NFLS after use. Public forensic laboratories in Toronto and Montreal employ the same time-saving measures with minimal to no impact on investigations, allowing for a more efficient use of highly specialized forensic resources. INVESTIGATORS, AVOID DELAYS Filling forms Did you know that your C-414 “Request for Forensic Analysis” can be rejected if your form has incomplete or incorrect information? Some common errors for rejected submissions include missing information about the exhibit, not indicating when a “known sample” is needed and/or not including checksheets when they are required. Avoid delays – visit the NFLS Information Centre for help in submitting a complete request. Sending exhibits When you fill out the C-414, you must provide: 1) an agency file number, and 2) an exhibit identifier. These two key pieces of key information must also appear on each exhibit you send to NFLS for processing. The numbers/identifiers used on the C-414 must match exactly with the information marked on the exhibit. Also, the exhibit must correspond with the information you provided on the C-414. NFLS will begin returning exhibits if they are marked incorrectly or if the packages sent to NFLS contain exhibits not indicated on the C-414. Avoid delays – double check key information.