Trace Evidence (Submission Requirements)

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Arson Investigations

Arson

The synopsis should include the following additional information:

Information as to how the exhibits were packaged (e.g. sealed airtight in lined paint cans, nylon evidence bags, Ignitable Liquid Transport Container, etc.)
Refer to Packaging and Shipping and the Investigator's Guide for important information.
Indicate if any items also require DNA analysis.
- Items should not be dried prior to accelerant examination. It is recommended these items be kept frozen in their sealed package to avoid the degradation of DNA.

Listing Exhibits:

List all seized exhibits, each sample as its own exhibit.
List a "blank" or "control" sample when swab, gauze or other substrate were used to collect a sample.
Preferably, an item (swab, gauze, etc.) from the same manufacturing lot as those used to collect questioned samples should be used as a control sample.
Each control sample should be packaged in the same manner as the questioned exhibits and listed as its own exhibit.

Liquid samples must be shipped using an Ignitable Liquid Transport Container (ILTC). Click here for more information about the ILTC.

Paint

The synopsis should include the following additional information:

For investigations involving automotive paint - include
- the make, model, year, colour and VIN of any vehicles involved.
- When recording the VIN, ensure all 17 characters have been recorded.

Listing Exhibits:

Whenever possible, the entire object on which the questioned/foreign paint sample is located should be submitted.
- When not possible, refer to the Investigator's Guide for more information on sampling.
Ensure the source of each sample is clear in the exhibit description - e.g. known samples collected for comparison vs. questioned samples.

Explosives

Refer to Investigators Guide for important information.

The synopsis must include the following additional information:

NFLS will not return samples of uninitiated explosives. Indicate your permission to destroy the sample at the lab upon completion of the examination.
- Retain a portion of the sample in accordance with your local policies, should additional analysis be required for Court purposes.
Exhibit selection is generally done in consultation with a Trace Evidence Explosives Specialist - please contact the FAC prior to submitting your C-414.
If Render Safe Procedure is performed, the name and description of disruptor(s) or explosive(s) used as counter charge must be included.

GSR

The synopsis must include the amount of time (exact hours) between the occurrence and the sampling of individuals.

The GSR Kit Form included in standard RCMP GSR Kits should be completed at the time of sample collection.
- Include a copy when submitting the C-414 to the FAC.
If an airbag was deployed at the time of the occurrence and was seized, please list this as an exhibit.

Click here for the Gunshot Residue Kit Instruction and Form.

GSR kits can be purchased from commercial suppliers. Click here for more information (see last page).

Dye

Only questioned exhibits (e.g. suspect clothing, fabric from a vehicle, recovered currency) should be listed as exhibits.

The expended dye pack itself is NOT required and should not be shipped with the questioned exhibits.

List a "blank" or "control" sample when swab was used to collect a sample of possible dye residue.

Preferably, a swab from the same manufacturing lot as those used to collect questioned samples should be used as a control sample.
Refer to the Investigator's Guide for more information.

There are generally two types of unknown materials submitted to NFLS:

For materials suspected of being hazardous (e.g. unknown white powder sent in the mail), a CBRNE response and screening are required for unknown materials linked to threatening notes or circumstances claiming poison, anthrax, etc. Only once screening has been completed by the designated authority, and documentation of the outcome provided to the FAC, will these items be accepted into the laboratory for analysis.

Other unknown materials can be anything from acids, bases, powders, liquids, etc. Contact the FAC for information on sample packaging, shipping, etc.