A guide for investigators on how to collect, preserve and submit evidence to the RCMP's National Forensic Laboratory Services (NFLS).
To request a forensic service for biology, firearms, toxicology and/or trace evidence, you must first contact the Forensic Assessment Centre (FAC) for authorization before you can submit an exhibit.
Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (EST/Ottawa)
National Anti-Counterfeiting Bureau
NPS Building
73 Leikin, Ottawa ON K1A 0R2
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (EST/Ottawa)
This guide assists police investigators with the collection, preservation, and shipping of physical evidence to the RCMP's National Forensic Laboratory Services (NFLS), which operates as a single public laboratory system with three sites located across Canada.
In addition to providing investigators with general information, this guide provides examples of some common exhibit types that are submitted to the different forensic service areas at NFLS – biology (DNA), toxicology, trace, counterfeit, and firearms. There could be other types of evidence not identified in this guide.
Local forensic identification service units may be called upon to assist with the collection of evidence. They have the proper tools and their members have undergone specialized training to ensure evidence is collected properly and safely. The following are some general guides, tips and best practices that can be used by investigators should forensic identification members not be available to assist.
Always use gloves and a mask
Crime scenes and handling exhibits can be dangerous. Minimize exposure to infectious disease, hazardous drugs, and reduce the risk of contaminating the evidence by always wearing gloves and a mask when handling exhibits, including when you are collecting, packaging or shipping evidence. When finished, remove gloves and wash thoroughly with soap and hot water. Eye protection and other personal protection is also advised.
Keep exhibits that need to be examined completely separate from each other, from different scenes, and from Comparison samples. Wear gloves at all times, changing them frequently (e.g. between exhibits and different areas of a crime scene). Avoid excessive handling of exhibits. Use a clean tool for each exhibit being processed. Use disposable tools such as scalpels whenever possible. Alternatively, clean all scissors and forceps thoroughly with alcohol between uses. Always package exhibits separately in clean bags or containers that will not leak, break or open. If accidental contamination is suspected, please inform the NFLS Forensic Assessment Centre at the time of your submission.
Fingerprinting is not a service provided by NFLS and is the responsibility of the investigator and agency. Your local forensic identification unit may provide this service or assist you in determining if the surface of the item is suitable for fingerprinting. Also, when conducting fingerprinting, avoid excessive handling of the exhibit, even while wearing gloves. Please note that if the exhibit requires both fingerprinting and other forensic services at NFLS, there is a recommended order and workflow. For example, fingerprinting and swabbing for DNA analysis are normally done prior to submitting firearm-related exhibits for firearm testing and examination. Contact the Forensic Assessment Centre for further guidance.
For larger exhibits with visible staining that cannot be submitted to NFLS (e.g. bed mattress, large carpet), the stains of interest may be cut out when required. Using a sterile disposable scalpel, carefully cut out the area of interest ensuring to leave a sufficient border around the stain. When collecting truly small particles, such as hair or paint chips, it is best to fold them in a piece of paper and seal in an envelope or plastic bag.
Investigators may be required to collect biological samples for DNA analysis. Such material can be wet (e.g. a pool of blood), dry (e.g. dried blood stain on a carpet), visible (e.g. white stain, possible saliva/semen) or not visible (e.g. skin cells). In these situations, there are various collection methods available and different areas to swab that allow the highest potential to recover a DNA profile. Objects that have been handled by multiple individuals (door knobs or telephone receivers) are not recommended for forensic DNA analysis as they rarely yield useable information. See Figure 1: Common examples of some areas to swab that provide the highest potential of DNA recovery.
Following are some common exhibits showing what areas to swab that provide the highest potential of DNA recovery. In cases where an item is used as a weapon, DO NOT swab – send it "as is" to NFLS. More detailed information about the collection process for each of these exhibits is provided in the next section on collection and packaging "by exhibit type."
DO NOT SWAB if item was used as a weapon and blood is thought to be present
Where to swab firearms and ammunition.
DNA analysis is based on a comparative process wherein a DNA profile that is obtained from an exhibit is compared to the DNA profile from a known person, from personal effects or discarded items. For all DNA samples submitted to NFLS for comparison, clearly indicate on the C-414 form whether a sample is from consent, from a warrant, or a discarded item. In all cases, always wear disposable gloves, even when collecting comparison samples.
If it is not possible to collect any of the above samples (e.g. individual is under surveillance), consider collecting and submitting personal effects or discarded samples for comparison purposes.
Personal effects, such as a toothbrush, razor or hair brush, can be collected and submitted as Comparison samples. Personal items, usually from missing persons, are considered "quasi" knowns because it is not guaranteed that the object pertains solely to the user/owner of the item. As it relates to the personal effects of a known suspect, it is not possible to submit them as Comparison samples without consent or a court-ordered warrant.
Discarded items, such as gum, a cigarette butt or a drinking container, can be collected and submitted as Comparison samples, however, the act of discarding must be viewed by police. For example, the cigarette butt has to be seen by police as discarded by the suspect in order to be used as a comparison sample. Ensure that discarded sample is packaged, sealed and labelled separately and that the origin of the sample is clearly marked.
The information below will assist in preventing the deterioration, unauthorized handling, loss, contamination and unnecessary alteration of exhibits during storage and prior to submitting exhibits to the RCMP's National Forensic Laboratory Services (NFLS).
Ensure exhibits are completely dry especially when using plastic bags (some exceptions are noted below). If a drying cabinet is not available, allow wet or moist exhibits to dry naturally in a clean low traffic area prior to packaging. DO NOT hand fan, use electric fans, hair dryers or other heat sources to speed up the drying process as air currents and excessive heat may cause some loss of evidential material. Fully dried exhibits can be stored at room temperature provided it is not excessively hot or humid. The best storage for most exhibits is generally a freezer. If unavailable, use a fridge. If there is no fridge, you can store at room temperature, however, ensure the item is fully dried.
Proper packaging and delivery of exhibits to NFLS is critical. Improperly packaged exhibits can be a health hazard, may cause the exhibit to become contaminated or could even destroy the evidence. Improperly packaged exhibits might not be suitable for analysis and will be sent back to you by NFLS without further processing. Before submitting the exhibits, discuss packaging requirements with your local forensic identification services and/or the NFLS Forensic Assessment Centre (FAC).
Objects such as knives, syringes, glass must be packaged properly to ensure the object/exhibit doesn't puncture through packaging. For glass and other breakable items, ensure there is plenty of protective material used when packaging. Knives should be packaged in a knife box, or protected, secured and tied down in a box.
Follow Transport Canada's Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations: improper transportation of dangerous goods is an offence. For more information, contact the NFLS Forensic Assessment Centre (FAC) prior to shipping exhibits.
Inspect each layer of packaging to ensure they are properly closed and that at least one of the layers for each exhibit is sealed. Following are some examples of what constitutes a "sealed package":
Delays can be caused due to the improper identification/labelling of exhibits. To ensure your submission is processed promptly, please ensure that exhibit identifier listed on Form C-414 (Request for Forensic Laboratory Analysis) matches exactly to the exhibit identifier used on the actual exhibit. These identifiers should also match exactly to information found on each layer of packaging.
Fingerprinting on any adhesive tape-related exhibits must be done prior to submitting for DNA analysis. Contact your local forensic identification unit for fingerprinting services. Advise the person who is fingerprinting that DNA analysis will also be done and advise NFLS that the exhibit was first sent for fingerprinting.
All necessary information and instructions for blood, buccal or hair samples are contained in the RCMP's DNA Warrant/Consent Collection Kits (blue bags). If a sample is being collected from a convicted offender, use the Convicted Offender DNA Database Sample Collection Kit (clear bag).
Direct contact between Hemastix test strips and a biological stain may negatively affect certain DNA analysis procedures. Advise the NFLS Forensic Assessment Centre (FAC) if the Hemastix strip has come in direct contact with an exhibit, stained surface or swab so that the exhibit is directed to the appropriate areas for DNA analysis.
Swab handled objects to determine if biological evidence exists. Use one moist swab per stain. Swab both sides of textured area as a single swab.
Computers and equipment should go to technological crime units
Fingerprinting on any adhesive tape related exhibits must be done prior to submitting for trace analysis. Contact your local forensic identification unit for fingerprinting services. Advise the person who is fingerprinting that trace analysis will also be done and advise NFLS that the exhibit was first sent for fingerprinting.
Exploding bank dye packs are used by some banks to identify bank robbers. Disguised as a pack of bank notes, the pack is passed to a bank robber by the bank teller. Using a transmitter, the pack detects when the robber has left the bank and then it will emit a large cloud of red smoke and dye which will stain the bank notes, the robber's clothing, etc.
Fuel marking dyes are available for marking gasoline or diesel storage tanks and can assist in identifying the theft of fuel from these bulk storage tanks. The dye is not visible and will not harm internal combustion engines.
The information in this section is only for materials suspected to contain ignitable liquid residue (e.g. fire debris, clothing, empty containers). For information about testing samples suspected to be ignitable liquids, see Section one, accelerants / ignitable liquids (trace analysis).
During an investigation, you may come across paint in three different forms:
A physical match between two objects can provide conclusive links between a suspect and a crime scene. For example, motor vehicle parts left at a hit and run scene may be physically matched back to a suspect's vehicle; or, a piece of tape recovered from a victim of a home invasion may be physically matched back to a roll of tape in the suspect's possession.
Safe insulation is a light, easily fractured mortar-like material used by safe manufacturers. Often safes are broken into by cutting into the wall of the safe. Cutting through the wall of safe will release the safe insulation causing particles to be dispersed on the suspect's clothing, tools, vehicle, and/or residence. Many of the particles of safe insulation will be microscopic and so the suspect may not even be aware that they are present.
Tools may be used to pry or cut an object at a crime scene, including screwdrivers, pry bars, pliers, bolt cutters, knives, and saws. Paint may be transferred from a door, window, safe, etc. to a tool, and/or paint from a tool may be transferred to the object being pried or cut open.
Caution: If airbags did not deploy during the collision, they are still armed and could deploy when you lean into the car, causing injury or death.
Note on fingerprints: Almost all exhibits, including firearms or ammunition, could have fingerprints. Fingerprints should be processed before the exhibit is sent to the RCMP's National Forensic Laboratory Services (NFLS). If a fingerprint examination is needed, consult with your local forensic identification unit before submitting exhibits. Some possible exceptions include exhibits where trace evidence could be lost with fingerprinting.
All requests for service to NFLS must go through the Forensic Assessment Centre (FAC) for authorization prior to the submission of exhibits. The only exception is for counterfeit submissions, which go directly to the NFLS National Anti-Counterfeiting Bureau.
Following is a general outline of the submission process:
Submit suspected counterfeit bank notes, negotiable instruments, travel and identity documents and payment cards directly to the National Anti-Counterfeit Bureau (NACB). Depending if the evidence is required in court will determine what form to complete.
When evidence is required for court:
When no criminal charges are anticipated:
By courier, registered mail or priority post
National Anti-Counterfeiting Bureau
NPS Building
73 Leikin, Ottawa ON K1A 0R2
All master files, reports, documentation and exhibits examined by NFLS belong to the submitting agency. NFLS returns all exhibits to the agency, including all NFLS generated sub-samples (e.g. DNA extracts, swabs). Exceptions include:
NFLS does not retain exhibit material, master files, reports and related documentation beyond two years. Once exhibits are returned to the investigating agency, NFLS will have limited information available to conduct future analysis.
It is the agency's responsibility to ensure retention of exhibit material, master files and related documents according to its policies. If further forensic examination is required, it is the responsibility of the lead investigating agency to submit and/or re-submit exhibits and related documentation for further analysis.
Disclosure of NFLS documents prior to the return of the exhibit to the submitting agency can be requested by contacting the Forensic Assessment Centre (FAC). In consultation with the Crown Attorney, complete the Request for Disclosure form.
NFLS requires 30 days' notice in order to provide documents. Please use the latest request form.
This guide pertains exclusively to National Forensic Laboratory Services (NFLS), however, investigators should be acquainted with other local points of reference and forensic services that are available to them. Following are some additional resources to consider:
The National DNA Data Bank (NDDB) stores DNA profiles recovered from crime scenes and from convicted offenders. When investigators submit biological (DNA) evidence to NFLS, the DNA profiles developed from the crime scenes are uploaded and compared within the NDDB.
Convicted offender biological samples are collected and submitted directly to the NDDB. To ensure the integrity of the NDDB, the DNA Identification Regulations stipulate that the NDDB can only accept a biological sample that has been collected with a Convicted Offender DNA Database Sample Collection Kit (clear bag). For more information, contact the NDDB.
For a list of DNA designated offences or for other NDDB forms, including Form 5.01 – Information to Obtain a Warrant to Take Bodily Substances for Forensic DNA Analysis, visit the NDDB website.
Forensic identification is an area that provides essential support to criminal investigations, including bloodstain pattern analysis, crime scene examination for physical evidence such as fingerprints, and footwear or tire impressions. Specialists in these units can attend crime scenes or can be called upon to provide advice on the collection and packaging of evidence. Refer to your local point of contact.
Technological crime units assist investigators with forensic analysis on various pieces of equipment such as computers, smart phones, tablets or other sophisticated technical products. Refer to your local point of contact.
Explosive disposal units provide expertise in relation to the handling of explosives and the investigation of post blast scenes. They can assist in the examination and rendering 'safe' of suspicious packages and improvised explosive devices including the disposal of military ordinance and ammunition. Many units are responsible for first response to CBRN-E (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives) events. Refer to your local point of contact.
The Firearms Reference Table (FRT) is produced by the Canadian Firearms Program and incorporates both text and images, which aids investigators in the identification of firearms. For assistance, contact the Canadian Firearms Program.
The National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (NWEST) offers personnel and resource support to law enforcement agencies across the country on all aspects of firearms investigations and prosecutions. Refer to your local/regional point of contact.
NCMPUR assists law enforcement agencies, coroners and medical examiners by providing information sharing through a national database and public website as well as training, investigational advice and case analyses.
