NCJ Number
142520
Date Published
1990
Length
97 pages
Annotation
This manual, designed for professional police investigators in the Phoenix Police Department, describes the capabilities of the department's crime laboratory and outlines requirements for the proper collection, preservation, and admission of evidence for analysis to the laboratory.
Abstract
Laboratory personnel conduct chemical, microscopic, and instrumental examinations of evidence; carry out blood alcohol testing; provide field assistance in the investigations of major crimes; give expert court testimony; prepare scientific evidence for trial; and offer a variety of instructional classes for officers and detectives. Following general instructions on collecting and preserving physical evidence, processing a crime scene, and reconstructing a crime scene, this manual discusses in depth marijuana, narcotics, and dangerous drugs; prescription drugs; toxicology; blood stains; hair; seminal stains; fibers; physical matches; and glass. Other topics covered here include paint, soil, prints and impressions, fingerprints, photography, tool marks, firearms, serial number restoration, documents, arson, headlight examination, and submission of evidence for scientific analysis. 31 figures