Evidence Department
The Evidence Department
The Evidence Department is the route through which evidence flows into and out of the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL). The intake, storage, distribution for analysis and subsequent recollection of evidence for release to the submitter takes place through the evidence department.
The Evidence Officer
Within the GFSL’s Evidence Department is the Evidence Officer who is responsible for the intake, storage and distribution of evidence. The Evidence Officer is also responsible for the dissemination of information to the submitter, as it pertains to the availability of an item that was submitted.
Packaging Requirements
Items that are submitted to the GFSL are submitted in packages that are prescribed by forensic science laboratories and international agencies that are involved in the forensic science process. The packages vary based on the type of item that is being submitted.
Examples of Evidence Packaging Materials
Item
Blood Tube Container and Caps
Type of Evidence
Blood
Appearance of Package
Item
Breathable Evidence Pouches
Type of Evidence
Wet evidence, such as blood-stained clothing that has not been air-dried.
Appearance of Package
Item
Glassine Evidence Envelope
Type of Evidence
Trace evidence, such as hair, paint chips and fibers.
Appearance of Package
Item
Integrity Evidence Bag
Type of Evidence
The Liquid or Solid Specimen Container and the Polystyrene Evidence Collection Jars can be placed in this bag after the container has its contents. Capsules should be in a rigid container and powders should be in a glass jar before being placed in this bag.
Appearance of Package
Item
Knife Evidence Box
Type of Evidence
For knives and other sharp tools. Guns shall be placed in gun boxes which appear similar.
Appearance of Package
Item
Liquid or Solid Specimen Container
Type of Evidence
Ideal for urine; fecal matter.
Appearance of Package
Item
Polystyrene Evidence Collection Jars
Type of Evidence
Stomach contents; liver, kidneys and other body tissues and bones.
Appearance of Package
Item
Pre-Printed Kraft Evidence Bag
Type of Evidence
Ideal for plant material that has been air-dried and for materials that have been air-dried that bear biological fluids/stains.
Appearance of Package
Rejection Criteria
The GFSL reserves the right to refuse any submission that does not comply with its policies. Rejection of any submission will be followed by a Rejection Notice which will outline the reason (s) for which acceptance is not possible at a given moment, inclusive of:
Rejection Criteria
The GFSL reserves the right to refuse any submission that does not comply with its policies. Rejection of any submission will be followed by a Rejection Notice which will outline the reason (s) for which acceptance is not possible at a given moment, inclusive of:
· The Request for Laboratory Examination Form is incomplete.
· The Supervisor/Certifying Officer’s signature is absent.
· The item(s) attached to the Request for Laboratory Examination Form do not match the description(s) given on the form.
· All of the items described on the Request for Laboratory Examination Form are not attached.
· Attached items are not included on the Request for Laboratory Examination Form.
· Items are packaged improperly.
· Packages are not completely sealed.
· Packages and/or the items therein are wet; Package is leaking.
· The Item ID is not unique.
· The Item ID is illegible and/or damaged.
· The analysis requested is not within the scope of the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory.
· The Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory is not authorized to receive submissions from the agency and/or bearer.
· Or any other reason the Laboratory finds that is reasonable to reject submission.
Submission to the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory.
Evidence being submitted to the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory Form should be properly documented on the relevant GFSL Request for Laboratory Examination Form. These forms are completed in triplicate.
Types of Submission Forms:
- Request for Laboratory Examination Currency Form
- Request for Laboratory Examination Chemistry/Trace Evidence Form
- Request for Laboratory Examination Forensic Video Analysis Form
- Request for Laboratory Examination Toxicology Form
Request for Laboratory Examination Questioned Documents Form.