Evidence Collection & Submission Manual – Introduction
The Onondaga County Center for Forensic Sciences Laboratories is dedicated to providing accurate, reliable, timely and objective scientific analysis and subsequent expert testimony in support of the criminal justice system. The services offered by the CFS Laboratories provide an important link between the collection of physical evidence and the investigation and prosecution of crimes within our community.
This handbook provides an overview of the services offered by the laboratories and is meant to be used as a reference guide for law enforcement personnel to follow when submitting physical evidence to the CFS Laboratories. The handbook also provides information relating to best practices regarding collection and preservation of evidence to maintain the integrity of the evidence prior to submission. This handbook is not intended to be a comprehensive guide for crime scene processing.
The laboratories continually strive to improve our service to our customers and stakeholders. We continue to work collaboratively with our submitting agencies to focus laboratory resources on performing analyses on evidence that has the highest probability of providing probative results and to reduce or eliminate analyses of evidence with lesser or no probative value. Our goal is to work with our criminal justice partners to provide the highest quality of services in the most efficient and effective manner. The CFS encourages suggestions for improvement regarding laboratory services.
Grateful acknowledgement is made to the CFS staff members for their contributions to this handbook and for their continued dedication and commitment towards improving the safety of our communities.
Sincerely,
Ranee Ho, MS, MBA Director of Laboratories