- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Types of Evidence
- Associative Evidence
- The Crime Scene
- Evidence Submission
- Laboratory Evidence Handling
- Case Tracking Within the Laboratory
- Firearm and Toolmark Examination Considerations
- Selected Bibliography
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice ProgramsNational Institute of JusticeThe Research, Development, and Evaluation Agency of the U.S. Department of Justice
Documentation
Home > Evidence Handling Procedures > Evidence Submission > Documentation
Elements for evidence submission transmittal letters or laboratory forms may include the following:
- Agency identification
- Names of suspect(s) and victim(s)
- Numerical agency case identifier
- Characterization of the violation (e.g., homicide, burglary, assault, etc.)
- Date and location of the crime
- Investigative summary of the incident
- Related photographs and other crime scene documentation
- Method of delivery (hand-carried, shipped)
- Description of the items of physical evidence, including the corresponding item number
- List of requested examinations
- Notation of interrelated past or current case(s)
- Reference to any relevant previous submission(s)
- Request for expedited treatment of the case
- Chain of custody
Click here to read a sample transmittal letter
