Laboratory Division

Evidence Receiving Schedule

To ensure the integrity of evidence and the safety of individuals handling packages, BCI – effective Jan. 1, 2021 – does not accept evidence submitted via mail carrier.

BCI Evidence Receiving:

Evidence-intake hours: 9 a.m.-noon and 12:30 p.m.-4 p.m.

Special directions: The number of submitters allowed into the Evidence Receiving section at any one time is limited. Those submitting evidence should call the number posted on the exterior door when they arrive and wait in their vehicle until notified that they can enter the building for evidence submission.

Evidence-intake hours: by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays

760 Boardman Canfield Rd, Suite 2
Youngstown, OH 44512
Phone: (330) 884-7534
 

Submission Process

Pre-visit paperwork: Before arriving at the laboratory to submit evidence, law enforcement agencies can complete an OHLEG Prelog or the BCI Submission Sheet, as well as a Drug Request form (for any drug evidence submissions). A summary narrative of case facts is required for all lab submissions.

Upon arrival: All evidence must be packaged and sealed to protect it from loss, contamination or deleterious change. BCI staff members will inspect the package to ensure adherence to established policy before accepting it at the laboratory.

Before leaving: Submitting officers will be provided a record of the items submitted and requested laboratory testing assignments. Should any items be rejected for failing to meet submission policies, the reason will be documented on the agency’s paperwork.

Once laboratory testing is complete: The investigating officer will receive an email notification directing him/her to OHLEG to retrieve the lab report(s). The evidence items may then be picked up from the lab for long-term storage by the law enforcement agency.

Laboratory Evidence Submission Process handout
 

Unit-Specific Submission Policies

• Drug Chemistry Unit
• Firearms Unit
• Latent Print Unit
• Questioned Documents Unit
• Trace Evidence Unit
• DNA Unit
• LINK (Missing Person)

Current laboratory manuals can be found below. Archived manuals can be available upon request.

• Lab Quality Manual
• Drug Chemistry Methods Manual
• Firearms Methods Manual
• Trace Evidence Methods Manual
• DNA Methods Manual
• CODIS Operating Procedures
• Latent Print Methods Manual
• Questioned Documents Methods Manual
• MPS Laboratory Procedures Manual

• What is Forensic Science?
  A: Forensic Science is the application of the science to evidence from a criminal investigation.
  
• What kind of training/education is required to work as a Forensic Scientist?
  A: A forensic scientist is required to have a formal education consisting of a bachelor degree in a natural science.  In order to work in the DNA section of the laboratory, the following coursework must also be included: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics and training in Statistics must be completed.
  
• Where can I submit evidence?
  A: BCI has 3 full service laboratories located in Bowling Green, Richfield and London. Evidence can be submitted to any of the evidence reception sites located in Youngstown, Athens, Cambridge, Bowling Green, Richfield and London.
  
  BCI also has a laboratory located in Springifled where Drug Chemistry testing is performed; however, there is no evidence reception at this location.
  
  Evidence can be submitted to any of the evidence receiving locations.
• What are the laboratory services fees at BCI?
  A: BCI performs laboratory services at no cost to submitting agencies.
  
• How many items can I submit?
  A: BCI is dedicated to providing timely and accurate testing of all evidence submission. To meet this goal most effectively, some of the laboratory units have adopted protocols specific for laboratory submissions. To access the current submission policies, click on the individual Laboratory Unit links above.
  
• What is PreLog?
  A: The Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway (OHLEG) has a link to a program called PreLog where submitting agencies can electronically submit their case information prior to bringing/sending the evidence to BCI. This function saves time during the evidence reception process.
  
  For more information regarding OHLEG or to request access to OHLEG, email OHLEGsupport@ohioattorneygeneral.gov.
  
• What is Laboratory Online?
  A: The Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway (OHLEG) has a link to a program called Laboratory Online where investigating agencies can view electronic copies of approved laboratory reports and scientist’s statement of qualifications.
  
  For more information regarding OHLEG or to request access to OHLEG, email OHLEGsupport@ohioattorneygeneral.gov.
  
• Is there a BCI Laboratory Request form available that I can use?
  A: Yes. You may select to use a PDF Fillable BCI submission sheet in order to document your case information, item descriptions, and requested laboratory services. This form should be completed prior to arrival at a BCI evidence reception location.
  
  BCI submission sheet 
  
• How should I package the evidence?
  A: Evidence should be packaged to prevent loss/deterioration. Biological evidence should be air dried and packaged in paper products in most circumstances. Plastic is acceptable for packaging moist evidence, evidence exposed to potential insect infestations, or to prevent loss of powdery substances, hair or debris. Biological evidence packaged in plastic should be stored frozen.
  
  Sharp objects, such as knives or glass, should be submitted in a hard, safe container to prevent physical harm to those who handle the package and to prevent sample loss.
  
  Firearms should be submitted unloaded (when possible) in a secure gun box.
  
  Furthermore, evidence should be packaged to protect the evidence from cross contamination. For example, five stains collected from different areas of the crime scene should be packaged in individual containers to prevent contact/cross contamination.
  
• What quality assurance and quality control measures are in place?
  A: BCI is an ANAB(American National Standards Institute-American Society for Quality National Accreditation Board) Internationally accredited laboratory. The laboratory ensures the quality of work by implementing numerous policies and procedures that include enforcing section specific training programs, minimum employee qualification, technical and administrative review processes, quality control checks, performance of validation studies prior to use of technology/equipment in casework analysis, and competency and proficiency program. View the scope of accreditation for each BCI laboratory.
• How can I view my report?
  A: Laboratory reports are mailed to the investigating officer (or designee) once they are administratively approved.
  
  Laboratory reports are also available via OHLEG by clicking on the "Pre-Log and Inquiry" or  “Laboratory Online” links.
  
• Who should I contact if I have questions about the results in a laboratory report?
  A: The area below the signature line on the report is the contact information for the Forensic Scientist who authored the report.
  
• How can I get a copy of the Forensic Scientist’s Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)?
  A: SOQ’s are issued with the mailed copy of the laboratory report. Alternatively, you could contact the Forensic Scientist directly and they could provide a copy upon request. 
  
• When will the evidence be returned to my agency?
  A: The evidence will be available for pickup once the laboratory report(s) are issued. Please note that evidence is no longer shipped to agencies from BCI. 
  
• How do I schedule a tour of BCI?
  A: Submit a request for a laboratory tour. Provide the following details in your tour request:
  • Number attendees anticipated
  • Proposed dates for the tour
  • Group Affiliation (civilian, educational, law enforcement, etc.)
  • Laboratory Location (London, Richfield, Springfield or Bowling Green)