Trace Evidence Unit

Submission Guidelines

As part of BCI’s ongoing effort to effectively and efficiently assist law enforcement in Ohio, the Laboratory has adopted policies for trace evidence submissions:

• Trace Evidence Submission Policy
• Trace Evidence Packaging
• Footwear Impression Database Policy

FAQs

• What types of evidence examinations does the Trace Evidence Unit perform?
  A: Scientists in this unit conduct examinations that include comparative analysis and/or identification of glass, fibers, paint, vehicle lamps, physical matches, impressions and gunshot primer residue.
• What kind of results can be expected from a trace evidence examination?
  A: There are five conclusions that trace evidence scientists can reach in their analysis:
   
  • Source identification
  • Support for the same source
  • An inconclusive result
  • Support for a different source
  • Source exclusion
  Find more details in this conclusion scale document.

OHLEG Apps

Laboratory Online: This app allows county prosecutors to securely track the testing status and results of DNA and other types of evidence that local law enforcement agencies submit to BCI.

Laboratory Evidence Pre-Log and Inquiry: This app allows an OHLEG user to complete BCI’s evidence submission paperwork in advance and check on completion status.