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FBI Laboratory Publications

By Colleen Wade, M.L.S.

The FBI Laboratory’s Forensic Science Information Resource System staff writes, edits, andT publishes information to foster communication between international forensic scientists; to provide forensic science information to law enforcement, crime scene investigators, legislators, and the general public; and to promote the work of the personnel in the FBI Laboratory.

Three of the publications include the Handbook of Forensic Services, Forensic Science Communications, and the FBI Laboratory 2000. These publications may be viewed on the FBI Web site (http:// www.fbi.gov). Between April 1, 2001, and June 30, 2001, Forensic Science Communications received 13,176 visits while the Handbook of Forensic Services incurred 27,675 visits. The FBI Laboratory 2000 has had 7,670 visits since it was uploaded on May 29, 2001.

Handbook of Forensic Services

The Handbook of Forensic Services (formerly the Handbook of Forensic Sciences) was rewritten and published in 1999. The purpose of the Handbook is to provide guidance and procedures for safe and efficient methods of collecting and preserving evi-dence and to describe the forensic examinations performed by the FBI Laboratory.

The Handbook is divided into five sections.

1) “Introduction” details the availability of the laboratory services, which include forensic examinations of evidence and expert witness testimonies.

2) “Evidence Submission” lists the procedures required to request evidence examinations and to package and ship evidence to the laboratory.

3) “Examinations” describes the types of evidence examinations provided and specific evidence collection and preservation techniques.

4) “Crime Scene Safety” provides familiarity of the hazards, safety precautions, and safe work practices. This section also provides training on applying these principles.

5) “Crime Scene Search” outlines the steps necessary to process a crime scene.

The Handbook is available in—

• a pocket-sized paper format;

• a CD-ROM format; and

• an on-line format that may be viewed on the FBI Web site at http://www.fbi.gov/programs/lab/ handbook/intro.htm.

Copies of the paper and CD-ROM versions of the Handbook of Forensic Services may be purchased by referencing number S/N 027-001-00080-7 and contacting the Superintendent of Documents at—

U.S. Government Printing Office
P.O. Box 371954
Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954
Telephone: 202-512-1800; Fax: 202-512-2250
Web site: http://www.bookstore.gpo.gov

Forensic Science Communications

Forensic Science Communications (FSC) is an on-line, peer-reviewed forensic science journal published quarterly by FBI Laboratory personnel. This journal is a means of communication between forensic scientists, permitting information of value and interest to be rapidly disseminated among scientists and other interested persons.

FSC may be viewed free on-line at http:// www.fbi.gov/programs/lab/fsc/current/teaser.htm. To