Forensic Identification Services
Crime Lab
The FIS laboratory is responsible for conducting specialized examinations
of items brought to the Unit by FIS personnel as well as field personnel and
investigators.
Evidence glue fumed in a cyano cabinet
The Laboratory is staffed by Forensic Identification Officers and provides
the following specialized examinations utilizing chemical and alternate light
sources to detect fingerprints:
- Laser/dye staining - rifles, handguns, ammunition, drug packaging and other
smooth, non-porous items
- Laser/fluorescent powder - rife stocks and other
porous surfaces
- Specialized dye staining techniques - adhesive tape, drugs,
etc.
Laser exam conducted on evidence
Members of the Crime Lab were trained by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco
Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to restore serial numbers previously removed
from seized firearms.
Placing evidence in a vacuum metal deposition chamber
The following is just
some of the equipment utilized by the FIS Laboratory:
| ITEM |
PURPOSE |
| ESDA
Machine |
Recovery of indented writing on paper. |
| Ultra
Violet Light |
Search for foreign objects like hair, fibres, body fluids, etc. |
| Laser |
Alternate light source for revealing luminous fingerprint impressions
after glue fuming/dye. |
| Cyano
Chamber |
Develop fingerprints with cyanoacrylate ester fumes. |
| Vacuum Metal Deposition |
Develop fingerprints with vaporized gold and zinc in a vacuum. FIS
has the largest VMD chamber exclusively for law enforcement use in
Canada. |
|
