NCJ Number
153112
Journal
Journal of the Canadian Society of Forensic Science Volume: 27 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1994) Pages: 261-267
Date Published
1994
Length
7 pages
Annotation
In December 1993, the Direction des expertises judiciaires of the Ministere de la Securite publique (Canada) purchased a mobile crime laboratory that is available to investigators at crime scenes 365 days a year, morning and night.
Abstract
This mobile laboratory is justified because specialists are called upon regularly to examine crime scenes in remote areas, often uninhabited and under uncertain conditions as to the precise nature of the criminal act that has occurred. The mobile laboratory is mounted on a truncated Ford 350-E van equipped with a diesel 7.3-liter motor. The electrical system allows for an ideal illumination and permits the use of equipment and instruments that have 12 or 110 volts. The laboratory is equipped with two stainless steel work counters that permit the examination of exhibits and, as well, allow for chemical tests to be conducted. On top of and under the counters, there are cupboards and storage areas for the equipment, the laboratory apparatus, the photographic and office material, and the work uniforms. There is a secure place to store and transport firearms, a scene projector, a metal detector, and paper rolls to obscure the crime scene for luminol examinations. A library of reference books is included, along with a refrigerator for the conservation of biological evidence and all products necessary for examinations. There is a water dispenser with a sink and a 5- gallon reservoir that facilitates basic hygiene. A sealed cupboard is ventilated and resistant to chemical products and to the other materials and substances taken from a crime scene. A list of the material and equipment in the mobile laboratory is provided in this article.