Case Acceptance Policy

Saint Lucia Forensic Laboratory - Biology Unit Case Acceptance Policy

Policy Code: QP-BIO-05

Effective Date: 21Sep2022
Issued By: Laboratory Director
Version: 1.0


Purpose

The Biology Unit at the Saint Lucia Forensic Science Laboratory is committed to conducting examinations and testing of biological evidence, primarily through body fluid identification and Short Tandem Repeats (STR)-DNA testing. This policy outlines the criteria and procedures for the acceptance of cases and evidence related to biological specimens found at crime scenes.

A man in a suit is opening a box of blinds.

Case/Evidence Acceptance Policy

  1. The customer must provide a scenario in the service request email to the Evidence Control Unit, detailing where the item was found and its relevance to the crime.
  2. A complete list of exhibits collected is submitted by the customer. The Unit case reviewer, in consultation with the Unit Supervisor, determines the priority and probative value of evidence items.
  3. An item is generally one piece of evidence; exceptions are made for multiple swabs of a single item. It is important to note that known reference standards from victims or subjects do not count against the submission limit.

Sexual Assaults

  1. Initial evidence submission for sexual assault cases is limited to specific items, including the Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit (SAECK), victim's underpants, condoms, and all references.
  2. No additional items will be accepted if kit results are probative, unless specific circumstances or a written request through the Laboratory Director dictate otherwise.
  3. Additional items may be requested in a separate submission if the kit results are non-probative.

Homicides

  1. Initial evidence submission should not exceed ten (10) items.
  2. Analysis of additional items is at the discretion of the designated analyst after consultation with the Technical Leader.

Burglary and Property Crimes

  1. Initial evidence submission should not exceed five (5) items.
  2. Additional items are considered only if case circumstances dictate the need for further tests or with a specific written request through the Laboratory Director.

Weapons

  1. The SLFSL prefers to request weapons as evidence; however, if previously swabbed, the swabs will be accepted.
  2. Initial evidence should not exceed five (5) items.
  3. No additional items will be examined if a profile is developed, unless specific circumstances or a written request through the Laboratory Director dictate otherwise.

Parentage

  1. Each submission must include references from first-degree relatives or, if unavailable, second-degree maternal relatives.
  2. Child or unidentified remains must be included, with dates of birth where applicable.

Human Identity Cases

  1. DNA analysis types depend on the type of remains available for testing.
  2. Accepted samples include blood, deep muscle tissue, brain tissue, teeth (molars), and skeletal remains.


Note: DNA testing with bone and teeth is currently outsourced by the SLFSL; however, validations studies towards in-house bone analysis are  underway.

For any questions or clarification, please contact the Biology Unit at 1-758-468-3690 or the Laboratory Director. This policy is subject to periodic review and updates.


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