PHYSICAL EVIDENCE MANUAL - Crime Scene Investigator Network

Physical Evidence Manual
Field Test Kits
When using commercially purchased field test kits, remember a positive result
with the kit only indicates the possible presence of a drug. There can be other
substances that give the same reaction. Generally, the colors of a positive
reaction indicated on the test kit are very apparent and interpretation of the result
is usually not necessary.
The field test kits should be discarded after use. Many of the kits contain
concentrated acids that can leak, creating a chemical hazard. In addition, drugs
tested in these kits cannot be further analyzed and therefore should not be
submitted to the laboratory.
Officers using field test kits should not do so on a residue amount of drug. In
cases where quantities are limited, omit the field test and submit the evidence
directly to the laboratory for analysis.
Clandestine Drug Laboratories
Clandestine drug laboratories range from crude makeshift operations to
sophisticated and technologically complex facilities. They can be set up
anywhere and are often found in private residences, hotel and motel rooms,
trailers, barns and outbuildings, and commercial buildings. At these locations
sophisticated surveillance equipment and booby-traps may be set up to deter
intruders and law enforcement personnel from entering.
Extreme care and caution should be exercised whenever investigating or
processing a clandestine drug lab site. The chemicals and substances used in
the manufacturing process can be caustic, explosive, carcinogenic, poisonous,
irritating, and flammable. Laboratory and law enforcement personnel participating
in clandestine drug laboratory investigations should have specialized training in
the use of protective equipment and the appropriate health and safety
procedures.
The processing of clandestine drug laboratories also involves the sampling,
removal, and proper disposal of hazardous toxic chemicals. The transportation
and disposal of these chemicals is regulated by state and federal environmental
protection agencies.
There are usually two situations when a clandestine laboratory is encountered.
The first is when police or fire agency personnel encounter a previously unknown
lab. When this occurs the personnel should secure the scene, allow no
unauthorized or unnecessary entry, and contact the local specialized unit or
trained personnel to process clandestine laboratories.
Adopted: May 2002
Revisions: 6
Last Revision: January 31, 2008
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