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Please note –

Following the most recent update to FA, there may be limited access to some portions of FA Web.  We are working to restore full service as quickly as possible.  Thank you for your patience!

Evidence Submission and Return Appointments

The State Crime Laboratory will be implementing a new method for scheduling evidence submission and return appointments in the coming months. Download our Bookings Handout for more information and step-by-step instructions.

Book an evidence appointment with the Raleigh Lab by clicking on the calendar below.

Please continue to call or email the Triad and Western Labs to book your evidence appointment.  Online booking will become available for these labs in early 2024.

Documents and Procedures

The following documents are available for download on the State Crime Laboratory’s website.  Please visit the Procedures and Records page to access the latest version of these documents.

Policy and Procedure for Evidence Submissions

To review the Laboratory’s evidence submission guidelines, please download the Policy and Procedure for Evidence Submissions. This policy outlines everything you need to know about the Lab’s examination capabilities, submission policies, requirements regarding evidence packaging and more.

This procedure can be found under the Publications section of our website.

Supplemental Forms

The Laboratory requires additional information when agencies submit evidence for certain types of analysis.  In order to be accepted, this evidence must be accompanied by a completed supplemental form at the time of submission. These disciplines include:

  • NIBIN test fires
  • Firearms
  • Digital Evidence

All supplemental forms can be found under the Forms section of our website.

Firearms Submissions

NIBIN test fires

  • Cartridge casings from a crime scene in an active case must be submitted as evidence!  Please submit these items to the Laboratory via prelog in FA Web.
  • Please use the NIBIN Test Fires Submission Form when submitting agency test fires for NIBIN entry.
  • Only test fires within 12 months of the weapon(s) seizure date will be entered into NIBIN.
  • If you need an NIBIN entry that exceeds the 12-month timeline, it must receive approval from the Firearms Section’s manager or supervisor prior to submission.

Firearms Evidence

  • All firearms evidence must be accompanied by the Firearms Supplemental Submission Form prior to submission.
  • Agency test fires (i.e., items that are not evidence) do not require this form.

DNA on Fired Shell Casings

  • If fired cartridge casings are to be analyzed for potential DNA, the District Attorney must complete a form acknowledging this request.
  • Evidence must be accompanied by the Cartridge Casing DNA Approval Form.

Digital Evidence

  • Evidence submitted to our Digital Evidence Section must be accompanied by the Computer Forensics Supplemental Form
  • Submitting an Android device?  Updated Android device submission information can be found here.

Forensic Updates

In order to communicate important information and updates, the State Crime Laboratory publishes our Forensic Update newsletter several times a year.  This newsletter includes upcoming changes in policies or procedures, new technologies and services we will be bringing online, and other exciting updates and announcements.

You can download the most recent edition below, or visit the Publications section of our website to access previous editions.

Volume 7, Number 1 – Latent Evidence, Seized Drug Changes, Rapid DNA Update, Trace Changes

  • Vol. 6, no. 1 – Drug Chemistry, Toxicology, DNA on cartridge cases
  • Vol. 5, no. 1 – RFID, New packaging requirements, Firearm exam changes
  • Vol. 4, no. 2 – Digital Evidence
  • Vol. 4, no. 1 – Policy and procedure updates, DNA outsourcing, Current Laboratory services
  • Vol. 3, no. 5 – DNA and hemp updates
  • Vol. 3, no. 4 – History of the Lab, part 2
  • Vol. 3, no. 3 – History of the Lab, part 1
  • Vol. 3, no. 2 – What is SAFIS?
  • Vol. 3, no. 1 – Sexual Assault Kit testing and tracking
  • Vol. 2, no. 5 – New evidence procedures
  • Vol. 2, no. 4 – What is IBIS/NIBIN?
  • Vol. 2, no. 3 – What is CODIS?
  • Vol. 2, no. 2 – Western Regional Laboratory
  • Vol. 2, no. 1 – Rapid DNA
  • Vol. 1, no. 1 – Sexual Assault Kit audit

DNA and Sexual Assault Kit Information

DNA Submission Questions

If you have any questions about submitting DNA evidence, please download Forensic Biology’s FAQ and Submission Requirements document.

As mentioned previously, the new DA Approval Request form for fired shell casings can be found on our webpage in the Forms section.

Sexual Assault Kits

Are you up to date with the STIMS system?

  • Please visit STIMS, the statewide sexual assault evidence collection kit tracking website.
  • For questions about the STIMS system, or to register your agency to access STIMS, email NCSTIMS@ncdoj.gov for assistance.

Do you have questions regarding untested Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits?

  • Please contact the State Crime Lab at SAK@ncdoj.gov if you have any questions or concerns.
  • As of January 25, 2023, the kit Supplemental Submission Form is being discontinued and will no longer be required.  The pathway of analysis for each kit will be based on the submission information provided.  Thank you for your cooperation in adapting to these changes!

Still need information about kits?

  • Please visit the NCDOJ Resources for Law Enforcement website.  At the bottom of that page, you can view the recently-recorded “All Things Sexual Assault Kit” Lunch and Learn session.
  • The “Stand Up for Rape Victims (Survivor) Act of 2019” went into effect on September 18, 2019.  You can download a copy of the law, S.L. 2019-221, here to assist in determining your way forward.

CODIS Hit Follow-Up

Did you receive a CODIS hit?  Please use the CODIS Hit Follow-Up Survey to provide electronic notice to the State Crime Laboratory.

Notification should be provided within 15 days of an arrest and within 15 days after a conviction resulting from a CODIS hit.

Rapid DNA

We have received a number of inquiries regarding Rapid DNA analysis.  The State Crime Lab has produced the following Rapid DNA Analysis and CODIS Brochure for your information. Please contact the Forensic Biology Section if you have any follow-up questions.

Preservation of Biological Evidence

The State Crime Laboratory updated its guidance on the handling, preservation, and storage of biological evidence on June 14, 2023. The latest guidance document can be found here.

Contact the State Crime Laboratory

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please complete the Contact the Crime Lab form available on our website.

*Please note – all subpoenas, rush requests and stop work notifications must be submitted through the FA Web portal.

Forensic Advantage and FA Web

Forensic Advantage Training Videos

New to Forensic Advantage?  Check out the training videos below!

DA’s Office Online Training:

Law Enforcement Online Training:

Website Assistance

For FA help or other website assistance, please contact FA Support at (919) 582-8720, or email us at FASupport@ncdoj.gov

You can also reach us at the following emails: