LEMAS Forensic Science Services Supplement Attachments

Attachment A

CPFFCL Respondents

Law Enforcement Management and
Administrative Statistics- Forensic Services
Supplement (LEMAS-FSS)
Purpose

In 2014, your agency was asked to participate in the Census of Publically Funded Forensic Crime Labs
(CPFFCL). This is not the same survey and serves a different purpose.
The purpose of this survey is to understand the scope of forensic activity carried out by sworn and nonsworn law enforcement personnel who are not primarily assigned to your agency’s forensic crime
laboratory. The survey will ask about the collection, analysis and interpretation of different types of
forensic evidence, evidence collection and storage, and training and certification for those engaged in
forensics services. The survey is meant to capture information only on staff within your agency that may
be engaged in forensic services but who are primarily assigned outside your agency’s forensic crime
laboratory (e.g., sworn officers/detectives who collect forensic evidence or conduct controlled substance
screens in-field).
This survey asks about law enforcement personnel (sworn and non-sworn) that work primarily outside
your agency’s forensic crime laboratory who collect, analyze or interpret evidence in the following
forensic science disciplines:
• Biological examinations (e.g., DNA)
• Controlled substances
• Crime scene (e.g., evidence collection, reconstruction, forensic photography)
• Digital and multimedia examinations (e.g., computer, network, mobile device, video, audio)
• Document examinations
• Fingerprints (e.g., latent prints, ten prints)
• Fire investigation
• Firearms, ballistics and tool mark examinations
• Footwear/Tire tread impressions
• Toxicology
• Trace evidence
• Traffic accident reconstruction
The survey also asks about personnel who engaged in evidence processing and storage.

Law Enforcement Agency Characteristics
1. Please review the following information for your agency. Please fill in any missing information and
correct any errors:
a. Contact Name:
b. Contact Title:
c. Street Address 1:
d. Street Address 2:
e. City, State Zip:
f. Email:
g. Telephone Number:
h. Agency ORI Number:
2. Which of the following best describes your agency?
a. Municipal or county police
b. Sheriff’s office
c. State Police or Highway Patrol
d. Other (please specify): _________________________
3a. As of December 31, 2016, was your law enforcement agency accredited?
a. No
b. Yes
3b. If yes, who was your agency accredited by? (Select all that apply)
□ National organization (e.g., CALEA, IADLEST)
□ State accreditation
4. Does your agency have a forensics laboratory whose principal function is the examination of
either 1) physical evidence by one or more full-time scientists (minimum of bachelor’s degree in
natural science, criminalistics or forensic science) OR 2) digital or multimedia evidence, in criminal
matters and providing reports and testimony to courts of law with respect to such evidence? This
does not include operations that engage exclusively in evidence collection and documentation.
a. No
[Please stop here and call 1-800-845-7883 to confirm your agency’s eligibility
to take the survey]
b. Yes
5. Does your agency have personnel that engage in forensic science services who are not primarily
assigned to your agency’s forensic crime laboratory (include sworn officers/detectives or nonsworn employees who collect forensic evidence, assess crime scenes, or conduct controlled
substance screens in-field outside of the forensic crime lab)?
a. No [GO TO Q17]
b. Yes

Scope & Scale of Forensic Activities Undertaken
6. Did your agency’s personnel who primarily work outside your forensic crime laboratory engage in any
of the following forensic science activities during 2016? Select ‘yes’ if any agency personnel collected
evidence, analyzed and interpreted evidence, OR participated in legal proceedings for each activity. Do
not include individuals who only processed and stored physical evidence.
Activity
Yes
No
1.

Digital & Multimedia Evidence (General)
If YES, mark all specific functions that apply:
a. Computer Forensics
b. Network Forensics
c. Mobile Device Analysis (e.g., cell phone, GPS)
d. Video Analysis (e.g., CCTV, body camera)
e. Forensic Audio or Voice

















Crime Scene (general)
If YES, mark all specific functions that apply:
a. Evidence Collection
b. Reconstruction (e.g., blood stain pattern analysis)
c. Forensic Photography













Fingerprints
If YES, mark all specific functions that apply:
a. Latent prints
b. Ten print











4.

Controlled Substances (e.g., in-field screen, in-house testing)





5.

Firearms & Ballistics/Tool Marks





6.

Traffic Accident Reconstruction





7.

Fire Investigation





8.

Footwear/Tire tread impressions





9.

Forensic biology (e.g., DNA)





10. Questioned Documents (e.g., handwriting, handprinting, signatures,
printers/copiers)





11. Toxicology (e.g., urine, blood/blood alcohol concentrations)





12. Trace evidence (e.g., gunshot residue, hair, fiber, paint, chemical, explosives)





2.

3.

******
******
The following questions are about the law enforcement personnel who work primarily outside the forensic
crime laboratory that engage in <>.
7. Does your agency have personnel who work primarily outside the forensic crime laboratory that
collect <>?
a. No
b. Yes [GO TO Q9]
If NO:
8. Who collects <> for your agency? [select all that apply]

□

Our agency’s forensic crime laboratory personnel

□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□

Another local police department
Sheriff’s Department
State Police
Fire Department or Fire Marshal
State run laboratory
Other regional law enforcement
Federal laboratory
Medical Examiner or Coroner
Private laboratory or other commercial services

9. Does your agency have personnel who work primarily outside your agency’s crime laboratory that
analyze and interpret the results of <>?
a. No
b. Yes [GO TO Q11]
If NO:

10. Who analyzes and interprets <> for your agency? [select all that apply]

□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□

Our agency’s forensic crime laboratory personnel
Another local police department
Sheriff’s Department
State Police
Fire Department or Fire Marshal
State run laboratory
Other regional law enforcement
Federal laboratory
Medical Examiner or Coroner
Private laboratory or other commercial services

[IF Q9= NO and Q10 answered GO TO NEXT DISCIPLINE OR Q17]
[CHECK: IF Q7 = No and Q9 = No, confirm if Q6 <> should be marked ‘yes’]
11. As of the pay period including December 31, 2016, enter the number of personnel who worked
primarily outside your agency’s forensic crime laboratory and who analyzed and interpreted the
results of <> by their professional certification status. When considering personnel who are certified,
only count certifications by a professional organization such as those listed below. Do not count
personnel who obtained training certificates through continuing education or university/college
training.
Sworn
officers
a. Professionally Certified
b. Not Professionally Certified
c. Total

Non-sworn
personnel

Professional Certification Organizations include:
American Board of Criminalistics (ABC)
American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE)
Board of Forensic Document Examiners (BFDE)
American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS)
International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE)
Digital Forensics Certification Board (DFCB)
Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association (LEVA)
International Association for Identification (IAI)
Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE)
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)

****IF (Q6 1, 2, or 3 = yes AND associated subdisciplines (a., b., c., or d.) = yes) ASK Q12*****
12. For the personnel who work primarily outside your agency’s forensic crime laboratory, please
indicate how many are professionally certified in following activities within <>. When considering
personnel who are certified, only count certifications by a professional organization such as those
listed below. Do not count personnel who obtained training certificates through continuing
education or university/college training.
All
Some
None
<1a, 2a, OR 3a = yes>
□
□
□
<1b, 2b, OR 3b = yes>
<1c OR 2c = yes>
<1d = yes>

□
□
□

□
□
□

□
□
□

Professional Certification Organizations include:
American Board of Criminalistics (ABC)
American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE)
Board of Forensic Document Examiners (BFDE)
American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS)
International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE)
Digital Forensics Certification Board (DFCB)
Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association (LEVA)
International Association for Identification (IAI)
Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE)
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)

[IF Q11.b.column1 AND Q11.b.column2 = 0 (“Not Professionally Certified” sworn or non-sworn personnel
=0), GO TO Q15]
13. For personnel who work primarily outside your agency’s forensic crime laboratory and are not
professionally certified (reported in Q11.b. column 1 or 2) is any training required to engage in
analysis and interpretation of <>?
a. No [GO TO 15]

b. Yes
14. What is the average number of required training hours for personnel to analyze and interpret the
results of <>?
15. Have personnel who work primarily outside your agency’s forensic crime laboratory provided results,
conclusions or opinions in legal proceedings for <> (e.g., depositions, sworn testimony, reports to
court)?
Yes
No
N/A
a. Professionally Certified
□
□
□
b. Not Professionally Certified

□

□

□

16. Does your agency have written policies and procedures for <>?
a. No
b. Yes
[Check for additional “Yes” activities in Q6 1-7, repeat Q7-16 for each “Yes” activity; If no other activities 1-7
“yes”, continue to Q17]
******
You indicated that your agency does not have personnel who work primarily outside your forensic crime
laboratory that engage in < LIST ALL >.
17. Who provides your agency with these type of forensic evidence? [Select all that apply]

□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□

Our agency’s forensic crime laboratory personnel
Another local police department
Sheriff’s Department
State Police
Fire Department or Fire Marshal
State run laboratory
Other regional law enforcement
Federal laboratory
Medical Examiner or Coroner
Private laboratory or other commercial services
******

The following questions concern your agency’s evidence processing and storage procedures and personnel.
18. Does your agency process (i.e., handle, package) and store evidence?
a. No (GO TO END)
b. Yes

19. Where is the evidence stored? [Select all that apply]
□ On-site (e.g., headquarters, station, forensic crime lab)
□ Off-site (e.g., private facility, another law enforcement agency, external forensic crime lab)
□ Other (please specify): ____________________________
20. As of the pay period including December 31, 2016, enter the number of personnel who worked
primarily outside your agency’s forensic crime laboratory that were involved in evidence processing
and storage by their professional certification status. When considering personnel who are certified,
only count personnel who are certified by the International Association for Property and Evidence.
Sworn
officers

Non-sworn
personnel

a. Certified by the International Association for Property

and Evidence

b. Not certified
c. Total
21. Does your agency have written policies and procedures for evidence processing and storage?
a. No
b. Yes
END OF SURVEY
Thank you for completing the survey.

Attachment B

Non-CPFFCL Respondents

Law Enforcement Management and
Administrative Statistics - Forensic Services
Supplement (LEMAS-FSS)
Purpose

The purpose of this survey is to understand the scope of forensic activity carried out by sworn and nonsworn law enforcement personnel. The survey will ask about the collection and processing of different
types of forensic evidence, evidence collection and storage, and accreditation, training, and certification
for those engaged in forensics services. The survey is meant to capture information on any and all staff
within your department that may be engaged in forensic services.
This survey asks about law enforcement personnel (sworn and non-sworn) who collect, analyze or
interpret evidence in the following forensic science disciplines:
• Biological examinations (e.g., DNA)
• Controlled substances
• Crime scene (e.g., evidence collection, reconstruction, forensic photography)
• Digital and multimedia examinations (e.g., computer, network, mobile device, video, audio)
• Document examinations
• Fingerprints (e.g., latent prints, ten prints)
• Fire investigation
• Firearms, ballistics and tool mark examinations
• Footwear/Tire tread impressions
• Toxicology
• Trace evidence
• Traffic accident reconstruction
The survey also asks about personnel who engaged in evidence processing and storage.

Law Enforcement Agency Characteristics
1. Please review the information for your agency. Please fill in any missing information and correct
any errors:
a. Contact Name:
b. Contact Title:
c. Street Address 1:
d. Street Address 2:
e. City, State Zip:
f. Email:
g. Telephone Number:
h. Agency ORI Number:
2. Which of the following best describes your agency?
a. Municipal or county police
b. Sheriff’s office
c. State Police or Highway Patrol
d. Other (please specify): _________________________
3a. As of December 31, 2016, was your law enforcement agency accredited?
a. No
b. Yes
3b. If yes, who was your agency accredited by? (select all that apply)
□ National organization (e.g., CALEA, IADLEST)
□ State accreditation
4. Which of the following best describes the organizational structure of personnel assigned to
forensic services in your agency? Personnel can include sworn officers or non-sworn employees.
[mark one]
a. A forensics laboratory whose principal function is the examination of either 1) physical
evidence by one or more full-time scientists (minimum of bachelor’s degree in natural
science, criminalistics or forensic science) OR 2) digital or multimedia evidence, in
criminal matters and providing reports and testimony to courts of law with respect to
such evidence
b. A forensic unit/bureau with at least one person assigned full-time [GO TO Q6]
c. No forensic unit/bureau but designated personnel who provide forensic services either
part-time or full-time [GO TO Q6]
d. No designated personnel who provide forensic services [GO TO Q6]
IF Q4.a is selected:
5. Does your agency have personnel that engage in forensic science services who are not
primarily assigned to your agency’s forensic crime laboratory? Consider sworn officers/
detectives or non-sworn employees who collect forensic evidence, assess crime scenes, or
conduct controlled substance screens in-field.

a. No
b. Yes
[If a or b, GO TO Q7]
IF Q4 b, c or d selected:
6. Does your agency have the option of using any of the following forensic laboratories? [GO TO
Q7]
Lab type
a. State crime laboratory
b. Sheriff’s office crime laboratory
c. Medical examiner or Coroner’s
office
d. Federal crime laboratory
e. Other local jurisdiction laboratory
f. Commercial crime laboratory

Yes



No















Scope & Scale of Forensic Activities Undertaken
7. Did your agency’s personnel engage in any of the following forensic science activities during
2016? Select ‘yes’ if any agency personnel collected evidence, analyzed and interpreted evidence,
OR participated in legal proceedings for each activity. Do not include individuals who only
processed and stored physical evidence.
Activity
Yes
No
1.

Digital & Multimedia Evidence (General)
If YES, mark all specific functions that apply:
a. Computer Forensics
b. Network Forensics
c. Mobile Device Analysis (e.g., cell phone, GPS)
d. Video Analysis (e.g., CCTV, body camera)
e. Forensic Audio or Voice

















Crime Scene (general)
If YES, mark all specific functions that apply:
a. Evidence Collection
b. Reconstruction (e.g., blood stain pattern analysis)
c. Forensic Photography













Fingerprints
If YES, mark all specific functions that apply:
a. Latent prints
b. Ten print











4.

Controlled Substances (e.g., in-field screen, in-house testing)





5.

Firearms & Ballistics/Tool Marks





6.

Traffic Accident Reconstruction





7.

Fire Investigation





8.

Footwear/Tire tread impressions





9.

Forensic biology (e.g., DNA)





10. Questioned Documents (e.g., handwriting, handprinting, signatures,
printers/copiers)





11. Toxicology (e.g., urine, blood/blood alcohol concentrations)





12. Trace evidence (e.g., gunshot residue, hair, fiber, paint, chemical, explosives)





2.

3.

******
******
The following questions are about the law enforcement personnel at your agency that engage in <>.
8. Does your agency have personnel that collect <>?
a. No
b. Yes [GO TO Q10]
If NO:
9. Who collects <> for your agency? [select all that apply]

□
□
□

Another local police department
Sheriff’s Department
State Police

□
□
□
□
□
□

Fire Department or Fire Marshal
State run laboratory
Other regional law enforcement
Federal laboratory
Medical Examiner or Coroner
Private laboratory or other commercial services

10. Does your agency have personnel that analyze and interpret the results of <>?
a. No
b. Yes [GO TO Q12]
If NO:

11. Who analyzes and interprets <> for your agency? [select all that apply]

□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□

Another local police department
Sheriff’s Department
State Police
Fire Department or Fire Marshal
State run laboratory
Other regional law enforcement
Federal laboratory
Medical Examiner or Coroner
Private laboratory or other commercial services

[IF Q10 = NO and Q11 answered GO TO NEXT DISCIPLINE OR Q21]
[CHECK: IF Q8 = No and Q10 = No, confirm if Q7 <> should be marked ‘yes’]
12. As of the pay period including December 31, 2016, enter the number of personnel who analyzed
and interpreted the results of <> by their professional certification status. When considering
personnel who are certified, only count certifications by a professional organization such as those
listed below. Do not count personnel who obtained training certificates through continuing
education or university/college training.
Sworn
officers

Non-sworn
personnel

a. Professionally Certified
b. Not Professionally Certified
c. Total
Professional Certification Organizations include:
American Board of Criminalistics (ABC)
American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE)
Board of Forensic Document Examiners (BFDE)
American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS)
International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE)

Digital Forensics Certification Board (DFCB)
Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association (LEVA)
International Association for Identification (IAI)
Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE)
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)

****IF (Q7 1, 2, or 3 = yes AND associated subdisciplines (a., b., c., or d.) = yes) ASK Q13*****
13. Please indicate how many of your agency’s personnel are professionally certified in following
activities within <>. When considering personnel who are certified, only count certifications by a
professional organization such as those listed below. Do not count personnel who obtained
training certificates through continuing education or university/college training.
All
Some
None
<1a, 2a, OR 3a = yes>
□
□
□
<1b, 2b, OR 3b = yes>
<1c OR 2c = yes>
<1d = yes>

□
□
□

□
□
□

□
□
□

Professional Certification Organizations include:
American Board of Criminalistics (ABC)
American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE)
Board of Forensic Document Examiners (BFDE)
American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS)
International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE)
Digital Forensics Certification Board (DFCB)
Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association (LEVA)
International Association for Identification (IAI)
Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE)
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)

[IF Q12.b.column1 AND Q12.b.column2 = 0 (“Not Professionally Certified” sworn or non-sworn personnel =
0), GO TO Q16]
14. For personnel who are not professionally certified (reported in Q12.b.column 1 or 2) is any training
required to engage in the analysis and interpretation of <>?
a. No [GO TO 16]
b. Yes
15. What is the average number of required training hours for personnel to analyze and interpret
the results of <>?
16. Have personnel who analyzed and interpreted the results of <> provided results, conclusions or
opinions in legal proceedings (e.g., depositions, sworn testimony, reports to court)?
Yes
No
N/A

Professionally Certified
Not Professionally Certified

□
□

□
□

□
□

17. As of December 31, 2016, was your agency accredited for <> by one of the organizations below?
a. No
b. Yes [GO TO 20]
Forensic Science Accreditation Entities
American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA)
American National Standards Institute-American Society for Quality National Accreditation Board (ANSIASQ ANAB))
American Society of Crime Lab Directors / Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB)

IF NO:
18. If not accredited for <>, provide reasons why not: (Select all that apply)
□ In process of gaining accreditation [GO TO Q19]
□ Cost prohibitive
□ Lack of personnel
□ Uncertain of requirements
[GO TO Q20]
□ Not required by jurisdiction
□ Other (please specify): _______________________
19. Has your agency conducted proficiency testing for personnel who engage in <> as part of
the accreditation process?
a. No
b. Yes
20. Does your agency have written policies and procedures for <>?
a. No
b. Yes
[Check for additional “Yes” activities in Q7 1-7, repeat Q8-20 for each “Yes” activity; If no other activities 1-7
“yes”, continue to Q21]
******
You indicated that your law enforcement agency does not provide < LIST ALL >.
21. Who assists your agency with these type of forensic evidence? (Select all that apply)

□
□
□
□
□
□

Another local police department
Sheriff’s Department
State Police
Fire Department or Fire Marshal
State run laboratory
Other regional law enforcement

□
□
□

Federal laboratory
Medical Examiner or Coroner
Private laboratory or other commercial services

******
You indicated that your law enforcement agency does not have personnel who provide forensic services.
22. Who assists your agency with the collection, analysis and interpretation of forensic services?
(Select all that apply)

□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□

Another local police department
Sheriff’s Department
State Police
Fire Department or Fire Marshal
State run laboratory
Other regional law enforcement
Federal laboratory
Medical Examiner or Coroner
Private laboratory or other commercial services
******

The following questions concern your agency’s evidence processing and storage procedures, personnel and
caseloads.
23. Does your agency process (i.e., handle, package) and store evidence?
□ No (GO TO END)
□ Yes
24. Where is the evidence stored? [Select all that apply]
□ On-site (e.g., headquarters, station, forensic crime lab)
□ Off-site (e.g., private facility, another law enforcement agency, external forensic crime
lab)
□ Other (please specify): ____________________________
25. As of the pay period including December 31, 2016, enter the number of personnel that were
involved in evidence processing and storage by their professional certification status. When
considering personnel who are certified, only count personnel who are certified by the
International Association for Property and Evidence.
Sworn
officers
a. Certified by the International Association for Property and

Evidence

Non-sworn
personnel

b. Not certified
c. Total
26. Does your agency have written policies and procedures for evidence processing and storage?
a. No
b. Yes
27. During 2016, approximately how many cases involving forensic evidence were handled by your
agency?

[If Q27 = 0, go to END]
28. Approximately, what percentage of these cases have unanalyzed evidence?
a. 0%
b. 1-10%
c. 11-25%
d. 26-50%
e. 51-75%
f. 76-90%
g. 91-99%
h. 100%
END OF SURVEY
Thank you for completing the survey.

Attachment C
Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics Forensic Services Supplement (LEMAS-FSS)
Cognitive Interview Protocol for CPFFCL Respondents

Informed Consent for Cognitive Interviews
What is the purpose of this interview?
RTI International (RTI), a not-for-profit research
organization located in Research Triangle Park,
NC, is helping the Bureau of Justice Statistics
(BJS) develop a survey that will collect data from
law enforcement agencies across the United
States. To refine the survey, RTI project staff are
holding a series of one-on-one interviews with
individuals who have completed a test version of
the survey. Information discussed during these
interviews will help project staff better
understand the experiences of others.
Why was I chosen?
You were selected as one of twenty participants
invited to take part in this discussion because
you work in a law enforcement agency with
personnel who may be engaged in forensic
services outside your agency’s crime lab and
your perspective will be important.
What will happen during this discussion?
Cognitive interviews are one-on-one discussions
between an interviewer and a participant. The
interviewer will ask you some questions about
specific topics related to your experiences and
thoughts in completing the test survey. The
discussion will last about 60 minutes and the
discussions may be observed by other members
of the project team. They will not participate in
the discussion; they are only listening to the
discussion.
Are there risks?
There are no expected risks to participating in
this study. Any information that is learned
during this discussion will not be shared with
anyone outside the LEMAS project staff.
Are there benefits?

There are no expected direct benefits to you for
participating in this study.
What will I get for participating?
By participating you will make an important
contribution to the understanding of forensic
services occurring in law enforcement agencies.
Will this information be kept private?
All of the information we learn from these
discussions will be combined in a summary
report that will not use individual names.
Everything we learn will be kept private and
confidential by RTI and BJS staff. RTI and BJS will
keep what you tell us in a locked file cabinet or
on a secure computer file. After we complete
the report, the materials and audio recordings
will be destroyed.
Do I have to participate?
Your participation is voluntary. You can refuse to
answer any question at any time.
Who do I call if I have questions?
If you have any questions about this research
project, you can call the RTI Project Director, Tim
Smith. His toll-free number is 1-800-334-8571,
extension 23988. If you have any questions
about your rights as a study participant, you can
call RTI's Office of Research Protection and
Ethics toll-free at 1-866-214-2043.

Attachment C
Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics Forensic Services Supplement (LEMAS-FSS)
Cognitive Interview Protocol for CPFFCL Respondents

Informed Consent for Cognitive Interviews
Do you have any questions?

Do we have your permission to continue with the interview?
□ Yes
□ No
Do we have your permission to audio record this discussion?
□ Yes
□ No
I certify that the nature and purpose, the potential benefits, and possible risks associated with
participating in this research have been explained to the participant and the participant has given their
consent to participate in this cognitive interview.
Signature of Interviewer_______________________________________________
Date_______________
I certify that the participant has given their permission to be audiotaped during this interview.
Signature of Interviewer_______________________________________________
Date_______________

Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics Forensic Services Supplement (LEMAS-FSS)
Cognitive Interview Protocol for CPFFCL Respondents

READ THE INTRODUCTION:
Thank you for agreeing to participate in this interview about your experience completing the
survey. The purpose of our interview today is to evaluate our survey questions pertaining to the
law enforcement personnel who may be engaged in forensic services outside your agency’s
forensic crime lab. The study is sponsored by the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Today, we are
hoping to get your overall feedback and opinions on the survey you took, as well as your
thoughts on how easy or difficult it was to answer the questions.
This is how it will work. I would like you to read the questions out loud and tell me your
response. If you found anything confusing or if the question was challenging to answer, please
let me know. As we go, I will want to follow up with specific questions. Please feel free to tell me
anything that comes to mind or ask me anything you are unclear about. We are very interested
in finding out which questions needed a lot of effort to answer, which ones confused you, and
which ones you were not able to answer at all. Your participation in this interview is very
important because it will help us improve the questionnaire. Before we begin, please take a
moment to read the consent form that I emailed you.
Do you have any questions? Do I have your consent to continue with the interview?
1. Yes
2. No – END INTERVIEW
OK let’s begin.

CPFFCL Respondents

Law Enforcement Management and
Administrative Statistics- Forensic Services
Supplement (LEMAS-FSS)
Purpose

In 2014, your agency was asked to participate in the Census of Publically Funded Forensic Crime Labs
(CPFFCL). This is not the same survey and serves a different purpose.
PROBE: Are you familiar with the study mentioned above and what personnel this survey is targeting?
The purpose of this survey is to understand the scope of forensic activity carried out by sworn and nonsworn law enforcement personnel who are not primarily assigned to your agency’s forensic crime
laboratory. The survey will ask about the collection, analysis and interpretation of different types of
forensic evidence, evidence collection and storage, and training and certification for those engaged in
forensics services. The survey is meant to capture information only on staff within your agency that may
be engaged in forensic services but who are primarily assigned outside your agency’s forensic crime
laboratory (e.g., sworn officers/detectives who collect forensic evidence or conduct controlled substance
screens in-field).
This survey asks about law enforcement personnel (sworn and non-sworn) that work primarily outside
your agency’s forensic crime laboratory who collect, analyze or interpret evidence in the following
forensic science disciplines:
• Biological examinations (e.g., DNA)
• Controlled substances
• Crime scene (e.g., evidence collection, reconstruction, forensic photography)
• Digital and multimedia examinations (e.g., computer, network, mobile device, video, audio)
• Document examinations
• Fingerprints (e.g., latent prints, ten prints)
• Fire investigation
• Firearms, ballistics and tool mark examinations
• Footwear/Tire tread impressions
• Toxicology
• Trace evidence
• Traffic accident reconstruction
The survey also asks about personnel who engaged in evidence processing and storage.
PROBE: Is the purpose of the study clear?
PROBE: Is it clear that we are interested in personnel conducting forensic activity that do NOT work
in/for the lab?
PROBE: Who was the survey routed to in order to complete?

Law Enforcement Agency Characteristics
1. Please review the following information for your agency. Please fill in any missing information and
correct any errors:
a. Contact Name:
b. Contact Title:
c. Street Address 1:
d. Street Address 2:
e. City, State Zip:
f. Email:
g. Telephone Number:
h. Agency ORI Number:
PROBE: Were there any fields that you needed help completing or verifying?
2. Which of the following best describes your agency?
a. Municipal or county police
b. Sheriff’s office
c. State Police or Highway Patrol
d. Other (please specify): _________________________
INTERVIEWER: NOTE WHETHER THEY SELECTED “OTHER”. IF “OTHER” – PROBE Why?
3a. As of December 31, 2016, was your law enforcement agency accredited?
a. No
b. Yes
PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
3b. If yes, who was your agency accredited by? (Select all that apply)
□ National organization (e.g., CALEA, IADLEST)
□ State accreditation
PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: Are there other sources of accreditation?
4. Does your agency have a forensics laboratory whose principal function is the examination of
either 1) physical evidence by one or more full-time scientists (minimum of bachelor’s degree in
natural science, criminalistics or forensic science) OR 2) digital or multimedia evidence, in criminal
matters and providing reports and testimony to courts of law with respect to such evidence? This
does not include operations that engage exclusively in evidence collection and documentation.
a. No
[Please stop here and call 1-800-845-7883 to confirm your agency’s eligibility
to take the survey]
b. Yes
PROBE: Were there any parts of this question that were unclear or confusing?

5. Does your agency have personnel that engage in forensic science services who are not primarily
assigned to your agency’s forensic crime laboratory (include sworn officers/detectives or nonsworn employees who collect forensic evidence, assess crime scenes, or conduct controlled
substance screens in-field outside of the forensic crime lab)?
a. No [GO TO Q17]
b. Yes
PROBE: Were there any parts of this question that were unclear or confusing?
PROBE: In your own words, what type of personnel was this question asking about?
PROBE: Was the example helpful in clarifying the types of personnel? If not, what might be
better?

Scope & Scale of Forensic Activities Undertaken
6. Did your agency’s personnel who primarily work outside your forensic crime laboratory engage in any
of the following forensic science activities during 2016? Select ‘yes’ if any agency personnel collected
evidence, analyzed and interpreted evidence, OR participated in legal proceedings for each activity. Do
not include individuals who only processed and stored physical evidence.
Activity
Yes
No
1.

Digital & Multimedia Evidence (General)
If YES, mark all specific functions that apply:
a. Computer Forensics
b. Network Forensics
c. Mobile Device Analysis (e.g., cell phone, GPS)
d. Video Analysis (e.g., CCTV, body camera)
e. Forensic Audio or Voice

















Crime Scene (general)
If YES, mark all specific functions that apply:
a. Evidence Collection
b. Reconstruction (e.g., blood stain pattern analysis)
c. Forensic Photography













Fingerprints
If YES, mark all specific functions that apply:
a. Latent prints
b. Ten print











4.

Controlled Substances (e.g., in-field screen, in-house testing)





5.

Firearms & Ballistics/Tool Marks





6.

Traffic Accident Reconstruction





7.

Fire Investigation





8.

Footwear/Tire tread impressions





9.

Forensic biology (e.g., DNA)

2.

3.





10. Questioned Documents (e.g., handwriting, handprinting, signatures,
printers/copiers)





11. Toxicology (e.g., urine, blood/blood alcohol concentrations)





12. Trace evidence (e.g., gunshot residue, hair, fiber, paint, chemical, explosives)





PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: Were there any functions you were unsure of?

PROBE: Did you need someone else’s assistance to answer this item?
PROBE: Was it clear who should be considered when answering this question?
PROBE: Do you have any recommendations on how to present this question?
******
******
The following questions are about the law enforcement personnel who work primarily outside the forensic
crime laboratory that engage in <>.
7. Does your agency have personnel who work primarily outside the forensic crime laboratory that
collect <>?
a. No
b. Yes [GO TO Q9]
PROBE: In your own words, what type of personnel was this question asking about?
If NO:
8. Who collects <> for your agency? [select all that apply]

□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□

Our agency’s forensic crime laboratory personnel
Another local police department
Sheriff’s Department
State Police
Fire Department or Fire Marshal
State run laboratory
Other regional law enforcement
Federal laboratory
Medical Examiner or Coroner
Private laboratory or other commercial services

PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: Were there any collection agencies you were unsure of?
PROBE: Are there any collection agencies not represented here?
INTERVIEWER: NOTE WHETHER THEY SELECTED “OTHER REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT”. IF
“OTHER REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT” – PROBE: Can you explain?
INTERVIEWER: NOTE WHETHER THEY SELECTED MORE THAN ONE. IF SO – PROBE Why?
9. Does your agency have personnel who work primarily outside your agency’s crime laboratory that
analyze and interpret the results of <>?
a. No
b. Yes [GO TO Q11]
PROBE: In your own words, what type of personnel was this question asking about?

If NO:

10. Who analyzes and interprets <> for your agency? [select all that apply]

□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□

Our agency’s forensic crime laboratory personnel
Another local police department
Sheriff’s Department
State Police
Fire Department or Fire Marshal
State run laboratory
Other regional law enforcement
Federal laboratory
Medical Examiner or Coroner
Private laboratory or other commercial services

PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: Were there any agencies that analyze and interpret you were unsure of?
PROBE: Are there any agencies that analyze and interpret not represented here?
INTERVIEWER: NOTE WHETHER THEY SELECTED “OTHER REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT”. IF
“OTHER REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT” – PROBE: Can you explain?
INTERVIEWER: NOTE WHETHER THEY SELECTED MORE THAN ONE. IF SO – PROBE Why?
[IF Q9= NO and Q10 answered GO TO NEXT DISCIPLINE OR Q17]
[CHECK: IF Q7 = No and Q9 = No, confirm if Q6 <> should be marked ‘yes’]
11. As of the pay period including December 31, 2016, enter the number of personnel who worked
primarily outside your agency’s forensic crime laboratory and who analyzed and interpreted the
results of <> by their professional certification status. When considering personnel who are certified,
only count certifications by a professional organization such as those listed below. Do not count
personnel who obtained training certificates through continuing education or university/college
training.
Sworn
officers

Non-sworn
personnel

a. Professionally Certified
b. Not Professionally Certified
c. Total
Professional Certification Organizations include:
American Board of Criminalistics (ABC)
American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE)
Board of Forensic Document Examiners (BFDE)
American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS)
International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE)
Digital Forensics Certification Board (DFCB)
Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association (LEVA)

International Association for Identification (IAI)
Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE)
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)

PROBE: Were there any parts of this question that were unclear or confusing?
PROBE: In your opinion, are any certification organizations not covered by the list?
PROBE: Was it easy or difficult to distinguish between sworn officers and non-sworn personnel?
PROBE: Did you have this information on hand or did you have to design a report in order to get
this information?
PROBE: Does this question capture all the law enforcement personnel who work primarily outside
the lab who are engaged in this activity? If no, who is missing?
PROBE: Did you need someone else’s assistance to answer this item?
****IF (Q6 1, 2, or 3 = yes AND associated subdisciplines (a., b., c., or d.) = yes) ASK Q12*****
12. For the personnel who work primarily outside your agency’s forensic crime laboratory, please
indicate how many are professionally certified in following activities within <>. When considering
personnel who are certified, only count certifications by a professional organization such as those
listed below. Do not count personnel who obtained training certificates through continuing
education or university/college training.
All
Some
None
<1a, 2a, OR 3a = yes>
□
□
□
<1b, 2b, OR 3b = yes>
<1c OR 2c = yes>
<1d = yes>

□
□
□

□
□
□

□
□
□

Professional Certification Organizations include:
American Board of Criminalistics (ABC)
American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE)
Board of Forensic Document Examiners (BFDE)
American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS)
International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE)
Digital Forensics Certification Board (DFCB)
Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association (LEVA)
International Association for Identification (IAI)
Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE)
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)

PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: How did you access the information needed to answer this question?
PROBE: Did you have this information on hand or did you have to design a report in order to get
this information?
PROBE: Did you need someone else’s assistance to answer this item?
[IF Q11.b.column1 AND Q11.b.column2 = 0 (“Not Professionally Certified” sworn or non-sworn personnel
=0), GO TO Q15]

13. For personnel who work primarily outside your agency’s forensic crime laboratory and are not
professionally certified (reported in Q11.b. column 1 or 2) is any training required to engage in
analysis and interpretation of <>?
a. No [GO TO 15]
b. Yes
PROBE: Were there any parts of this question that were unclear or confusing?
14. What is the average number of required training hours for personnel to analyze and interpret the
results of <>?
PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: How did you access the information needed to answer this question?
PROBE: What sources of information were used to answer this questions?
15. Have personnel who work primarily outside your agency’s forensic crime laboratory provided results,
conclusions or opinions in legal proceedings for <> (e.g., depositions, sworn testimony, reports to
court)?
Yes
No
N/A
a. Professionally Certified
□
□
□
b. Not Professionally Certified

□

□

□

PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: Did you have this information broken out by certification or did you have to design a
report in order to get this information?
16. Does your agency have written policies and procedures for <>?
a. No
b. Yes
PROBE: Were there any parts of this question that were unclear or confusing?
[Check for additional “Yes” activities in Q6 1-7, repeat Q7-16 for each “Yes” activity; If no other activities 1-7
“yes”, continue to Q17]
******
You indicated that your agency does not have personnel who work primarily outside your forensic crime
laboratory that engage in < LIST ALL >.
17. Who provides your agency with these type of forensic evidence? [Select all that apply]

□
□
□

Our agency’s forensic crime laboratory personnel
Another local police department
Sheriff’s Department

□
□
□
□
□
□
□

State Police
Fire Department or Fire Marshal
State run laboratory
Other regional law enforcement
Federal laboratory
Medical Examiner or Coroner
Private laboratory or other commercial services
PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: Were there any agencies you were unsure of?
PROBE: Are there any agencies not represented here?
INTERVIEWER: NOTE WHETHER THEY SELECTED “OTHER REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT”. IF
“OTHER REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT” – PROBE: Can you explain?
INTERVIEWER: NOTE WHETHER THEY SELECTED MORE THAN ONE. IF SO – PROBE Why?
******

The following questions concern your agency’s evidence processing and storage procedures and personnel.
18. Does your agency process (i.e., handle, package) and store evidence?
a. No (GO TO END)
b. Yes
PROBE: Were there any parts of this question that were unclear or confusing?
PROBE: In your own words, what was this question asking about?
19. Where is the evidence stored? [Select all that apply]
□ On-site (e.g., headquarters, station, forensic crime lab)
□ Off-site (e.g., private facility, another law enforcement agency, external forensic crime lab)
□ Other (please specify): ____________________________
PROBE: Were there any parts of this question that were unclear or confusing?
INTERVIEWER: NOTE WHETHER THEY SELECTED “OTHER”. IF “OTHER” – PROBE Why?
20. As of the pay period including December 31, 2016, enter the number of personnel who worked
primarily outside your agency’s forensic crime laboratory that were involved in evidence processing
and storage by their professional certification status. When considering personnel who are certified,
only count personnel who are certified by the International Association for Property and Evidence.
Sworn
officers
a. Certified by the International Association for Property

and Evidence

b. Not certified
c. Total

Non-sworn
personnel

PROBE: Were there any parts of this question that were unclear or confusing?
PROBE IF NEEDED: How did you access the information needed to answer this question?
21. Does your agency have written policies and procedures for evidence processing and storage?
a. No
b. Yes
PROBE: Were there any parts of this question that were unclear or confusing?
END OF SURVEY
Thank you for completing the survey.
DEBRIEFING QUESTIONS:
PROBE: Were you clear on which personnel to report on in the survey?
PROBE: At any time, did you consider reporting about personnel that are primarily assigned to the crime
lab?
PROBE: Was the survey at any time routed to personnel in the crime lab?
PROBE: Were you able to answer all of the questions on your own or did you need to consult with other
personnel?
INTERVIEWER IF NEEDED TO CONSULT WITH OTHERS, PROBE: Across the entire instrument, how
many different people were needed to answer all questions?

PROBE: How long did it take you to complete this survey?
PROBE: If you were asked to complete this survey, would you complete it? Why or why not?
PROBE: Did you have any concerns with the questions or feel that any of the questions were
particularly sensitive?

Attachment D
Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics Forensic Services Supplement (LEMAS-FSS)
Cognitive Interview Protocol for non-CPFFCL Respondents

Informed Consent for Cognitive Interviews
What is the purpose of this interview?
RTI International (RTI), a not-for-profit research
organization located in Research Triangle Park,
NC, is helping the Bureau of Justice Statistics
(BJS) develop a survey that will collect data from
law enforcement agencies across the United
States. To refine the survey, RTI project staff are
holding a series of one-on-one interviews with
individuals who have completed a test version of
the survey. Information discussed during these
interviews will help project staff better
understand the experiences of others.
Why was I chosen?
You were selected as one of twenty participants
invited to take part in this discussion because
you work in a law enforcement agency with
personnel who may be engaged in forensic
services and your perspective will be important.
What will happen during this discussion?
Cognitive interviews are one-on-one discussions
between an interviewer and a participant. The
interviewer will ask you some questions about
specific topics related to your experiences and
thoughts in completing the test survey. The
discussion will last about 60 minutes and the
discussions may be observed by other members
of the project team. They will not participate in
the discussion; they are only listening to the
discussion.
Are there risks?
There are no expected risks to participating in
this study. Any information that is learned
during this discussion will not be shared with
anyone outside the LEMAS project staff.
Are there benefits?
There are no expected direct benefits to you for
participating in this study.

What will I get for participating?
By participating you will make an important
contribution to the understanding of forensic
services occurring in law enforcement agencies.
Will this information be kept private?
All of the information we learn from these
discussions will be combined in a summary
report that will not use individual names.
Everything we learn will be kept private and
confidential by RTI and BJS staff. RTI and BJS will
keep what you tell us in a locked file cabinet or
on a secure computer file. After we complete
the report, the materials and audio recordings
will be destroyed.
Do I have to participate?
Your participation is voluntary. You can refuse to
answer any question at any time.
Who do I call if I have questions?
If you have any questions about this research
project, you can call the RTI Project Director, Tim
Smith. His toll-free number is 1-800-334-8571,
extension 23988. If you have any questions
about your rights as a study participant, you can
call RTI's Office of Research Protection and
Ethics toll-free at 1-866-214-2043.

Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics Forensic Services Supplement (LEMAS-FSS)
Cognitive Interview Protocol for non-CPFFCL Respondents

Informed Consent for Cognitive Interviews
Do you have any questions?

Do we have your permission to continue with the interview?
□ Yes
□ No
Do we have your permission to audio record this discussion?
□ Yes
□ No
I certify that the nature and purpose, the potential benefits, and possible risks associated with
participating in this research have been explained to the participant and the participant has given their
consent to participate in this cognitive interview.
Signature of Interviewer_______________________________________________
Date_______________
I certify that the participant has given their permission to be audiotaped during this interview.
Signature of Interviewer_______________________________________________
Date_______________

Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics Forensic Services Supplement (LEMAS-FSS)
Cognitive Interview Protocol for non-CPFFCL Respondents

READ THE INTRODUCTION:
Thank you for agreeing to participate in this interview about your experience completing the
survey. The purpose of our interview today is to evaluate our survey questions pertaining to the
law enforcement personnel who may be engaged in forensic services. The study is sponsored by
the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Today, we are hoping to get your overall feedback and opinions
on the survey you took, as well as your thoughts on how easy or difficult it was to answer the
questions.
This is how it will work. I would like you to read the questions out loud and tell me your
response. If you found anything confusing or if the question was challenging to answer, please
let me know. As we go, I will want to follow up with specific questions. Please feel free to tell me
anything that comes to mind or ask me anything you are unclear about. We are very interested
in finding out which questions needed a lot of effort to answer, which ones confused you, and
which ones you were not able to answer at all. Your participation in this interview is very
important because it will help us improve the questionnaire. Before we begin, please take a
moment to read the consent form that I emailed you.
Do you have any questions? Do I have your consent to continue with the interview?
1. Yes
2. No – END INTERVIEW
OK let’s begin.

Non-CPFFCL Respondents

Law Enforcement Management and
Administrative Statistics - Forensic Services
Supplement (LEMAS-FSS)
Purpose

The purpose of this survey is to understand the scope of forensic activity carried out by sworn and nonsworn law enforcement personnel. The survey will ask about the collection and processing of different
types of forensic evidence, evidence collection and storage, and accreditation, training, and certification
for those engaged in forensics services. The survey is meant to capture information on any and all staff
within your department that may be engaged in forensic services.
This survey asks about law enforcement personnel (sworn and non-sworn) who collect, analyze or
interpret evidence in the following forensic science disciplines:
• Biological examinations (e.g., DNA)
• Controlled substances
• Crime scene (e.g., evidence collection, reconstruction, forensic photography)
• Digital and multimedia examinations (e.g., computer, network, mobile device, video, audio)
• Document examinations
• Fingerprints (e.g., latent prints, ten prints)
• Fire investigation
• Firearms, ballistics and tool mark examinations
• Footwear/Tire tread impressions
• Toxicology
• Trace evidence
• Traffic accident reconstruction
The survey also asks about personnel who engaged in evidence processing and storage.
PROBE: Is the purpose of the study clear?
PROBE: In your own words, describe the types of personnel that should be considered when
answering this survey?
PROBE: Who do you think is the most appropriate person to route the survey to for completion? Will
the survey need to be handled by more than one agency representative?

Law Enforcement Agency Characteristics
1. Please review the information for your agency. Please fill in any missing information and correct
any errors:
a. Contact Name:
b. Contact Title:
c. Street Address 1:
d. Street Address 2:
e. City, State Zip:
f. Email:
g. Telephone Number:
h. Agency ORI Number:
PROBE: Were there any fields that you needed help completing or verifying?
2. Which of the following best describes your agency?
a. Municipal or county police
b. Sheriff’s office
c. State Police or Highway Patrol
d. Other (please specify): _________________________
INTERVIEWER: NOTE WHETHER THEY SELECTED “OTHER”. IF “OTHER” – PROBE Why?
3a. As of December 31, 2016, was your law enforcement agency accredited?
a. No
b. Yes
PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
3b. If yes, who was your agency accredited by? (select all that apply)
□ National organization (e.g., CALEA, IADLEST)
□ State accreditation
PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: Are there other sources of accreditation?
4. Which of the following best describes the organizational structure of personnel assigned to
forensic services in your agency? Personnel can include sworn officers or non-sworn employees.
[mark one]
a. A forensics laboratory whose principal function is the examination of either 1) physical
evidence by one or more full-time scientists (minimum of bachelor’s degree in natural
science, criminalistics or forensic science) OR 2) digital or multimedia evidence, in
criminal matters and providing reports and testimony to courts of law with respect to
such evidence
b. A forensic unit/bureau with at least one person assigned full-time [GO TO Q6]

c. No forensic unit/bureau but designated personnel who provide forensic services either
part-time or full-time [GO TO Q6]
d. No designated personnel who provide forensic services [GO TO Q6]
PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: In your own words, what was this question asking about?
PROBE: Were there any missing categories?
IF Q4.a is selected:
5. Does your agency have personnel that engage in forensic science services who are not
primarily assigned to your agency’s forensic crime laboratory? Consider sworn officers/
detectives or non-sworn employees who collect forensic evidence, assess crime scenes, or
conduct controlled substance screens in-field.
a. No
b. Yes
[If a or b, GO TO Q7]
PROBE: Were there any parts of this question that were unclear or confusing?
PROBE: In your own words, what was this question asking about?
IF Q4 b, c or d selected:
6. Does your agency have the option of using any of the following forensic laboratories? [GO TO
Q7]
Lab type
a. State crime laboratory
b. Sheriff’s office crime laboratory
c. Medical examiner or Coroner’s
office
d. Federal crime laboratory
e. Other local jurisdiction laboratory
f. Commercial crime laboratory

Yes



No















PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: Were there any other crime lab types missing?

Scope & Scale of Forensic Activities Undertaken
7. Did your agency’s personnel engage in any of the following forensic science activities during
2016? Select ‘yes’ if any agency personnel collected evidence, analyzed and interpreted evidence,
OR participated in legal proceedings for each activity. Do not include individuals who only
processed and stored physical evidence.

Activity

Yes

No

Digital & Multimedia Evidence (General)
If YES, mark all specific functions that apply:
a. Computer Forensics
b. Network Forensics
c. Mobile Device Analysis (e.g., cell phone, GPS)
d. Video Analysis (e.g., CCTV, body camera)
e. Forensic Audio or Voice

















Crime Scene (general)
If YES, mark all specific functions that apply:
a. Evidence Collection
b. Reconstruction (e.g., blood stain pattern analysis)
c. Forensic Photography













Fingerprints
If YES, mark all specific functions that apply:
a. Latent prints
b. Ten print











4.

Controlled Substances (e.g., in-field screen, in-house testing)





5.

Firearms & Ballistics/Tool Marks





6.

Traffic Accident Reconstruction





7.

Fire Investigation





8.

Footwear/Tire tread impressions





9.

Forensic biology (e.g., DNA)

1.

2.

3.





10. Questioned Documents (e.g., handwriting, handprinting, signatures,
printers/copiers)





11. Toxicology (e.g., urine, blood/blood alcohol concentrations)





12. Trace evidence (e.g., gunshot residue, hair, fiber, paint, chemical, explosives)





PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: Were there any functions you were unsure of?
PROBE: Did you need someone else’s assistance to answer this item?
PROBE: Was it clear who should be considered when answering this question?
PROBE: Do you have any recommendations on how to present this question?
******
******
The following questions are about the law enforcement personnel at your agency that engage in <>.
8. Does your agency have personnel that collect <>?
a. No
b. Yes [GO TO Q10]
PROBE: In your own words, what type of personnel was this question asking about?
If NO:
9. Who collects <> for your agency? [select all that apply]

□

Another local police department

□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□

Sheriff’s Department
State Police
Fire Department or Fire Marshal
State run laboratory
Other regional law enforcement
Federal laboratory
Medical Examiner or Coroner
Private laboratory or other commercial services

PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: Were there any collection agencies you were unsure of?
PROBE: Are there any collection agencies not represented here?
INTERVIEWER: NOTE WHETHER THEY SELECTED “OTHER REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT”. IF
“OTHER REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT” – PROBE: Can you explain?
INTERVIEWER: NOTE WHETHER THEY SELECTED MORE THAN ONE. IF SO – PROBE Why?
10. Does your agency have personnel that analyze and interpret the results of <>?
a. No
b. Yes [GO TO Q12]
PROBE: In your own words, what type of personnel was this question asking about?
If NO:

11. Who analyzes and interprets <> for your agency? [select all that apply]

□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□

Another local police department
Sheriff’s Department
State Police
Fire Department or Fire Marshal
State run laboratory
Other regional law enforcement
Federal laboratory
Medical Examiner or Coroner
Private laboratory or other commercial services

PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: Were there any agencies that analyze and interpret you were unsure of?
PROBE: Are there any agencies that analyze and interpret not represented here?
INTERVIEWER: NOTE WHETHER THEY SELECTED “OTHER REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT”. IF
“OTHER REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT” – PROBE: Can you explain?
INTERVIEWER: NOTE WHETHER THEY SELECTED MORE THAN ONE. IF SO – PROBE Why?
[IF Q10 = NO and Q11 answered GO TO NEXT DISCIPLINE OR Q21]
[CHECK: IF Q8 = No and Q10 = No, confirm if Q7 <> should be marked ‘yes’]

12. As of the pay period including December 31, 2016, enter the number of personnel who analyzed
and interpreted the results of <> by their professional certification status. When considering
personnel who are certified, only count certifications by a professional organization such as those
listed below. Do not count personnel who obtained training certificates through continuing
education or university/college training.
Sworn
officers

Non-sworn
personnel

a. Professionally Certified
b. Not Professionally Certified
c. Total
Professional Certification Organizations include:
American Board of Criminalistics (ABC)
American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE)
Board of Forensic Document Examiners (BFDE)
American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS)
International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE)
Digital Forensics Certification Board (DFCB)
Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association (LEVA)
International Association for Identification (IAI)
Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE)
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)

PROBE: Were there any parts of this question that were unclear or confusing?
PROBE: In your opinion, are any certification organizations not covered by the list?
PROBE: Was it easy or difficult to distinguish between sworn officers and non-sworn personnel?
PROBE: Did you have this information on hand or did you have to design a report in order to get
this information?
PROBE: Does this question capture all the law enforcement personnel who are engaged in this
activity? If no, who is missing?
PROBE: Did you need someone else’s assistance to answer this item?
****IF (Q7 1, 2, or 3 = yes AND associated subdisciplines (a., b., c., or d.) = yes) ASK Q13*****
13. Please indicate how many of your agency’s personnel are professionally certified in following
activities within <>. When considering personnel who are certified, only count certifications by a
professional organization such as those listed below. Do not count personnel who obtained
training certificates through continuing education or university/college training.
All
Some
None
<1a, 2a, OR 3a = yes>
□
□
□
<1b, 2b, OR 3b = yes>
<1c OR 2c = yes>
<1d = yes>
Professional Certification Organizations include:

□
□
□

□
□
□

□
□
□

American Board of Criminalistics (ABC)
American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE)
Board of Forensic Document Examiners (BFDE)
American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS)
International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE)
Digital Forensics Certification Board (DFCB)
Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association (LEVA)
International Association for Identification (IAI)
Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE)
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)

PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: How did you access the information needed to answer this question?
PROBE: Did you have this information on hand or did you have to design a report in order to get
this information?
PROBE: Did you need someone else’s assistance to answer this item?
[IF Q12.b.column1 AND Q12.b.column2 = 0 (“Not Professionally Certified” sworn or non-sworn personnel =
0), GO TO Q16]
14. For personnel who are not professionally certified (reported in Q12.b.column 1 or 2) is any training
required to engage in the analysis and interpretation of <>?
a. No [GO TO 16]
b. Yes
PROBE: Were there any parts of this question that were unclear or confusing?
PROBE: What type of training did you consider when answering this question?
15. What is the average number of required training hours for personnel to analyze and interpret
the results of <>?
PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: How did you access the information needed to answer this question?
PROBE: What sources of information were used to answer this questions?
16. Have personnel who analyzed and interpreted the results of <> provided results, conclusions or
opinions in legal proceedings (e.g., depositions, sworn testimony, reports to court)?
Yes
No
N/A
Professionally Certified
□
□
□
Not Professionally Certified

□

□

□

PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: Did you have this information broken out by certification or did you have to design a
report in order to get this information?
17. As of December 31, 2016, was your agency accredited for <> by one of the organizations below?
a. No

b. Yes [GO TO 20]
Forensic Science Accreditation Entities
American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA)
American National Standards Institute-American Society for Quality National Accreditation Board (ANSIASQ ANAB))
American Society of Crime Lab Directors / Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB)

PROBE: In your opinion, are any accreditation organizations not covered by the list?
PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
IF NO:
18. If not accredited for <>, provide reasons why not: (Select all that apply)
□ In process of gaining accreditation [GO TO Q19]
□ Cost prohibitive
□ Lack of personnel
□ Uncertain of requirements
[GO TO Q20]
□ Not required by jurisdiction
□ Other (please specify): _______________________
INTERVIEWER: NOTE WHETHER THEY SELECTED “OTHER”. IF “OTHER” – PROBE: Can you
explain?
INTERVIEWER: NOTE WHETHER THEY SELECTED MORE THAN ONE. IF SO – PROBE Why?
19. Has your agency conducted proficiency testing for personnel who engage in <> as part of
the accreditation process?
a. No
b. Yes
PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: How did you access the information needed to answer this question?
20. Does your agency have written policies and procedures for <>?
a. No
b. Yes
PROBE: Were there any parts of this question that were unclear or confusing?
[Check for additional “Yes” activities in Q7 1-7, repeat Q8-20 for each “Yes” activity; If no other activities 1-7
“yes”, continue to Q21]
******
You indicated that your law enforcement agency does not provide < LIST ALL >.
21. Who assists your agency with these type of forensic evidence? (Select all that apply)

□

Another local police department

□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□

Sheriff’s Department
State Police
Fire Department or Fire Marshal
State run laboratory
Other regional law enforcement
Federal laboratory
Medical Examiner or Coroner
Private laboratory or other commercial services

PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: Were there any agencies you were unsure of?
PROBE: Are there any agencies not represented here?
INTERVIEWER: NOTE WHETHER THEY SELECTED “OTHER REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT”. IF
“OTHER REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT” – PROBE: Can you explain?
INTERVIEWER: NOTE WHETHER THEY SELECTED MORE THAN ONE. IF SO – PROBE Why?
******
You indicated that your law enforcement agency does not have personnel who provide forensic services.
22. Who assists your agency with the collection, analysis and interpretation of forensic services?
(Select all that apply)

□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□

Another local police department
Sheriff’s Department
State Police
Fire Department or Fire Marshal
State run laboratory
Other regional law enforcement
Federal laboratory
Medical Examiner or Coroner
Private laboratory or other commercial services

PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: Were there any agencies you were unsure of?
PROBE: Are there any agencies not represented here?
INTERVIEWER: NOTE WHETHER THEY SELECTED “OTHER REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT”. IF
“OTHER REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT” – PROBE: Can you explain?
INTERVIEWER: NOTE WHETHER THEY SELECTED MORE THAN ONE. IF SO – PROBE Why?
******
The following questions concern your agency’s evidence processing and storage procedures, personnel and
caseloads.

23. Does your agency process (i.e., handle, package) and store evidence?
□ No (GO TO END)
□ Yes
PROBE: Were there any parts of this question that were unclear or confusing?
PROBE: In your own words, what was this question asking about?
24. Where is the evidence stored? [Select all that apply]
□ On-site (e.g., headquarters, station, forensic crime lab)
□ Off-site (e.g., private facility, another law enforcement agency, external forensic crime
lab)
□ Other (please specify): ____________________________
PROBE: Were there any parts of this question that were unclear or confusing?
INTERVIEWER: NOTE WHETHER THEY SELECTED “OTHER”. IF “OTHER” – PROBE Why?
25. As of the pay period including December 31, 2016, enter the number of personnel that were
involved in evidence processing and storage by their professional certification status. When
considering personnel who are certified, only count personnel who are certified by the
International Association for Property and Evidence.
Sworn
officers

Non-sworn
personnel

a. Certified by the International Association for Property and

Evidence

b. Not certified
c. Total
PROBE: Were there any parts of this question that were unclear or confusing?
PROBE IF NEEDED: How did you access the information needed to answer this question?
26. Does your agency have written policies and procedures for evidence processing and storage?
a. No
b. Yes
PROBE: Were there any parts of this question that were unclear or confusing?
27. During 2016, approximately how many cases involving forensic evidence were handled by your
agency?

[If Q27 = 0, go to END]
PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE IF NEEDED: How did you access the information needed to answer this question?
28. Approximately, what percentage of these cases have unanalyzed evidence?
a. 0%
b. 1-10%

c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.

11-25%
26-50%
51-75%
76-90%
91-99%
100%

PROBE: How easy or difficult was it to answer the question?
PROBE: Did you have this information on hand or did you have to design a report in order to get
this information?
END OF SURVEY
Thank you for completing the survey.
DEBRIEFING QUESTIONS:
PROBE: Were you clear on which personnel to report on in the survey?
PROBE: Were you able to answer all of the questions on your own or did you need to consult with other
personnel?
INTERVIEWER IF NEEDED TO CONSULT WITH OTHER PERSONNEL, PROBE: Across the entire instrument,
how many different people were needed to answer all questions?

PROBE: How long did it take you to complete this survey?
PROBE: If you were asked to complete this survey, would you complete it? Why or why not?
PROBE: Did you have any concerns with the questions or feel that any of the questions were
particularly sensitive?