Reading Assignment for Section 4.4

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 4.4: Drug & Chemical Evidence.

What You Will Learn

In this section, you will learn about the forensic laboratory processes used to analyze drug evidence, including initial examinations, preliminary testing, and confirmation techniques for identifying controlled substances. You’ll explore the role of the National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) in tracking drug trends and aiding drug-related investigations. Additionally, you’ll identify and categorize different types of drugs and their relevance in criminal investigations. Finally, you’ll discuss the advantages and challenges of hair toxicology for detecting past drug use, and review the procedures for collecting and preserving gunshot residue (GSR) evidence, focusing on maintaining its integrity through proper handling.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 4.4

• SLO 1: Explain the process of analyzing drug evidence in a forensic laboratory, including the initial examination, preliminary testing, and confirmation techniques used to identify controlled substances.
• SLO 2: Describe the role and importance of the National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) in providing data on drug trends and supporting drug-related investigations and policy decisions.
• SLO 3: Identify and categorize different types of drugs, such as narcotic analgesics, stimulants, and anabolic steroids, and discuss the relevance of these categories in criminal investigations.
• SLO 4: Discuss the advantages and limitations of hair toxicology as a method for detecting past drug use, including its non-invasive nature and the challenges posed by cosmetic treatments.
• SLO 5: Outline the procedures for collecting and preserving gunshot residue (GSR) evidence, emphasizing the importance of timely collection, proper handling, and preventing contamination to maintain the integrity of the evidence.