Centre of Forensic Sciences

Overview

Ontario's Centre of Forensic Sciences (CFS) is one of the most extensive forensic science facilities in North America. We conduct scientific investigations in cases involving injury or death and crimes against persons or property.

We are dedicated to public safety and supporting justice by providing timely and high-quality forensic science services. We conduct highly specialized forensic examination and analysis in the following areas:

• biology
• chemistry
• document analysis
• firearms
• toxicology

The Centre of Forensic Sciences is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board. The laboratory has been accredited since 1993. Refer to certificate FT-0124.

Biology

The CFS conducts body fluid identification (such as, blood, semen and saliva) and DNA profiling in cases involving crimes against persons and property, such as:

• break and enters
• sexual assaults
• homicides

These examinations can assist with:

• identifying the perpetrator
• determining the sequence of events
• establishing possible relationships between objects, individuals and locations

Biology services:

High Volume Service

DNA testing is performed to identify any perpetrators in the investigation of high volume crimes such as:

• break and enter
• theft
• drug and weapon offences

Violent Crime Service

Examinations and DNA analysis are performed to support the investigation of violent crimes including:

• homicides
• attempted homicide
• sexual assault
• robbery offences

The National DNA Data Bank

The National DNA Data Bank, maintained by the RCMP, is an important investigative tool for investigators.

DNA profiles we generate in our laboratory may be entered on to the National DNA Data Bank. This helps police agencies link crime scenes to each other or crime scenes to individuals.

Chemistry

The CFS provides chemical analysis and physical comparisons of different types of materials and trace evidence. Chemical examinations are performed to:

• identify a material
• find the source of the material

The examinations and findings may be helpful:

• as an investigative aid in cases where no suspect has been identified
• by associating a person with a location or event
• to assist in establishing a sequence of events
• to support or refute a witness statement

Chemistry services:

Chemical identification and comparison

• identification of unknown solids and liquids
• identification of dangerous or toxic materials in food products

Dye-pack dye

• identification of dye-pack dye from bank security devices on items such as currency, clothing, swabs

Explosives

• analysis of all types of explosives and post-blast debris including device components

Fibres

• identification and comparison of fibres from clothing, carpeting, rope, vehicles and other objects

Fire evidence

• analysis of fire debris and other items for the presence of ignitable liquids such as petroleum products, alcohols, solvents, oils

Gunshot residue

• examination of hand kits, clothing and vehicles for gunshot residue particles

Lachrymators

• identification of lachrymators (a substance that irritates the eyes and causes tears) such as pepper spray, tear gas, mace in dispensers and on items such as clothing, towels, swabs

Metals

• identification of all types of metals including alloys, steels, precious metals

Paint

• comparison of recovered paint chips and smears with paint from a known origin
• vehicle make/model/year determination in hit-and-run investigations

Physical match

• examination of broken, cut or torn materials to determine if they were once part of the same object

Plastics and polymers

• identification and comparison of all types of plastics for example, car parts, foams, glues

Sexual lubricants

• analysis of condom and personal lubricants on swabs and clothing

Tape

• examination of tapes including duct tape, electrical tape and tape adhesives
• physical matching of tape ends

Documents

CFS examines documents to determine:

• if they are authentic
• if they have been altered
• how they relate to a person, thing, event or time

The documents section provides the following services:

• comparing handwriting and signatures to identify or eliminate a writer
• comparing the pens, pencils, inks, paper and printing processes used to produce a document
• examining documents to detect and decipher erasures, indentations and alterations

Firearms

The CFS examines the following items found at crime scenes and during search warrants:

• firearms
• ammunition
• target surface
• related evidence

For example, we examine:

• firearms and ammunition to identify the type of weapon that fired a bullet
• cartridge cases to relate a bullet, slug or cartridge case to a specific weapon

The firearms unit provides the following services:

• Determine the mechanical condition of a firearm, measure muzzle velocities, and establish if a weapon can be classified as a “non-restricted”, “restricted” or a “prohibited” firearm.
• Compare fired bullets and fired cartridge cases to other criminal investigations to determine if linkages exist between occurrences.
• Determine the trajectory of a fired projectile by analyzing the bullet impact site at the crime scene or in the laboratory.
• Determine the muzzle to target distance by examining firearm discharge residues.

Toxicology

The CFS analyzes body tissues and fluids for the presence of drugs and alcohol. This is important in cases such as:

• coroner's death investigations
• impaired driving
• sexual assault
• fire death
• homicide

We communicate the analytical results and their associated interpretation through written reports and expert witness testimony at all levels of court in Ontario.

Most of our expert witness testimony relates to drug and alcohol impaired driving.

We are also responsible for administering the breath alcohol testing program in Ontario. This program provides training to peace officers in the theory and the operation of approved breath alcohol testing instruments used in Ontario.

Information for clients

Clients can submit evidence for examination through the online system. Register in the evidence web-submission system to submit items for analysis or to request a Letter of Opinion.

Evidence web-submission system

We provide lectures and training as part of our educational services to support law enforcement officers and major stakeholders who administer justice in Ontario.

The centre seeks to develop partnerships with academic institutions and Ontario government ministries to deliver research projects in forensic science.

Expressions of interest to work with the CFS may be submitted online to the CFS Research and Development unit.

Locations and contact

For general questions

CFS.Feedback@ontario.ca