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QueTel
and The Crime Laboratory: Defining the Forensic Lab Module
THE BEGINNING:
When some of QueTel's 125 law enforcement clients came to
us asking about creating a Crime Lab module, we decided
to investigate. QueTel's clients were looking for a system
as easy and flexible as Evidence TraQ, our evidence management
system for law enforcement agencies.
THE RESEARCH:
The first step was to ask the clients and other labs about
their current systems. Here's what some of them said:
"… the system is underpowered"
"… the system is very complex and difficult
to use"
"… this system was designed to address the
needs of a commercial crime lab not a forensic crime lab"
"... we may have bought the technology too soon"
"… the system doesn't do a good job of tracking
the chain of custody"
Next we asked what they WANTED
in a Crime Lab system. What follows is their response:
* Repository of analysts' notes
* Activity, status, and workload statistics
* Easy chain of custody tracking
* Charge backs to users Interfaces to other agencies,
field officers, evidence room
* Simple remote (web) status check
* Eliminate duplicate data entry
* Manage calibration
* Tracking supplies inventory
* Track libraries of bullets, casings, and firearms
* Track samples independent of a parent or as part of
a parent
The
Paperless Crime Lab
Imagine being able to respond to an inquiry almost instantaneously
without ever leaving your PC. No rooting through files or
calling co-workers to find out where those test results
are or where that piece of evidence is. QueTel's Paperless
Crime Lab lets you access and enter all data into a computer
where it becomes easily traceable and eliminates double
work.
HOW IT WORKS
Digital
Input
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Receive data electronically via internet, e-mail, Remote
entry by officers (wireless network)
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Use of bar codes for transfer of information
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Sharing of data with Evidence/Property Room
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Electronic Request Manager
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List open requests by section, analyst, priority, etc.
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Check status summary
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Manage all aspects of workload - assignment, review, approval,
scheduling
Analysts
Console
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Lists workload and open requests
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Ability to enter results digitally into a form on the
screen
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Automatically launches Results Report Screen
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Bar code to simplify chain of custody
Results Report Screen
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Each report screen tailored to the requirements for each
type of analysis/discipline
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Ability to capture results directly from equipment
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Enter conclusions directly into a screen form
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Use of signature pad for approval stage
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Simplifies report distribution (via e-mail, web browser
- still allows for hard copy)
Statistics
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Produce regular reports almost instantly
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Display summary listings of workload, activity, and results
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Respond to ad hoc inquiries in timely manner
ADDED
FEATURES:
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Web-based status inquiries from submitting agencies
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Track calibration scheduling for equipment
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Reference Catalogue for weapons/cartridges/bullets/narcotics
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Maintain a supplies inventory
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Monitor personnel training and coursework for accreditation
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