Submit evidence to the Centre of Forensic Sciences
Overview
The Centre of Forensic Sciences (CFS) collects evidence for examination through the online evidence web-submission system. Using the system, clients can submit items for analysis or request a letter of opinion.
Submit evidence for analysis
Follow these steps to submit evidence to the for analysis.
1. Register for an account or login
Register online using the Case Submission Portal for a new account, or login using an existing account.
2. Complete online submission
Use the Case Submission Portal to complete an online submission for your case. The web application includes written instructions for each step of the process.
Scientific advisors are available for pre-submission consultation, if required. Consult with the appropriate section advisor for:
3. After you submit
After you submit your request to the CFS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that will indicate:
- receipt of the request
- a list of approved items for submission
- packaging instructions and corresponding labels
4. Packaging evidence items
You must securely package all evidence when you submit it to the CFS. Follow the packaging instruction you receive in the acknowledgement email.
Consult the Handbook of Forensic Evidence for the Investigator for more information on appropriate packaging materials and safe handling practices.
If packing fire debris evidence, follow the instructions within the fire debris packaging guide.
Deliver evidence to the Centre of Forensic Sciences
You can deliver evidence to the Centre of Forensic Sciences at two locations:
Toronto laboratory
You can deliver items to the CFS Toronto laboratory either:
- in-person to the Centre Receiving Office (CRO) service counter
- in-person using the evidence submission lockers
- by mail or courier to the CRO
In-person submissions
We receive in-person submissions on the ground floor of the CRO at the rear of the building. If needed, CRO staff are available for in-person consultations.
The CRO is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays.
Get directions to the Toronto laboratory
Electronic check-in for in-person delivery of evidence
If you’re delivering evidence in-person, either using the CRO counter or submission lockers, you must use the electronic check-in system which records the receipt of evidence.
Follow these steps to use the electronic check-in system:
- Use a computer station to register. Computer stations are located in the locker area or at the CRO counter.
- Follow the on-screen instructions for each step of the process.
- Log-in and proceed to check-in your items.
- You will receive a receipt via email when electronic check-in is complete.
If you have technical issues, contact the Centre Receiving Office.
After-hours delivery
You can submit evidence and deliver items to evidence submission lockers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Evidence with potential explosives
Do not use the evidence submission lockers to submit potential explosives.
To submit potential explosive, you must call the CRO at
Vehicle and large item submissions
Before submitting a vehicle or large item for examination, consult with the appropriate scientific advisor.
Contact CRO with your expected delivery date and time to ensure someone is available to assist you. If needed, a vehicle bay may be assigned.
If you can’t make the submission during regular office hours, building security can escort you to the vehicle bay.
When dropping off the vehicle, be sure to:
- leave the keys to the vehicle (and the warrant, if applicable) on the windshield
- include any special instructions, such as “protect interior for fingerprinting,” in your electronic submission
- complete the electronic check-in process for the vehicle at the evidence locker area on the ground level
Sault Ste. Marie laboratory
You can deliver items to the CFS Sault Ste. Marie laboratory either:
- in-person to the CRO service counter
- by mail or courier to the CRO
In-person submissions are received at the CRO inside the main laboratory entrance.
Get directions to the Sault Ste. Marie Laboratory
After-hours delivery
To deliver items to the Sault Ste. Marie Laboratory outside of business hours, contact Sault Ste. Marie management.
Call
Ordering evidence collection supplies
Contact the CRO at jus.g.msg.pubsd.cfs.crorequests@ontario.ca to order evidence collection supplies including:
- sexual assault evidence kits (core and auxiliary)
- gunshot residue kits
- DNA (blood) warrant kits
- approved containers for impaired driving blood collection
- post-mortem collection kits and tubes
- CFS numbered seals
Contact us
For technical issues, contact the Centre of Forensic Sciences:
- email at cfs.websubmission@ontario.ca
- telephone at
647-329-1350
We will only answer calls during regular Centre Receiving Office hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays.