Santa Clara Crime Lab Turns to RFID

The lab has been working with system integrator Ciber to develop the passive RFID evidence-tracking system. The integrator has also designed a new Web-based Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), which the lab utilizes to document and manage all of the evidence. When evidence is checked in for processing, an RFID tag is affixed to that item, the unique ID number of which is captured and correlated with specific information regarding the evidence, including the name of the agency that submitted it, and when it was received.

In addition, a bar code will be affixed to the evidence that includes a case number for that particular item (one case number might represent numerous pieces of evidence, but each item has a unique identifier via the RFID tag). Derivative pieces will also get their own RFID tags. A DNA swab taken of a gun's surface, for example, will be fitted with an RFID tag, as well as a bar-code label printed with the same case number as the gun's.

Whenever a criminologist removes a piece of evidence from a property room, the RFID interrogator automatically captures the unique ID number, and a nearby wall-mounted computer pulls up the evidence in LIMS. The criminologist uses a bar-code reader to scan his or her ID badge (which has a bar-coded number that identifies that individual) and enters in any pertinent information. If an employee fails to scan the bar code on his or her badge, Del Re says, the terminal will sound an alarm and LIMS will record that no worker ID badge number was captured. The same process is repeated when the employee returns the evidence to the property room.

According to Del Re, the lab plans to make LIMS available to local law enforcement agencies so they can check the status of evidence. In addition, the agencies can enter basic information about evidence before bringing it to the lab where it is received. At some point, local agencies may be provided with RFID tags to affix to the items ahead of time.

The RFID system is expected to go live in the next month, though the lab will continue to use the bar-code labels for the foreseeable future. "The bar codes add some redundancy," Del Re says. "But as time goes on, as we become more comfortable with RFID tags, we may find that we don't need bar-coding. For right now, though, it's for our peace of mind."