Evidence Section

Main Phone: (775) 328-2800

The Evidence Section of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for all evidence submitted for forensic science division examinations. Evidence is received from more than 80 law enforcement agencies. The Evidence Section receives blood, urine and coroner samples for toxicology, narcotics for drug analysis, weapons for firearms testing, and clothing for trace and serology examination. Evidence is also submitted for DNA profiling, fingerprinting, arson examination, tool mark testing and shoeprint comparison.

It is the responsibility of the Evidence Section to ensure that all evidence is submitted correctly. This includes:

• All packages must have a chain of custody with contents accurately listed
• All packages must be properly sealed with evidence tape and initialed
• A laboratory examination form stating which tests are being requested must be included
• A synopsis of the case must be included

Once it has been determined that the evidence has all the proper documentation, the laboratory examination form is sent forward for notification and the evidence is securely stored according to laboratory accreditation standards.

The Evidence Section is also the main repository for all divisions of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. In the last year the Evidence Section completed over 50,000 transactions, from receiving evidence, to temporarily releasing evidence for examination, and returning completed evidence to the submitting agency and retention for the Sheriff’s Office.