Sheriff's Office

Evidence Section

Main Phone: (775) 328-3060
evidence@washoecounty.gov

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. Additionally, the Evidence Section is the main repository for all Divisions of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. On average, the Evidence Section completes over 50,000 transactions each year, from receiving evidence to temporarily releasing evidence for examination and returning completed evidence to the submitting agency.

Submission Requirements:

• All packages must have a chain of custody with contents accurately listed
• All packages must be properly sealed
• A completed laboratory examination form must be included if testing is required
• All money must be counted prior to submission
• All biological evidence must be in a dried condition and marked as biological evidence or a biohazard
• All plant material must be in a dried condition
• Items containing suspected fentanyl should be marked with a fentanyl label or similar description

When evidence is submitted through the mail, it must be properly packaged (see "Packaging" section) within an exterior wrapper, and may be sent to the address below through the U.S. mail (certified, registered, or overnight), FedEx, or UPS. Please refer any questions concerning the mailing of evidence to your local district attorney's office.

Washoe County Sheriff's Office Evidence Section
911 Parr Boulevard
Reno, NV 89512-1000

Packaging:

Labeling, packaging and sealing of evidence are the responsibility of the submitter. No evidence will be accepted if it does not meet this policy. Unsealed evidence will be returned. A package is considered properly sealed only if its contents cannot readily escape or entering the container would result in obvious damage or alteration to the container or its seal. Proper seals may be accomplished in various ways such as heat or tape seal.

When multiple items are packaged together, each item should be packaged separately prior to being grouped into one sealed evidence container. For example, the clothing from a suspect consists of “1 pair of shoes, 1 pair of socks, 1 pair of under garments, 1 t-shirt, 1 pair of jeans with a belt, and 1 jacket”. These items should be packaged in six individual packages, with only the jeans and belt in the same package. The packages may then be placed into one larger container which is properly sealed, labeled, has a chain of custody, and completed examination request.

Sealing: 

• Acceptable Seals: Evidence Tape, Packaging Tape, or Heat Seal
• Unacceptable Seals: Masking Tape, Scotch Tape, Staples, Twist Ties or Zip-lock Bags

Labeling:

All items must be marked with the following: 

• The name of the submitting agency
• The case number
• The item number/unique identifier
• A description of the contents
• Special handling labels (As needed)

Note: The request form information MUST match the above information on the package (Except the special handling labels).

Items Requiring Special Handling:

If the contents of the package require special handling, such as biohazardous materials (bodily fluids), items to be fingerprinted, etc., special alert labels must be placed in a prominent area of the package. Labels may be found in the evidence intake and packaging room. 

• The evidence section will not accept dangerous items or chemicals in large quantities.  A small sampling may be accepted for testing purposes.
• Sharps and glass fragments must be rendered safe before placing them in a paper bag.  A box is preferred packaging for knives and other sharp items.  The item must have a SHARP item warning label.
• Items contaminated with blood or biological fluids must be dried and labeled with a BIOHAZARD warning label.  Items should NOT be packaged in plastic bags or containers as this promotes degradation.  The storage and preservation of biological evidence after being returned to a submitting agency is the responsibility of that agency.
• Plant material must be dried prior to submitting for analysis to prevent molding.  The molds associated with the marijuana are carcinogenic.  If we see any mold on plant material, it will not be analyzed.

The following requires special authorization to accept:

• Explosive material
• Hypodermic devices, needles, vapes or similar items.
  • Items of this nature must be packaged in special puncture proof containers with the proper warning labels attached.
  • The contents of a hypodermic syringe can be emptied into a suitable glass or plastic vial prior to submission to the lab for testing.
• Loaded Firearms
  • These are only accepted with there are special circumstances.
  • During office hours, we have Firearms personal that can help you render the firearm safe.
• Clandestine laboratory materials

Evidence Viewing:

While the Division does perform work for agencies other than Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, it is our policy to offer viewings of evidence from Washoe County Sheriff’s Office cases only. Evidence that needs to be viewed from external agencies will be released to that agency.

If you have any questions regarding submission of evidence, please feel free to contact the Forensic Science Division at (775) 328-2800 or the Evidence Section at (775) 328-3060 or evidence@washoecounty.gov.