Mobile Crime Scene Laboratory
Definition
A vehicle-mounted lab operated by the state FSL, equipped to run presumptive tests, develop latent prints, photograph and video-document a scene, and seal forwardable packets on the spot.
- Operated by
- State Forensic Science Laboratory
- Capabilities
- Presumptive tests, latent print development, photo/video documentation
- Format
- Vehicle-mounted unit
- Output
- Sealed, forwardable evidence packets
Common questions
What is the advantage of processing evidence on-site rather than sending it to a fixed lab?+
On-site presumptive testing and prompt latent-print development reduce the time evidence spends in transit and unpackaged, lowering the risk of degradation, contamination, or chain-of-custody gaps before formal lab analysis.
Does a mobile lab replace the need for a full forensic science laboratory?+
No, it only performs screening and preservation steps at the scene; confirmatory and instrumental analysis such as DNA typing or GC-MS still requires the fixed laboratory.
Related terms
- Basic Field Kit
- The minimum toolset carried in patrol vehicles. Gloves, masks, a torch, sealed packet bags, a swab pack, a measuring tape and a...
- BNSS Section 176(3)
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 provision requiring a forensic-team visit to the scene of any offence punishable with seven years or more...
- Investigator's Kit
- The fuller toolset carried by the IO and SOCO. Adds presumptive test reagents, fingerprint powders and lifters, casting kits, ALS, biohazard containers,...
- Replenishment SOP
- The post-scene process for re-stocking consumables (swabs, gloves, packet bags, reagents) and re-certifying re-usable instruments (camera, ALS, scale) before the kit returns...
- Sealed Packet Bag
- A tamper-evident outer envelope that holds the primary container, the case label and the wax-thread or security-tape seal impression. The unit of...