ABSTRACT
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Laboratory System consists of eight disciplines in each of eight regional laboratories; therefore, the scientific equipment and commensurate data handling for forensic investigation is diversified. Based upon what we considered to be our unique forensic requirements, and recognizing the already established resources within our EDP Departmental Responsibility Centre, various automation concepts were assessed for suitability within the RCMP. Automation criteria were established resulting in a decision to adopt centralized processing wherever possible. Since the historical development of the RCMP Laboratory System was centred around dedicated processing it was necessary to develop implementation criteria in order to ensure a smooth transition to the centralized approach. Such things as site preparation, service contracts, operator selection, training, performance specifications etc. are considered.
