________________________________________________________________________ 

Christopher Parker - Module 14, Report Writing rev1204.doc Page 1 

Training Guidelines for the Fire Debris Analyst 

Lesson Plan (Module) 14 

Date: December 2004 Instructor: Qualified Instructor 

Subject: Report Writing Total Time: 3 hours 

Learning Objectives 

3⁄4 Demonstrate a basic understanding of report writing 

3⁄4 Compose a report that meets the recommendations of this training module 

Suggested Reading 

1. ASTM E1618 “Standard Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in 

Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry” 

ASTM International, current revision 

2. Kirk’s Fire Investigation, DeHaan, John, Chapter 17, Brady Publishing, Prentice-Hall, 

5th Edition, 2002, ISBN: 0130604585 

3. Physical and Technical Aspects of Fire and Arson Investigation, Carroll, John R., 

Chapter 16, Charles C. Thomas Pub. Ltd., 1979, ISBN: 039803785 

Introduction 

Effective and accurate report writing is an essential function and responsibility of every 

analyst. This training module discusses format, content, style and distribution of 

examination reports. It is understood that each laboratory has unique policies that dictate 

the format and content of a report. 

Outline 

1. Identifying case reference numbers 

a. The unique reference number provided by the examining laboratory 

should be prominently displayed. 

b. The reference number provided by the submitting agency should also be 

displayed for their convenience 

2. Submitting agency 

The name of the submitting agency should be listed on the report. Contact 

information, such as address, phone, Fax and email is optional. This aids the 

reader in determining who originated the evidence. 
 

 

Christopher Parker - Module 14, Report Writing rev1204.doc Page 2 

3. Chain of custody information 

a. The chain of custody, while mandatory, may be an optional attachment for 

the report. 

b. Sample delivery date(s) may be optional in the report. 

c. Disposition of evidence may be optional in the report. 

4. Name of person requesting analysis 

The name (and title) of the person requesting the analysis of the samples should 

be listed on the report. 

5. Itemized sample list 

The laboratory report should provide a complete description of the submitted 

samples. This information may include the item packaging, condition of seals 

(i.e. sealed or unsealed) and a visual description of the contents. The location 

where the samples were collected may also be included. If the submitting agency 

has provided their own system of identifying the sample, that system may also be 

incorporated into the itemized list of samples. 

6. Purpose of examination 

It may be important to include in the report the purpose of your examination, 

especially when multiple examinations may be requested of various items. 

7. Laboratory results and conclusions 

a. The methods of analysis used and the results may be treated in separate 

sections of the report. The methods may include the preparation 

techniques and analytical techniques used. 

b. The conclusion should give the analyst’s opinion as to whether or not an 

ignitable liquid was identified in the sample. 

c. If the result was negative for the presence of an ignitable liquid, a 

disclaimer may be included to the effect that negative results do not 

preclude the possibility that an ignitable liquid may have been present at 

the scene. This may help avoid misunderstanding by the readers of the 

report. 

d. If the result was positive for the presence of an ignitable liquid, the analyst 

should list examples of commercial products and/or substrates that might 

contain the ignitable liquid identified. 

e. If additional samples are needed for comparison purposes to complete the 

analysis of the case, the analyst may request those samples within this 

block of the report. 

8. Name and title of analyst 

A signature block containing the printed name of the analyst and appropriate title 

should be present in the report. 
 

 

 

Christopher Parker - Module 14, Report Writing rev1204.doc Page 3 

9. Signature of analyst 

The original signature of the analyst is desired to authenticate the report. 

10. Addenda or attachments 

The report may include digital images, evidence lists, a glossary, a chain of 

custody or a CV either within the body of the report or as attachments. 

11. Distribution 

The distribution of reports will be dictated by the policies of the laboratory. 

Teaching Aids 

A laboratory report in the accepted format 

Summary 

Forensic laboratory reports may contain the following information: 

• Date 

• Identifying case reference numbers – lab and submitting agency 

• Submitting agency 

• Chain of custody information (optional) 

• Name of person requesting the analysis 

• An itemized sample list 

• Purpose of examination 

• Laboratory results and conclusions 

• The name and title of the analyst 

• The signature of the analyst 

• Addenda or attachments, e.g. digital images, evidence list, other documents (CV, 

COC) 

• Distribution 

Test Questions 

1. The name (and title) of the person requesting the analysis of the samples should 

be listed on the report. True or False 

2. Unique case numbers generated by the laboratory should be reflected on the 

report. True or False 

3. The analyst’s opinion need not be given in the report. True or False 

4. If the result was negative for the presence of an ignitable liquid, a disclaimer may 

be included to the effect that negative results do not preclude the possibility that 
Christopher Parker - Module 14, Report Writing rev1204.doc Page 4 

an ignitable liquid may have been present at the scene. True or False 

5. The date that the samples were delivered to the laboratory may be listed to 

establish the time interval that the laboratory had custody of the evidence. 

True or False 

6. If the result was positive for the presence of an ignitable liquid, the analyst should 

list examples of commercial products and/or substrates that might contain the 

ignitable liquid identified. True or False 

7. If comparison samples are needed to complete the analysis of the case, the analyst 

should request those samples. True or False