Supporters argue the measure is important because the Board of Pardons is not equipped to handle last-minute evidence.

Laboratory technicians and scientists are questioned and might be tested on how they handle evidence.

At trial, he was set to handle limited scientific evidence.

Last month, the state police adopted sweeping changes in the rules for handling evidence intended to prevent a repeat of the scandal.

Mr. Ferguson was permitted to handle evidence presented by the prosecution.

"You get some help from the technical advisers on handling weapons and evidence, and that sort of becomes second nature," Mr. Orbach said.

He had long fingers that handled documents and evidence and even the knot of his tie with grace.

The company supports both industry and proprietary tools to handle electronic evidence.

Police departments are reviewing their procedures for handling evidence, particularly blood and fiber, at crime scenes.

Bureau officials, who acknowledge problems in handling evidence from the Oklahoma City bombing, said that no agent had been accused of deliberate wrongdoing.