The Forensic Services Unit (FSU) is committed to performing unbiased forensic analysis which is accurate, precise, reliable, and timely.  The FSU is accredited by ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and is dedicated to meeting the requirements of international standard ISO/IEC 17020 and the additional requirements of the accrediting body ANAB. 

The FSU is staffed with a combination of civilian professionals and police specialists and is led by a Forensic Laboratory Manager who reports to the Deputy Chief of Support Services and Administration Division.

The FSU has adopted a quality system based on the International Standard ISO/IEC 17020 that:

  • Produces a quality product in a timely manner;

  • Utilizes documented procedures for FSU operations based upon validated testing methods;

  • Maintains the integrity of both the samples tested and the documentation to support findings and professional judgements;

  • Employs qualified and trained personnel to perform investigative activities;

  • Ensures the quality of its investigative activities through a program of proficiency testing, monitoring employee testimony, maintenance of quality control data, and 100% peer review of reports;

  • Focuses on continual improvement through the use of corrective and preventative actions;

  • Evaluates effectiveness through the use of an internal audit process; and

  • Allows for periodic revisions as part of an annual management review.

     Accredited Functions:

  • Crime Scene Inspection (Crime Scene Search, Documentation, Evidence Collection, Latent Print Processing, Toolmark Collection, Impression Evidence Processing, and Presumptive Blood Testing)

  • Latent print processing, comparison, and databasing

  • Impression Evidence development and comparison

  • DNA and trace evidence collection

  • Firearm examination (Serial Number Restoration, Barrel Length Determination)

  • Knife blade length determination

  • Measurements and Computer Aided Drawings

    Additional Functions:

    Forensic Services Unit Vehicles -- Special Purpose Vehicles:

    The forensic services unit support vehicles contain supplies and equipment to be used at crime scene sites for processing crime scenes and for the documentation and collection of evidence. Only forensic services personnel are authorized and trained to use these vehicles.

    The responsibility for the contents of the vehicles as it relates to crime scene processing rests with the forensic services unit laboratory manager or a designee. Mechanical maintenance of the vehicles is provided by the motor fleet unit. The vehicles must be operated by a forensic services unit employee with a valid driver’s license when used in its capacity as a support vehicle. Other authorized use of the vehicles is permitted by the motor fleet unit personnel for maintenance purposes or personnel working on the vehicles performing general maintenance. Any other use of the vehicles requires permission from the forensic laboratory manager, deputy chief of support services and administration division, assistant chief, or the chief of police.  

    Revised September 7, 2017

Last Edited: September 7, 2017