How a Forensic Lab Works

Forensic science supports the criminal justice system.

Forensics laboratories support research and investigations from crime scenes and other events. Forensics scientists collect samples such as saliva, blood, tire tracks and fingerprints for detailed analysis. They support the criminal justice system by using sophisticated equipment and computers to more definitively identify criminals or prove innocence.

Background

The first forensics lab was established in the early 20th century in France by Edmond Locard. The first forensics lab at the United States FBI office was established in 1932.

Types

There are private, public, federal, state, county and city forensic laboratories with varying levels of capabilities. Forensic labs may specialize in DNA testing, Y-STR testing, computer research for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), digital fingerprinting, and other methods of evaluation.

Tests

Forensics laboratories use multiple types of crime scene samples to identify individuals. The two primary types of forensic tests are presumptive tests and confirmatory tests. Presumptive tests are not as definitive as confirmatory tests in identifying substances or individuals.

References

• Enotes: Locard, Edmond
• FBI: Using Cutting-Edge Science to Solve Cases and Prevent Acts of Crime and Terror
• DNA Initiative: Forensic Laboratories
• DNA Initiative: History of Forensic DNA Analysis
• NFSTC: Presumptive v. Confirmatory Tests