The Laboratory Sciences Division is responsible for analyzing the following types of evidence; latent impressions, controlled substances, blood alcohol and drug content, computing and digital storage devices, facial recognition images, firearms and ammunition, and DNA.
Natural Sciences Section
The Natural Sciences Section consists of the Drug Chemistry Unit, the DWI Blood Chemistry Unit and the DNA Unit.
The Drug Chemistry Unit analyzes evidence seized by law enforcement agencies for the presence of controlled substances. Controlled substances are found in various forms including solids, liquids, plant material, pharmaceuticals, and food items. Chemists screen evidence using chemical tests, microscopic tests, and Atmospheric Sample Analysis Probe-Mass Spectrometry (ASAP-MS). Confirmation testing is performed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
The DWI Blood Chemistry Unit analyzes blood samples seized by law enforcement agencies during impaired driving investigations to determine alcohol and drug content. Chemists analyze blood alcohol concentration using Headspace Gas Chromatograph (HSGC). Drugs such as cannabinoids, opioids, benzodiazepines and cocaine are identified and quantitated using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LCMSMS), and Quadrupole / Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (Q-TOF).
The DNA Unit is currently in development and projected to open in 2025.С»ÆÑ¼ÊÓÆµ The DNA unit will analyze DNA evidence collected from crime scenes.
Impressions Section
The Impressions Section consists of the Latent Print Unit and the Firearms Unit.
The Latent Print Unit analyzes impression evidence collected from crime scenes. Latent Print Examiners compare unknown latent prints from crime scenes to known prints taken from arrested persons or persons of interest. The Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation and Verification (ACE-V) method is used by examiners to correlate latent impressions to known impressions. Computerized search results from an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) assist in generating known prints that examiners use when performing latent print comparisons.
The Firearms Unit analyzes firearms and ammunition evidence collected during criminal investigations. Firearm Examiners analyze projectiles and cartridge cases using microscopic techniques to correlate them to the firearm from which they were fired. Examiners also test firearms for functionality and perform firearm serial number restorations. The Firearms Unit is a National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) acquisition and correlation site and provides investigative leads for violent crime by linking firearm and ammunition evidence with other investigations across the country.
Information Technology Section
The Information Technology Section consists of the Business Systems Unit and the Analytical Unit.
The Business Systems Unit manages hardware and software applications the Bureau utilizes in its business and forensic operations.
The Analytical Unit extracts and examines digital evidence from computing devices to support law enforcement investigations. Forensic Computer Analysts examine computers, mobile devices, vehicle electronic control units, and digital storage media utilizing specialized forensic hardware and software tools.
Quality Section
The Quality Section oversees the Bureau’s ISO / IEC 17025:2017 accreditation. The section manages agency policies and procedures, conducts internal audits, oversees proficiency testing, performs risk assessments, investigates nonconformities, and implements preventive actions and corrective actions.
The Evidence Receiving Unit is responsible for the receipt and return of evidence to law enforcement agencies.
The Records Unit is responsible for maintenance, retention, and release of agency records.