What Crime Labs Do

Crime labs play a vital role within the criminal justice system. Without crime labs, it would be extremely impossible to solve certain crimes such as sexual assaults and other violent crimes. It is common for the evidence that is processed through the crime labs will become the deciding factor for or against a conviction (WSP, 2004). Whether the evidence is biochemical or a piece of clothing, crime labs will get to the bottom of the truth in most instances

Usually larger cities will have their own crime labs, while some smaller cities and states may have a central location as to where they process their evidence. After researching different crime labs, I have chosen the Washington State crime lab to show what types of services and equipment the lab uses. Most of the services and equipment used are pretty standard across the board and may be found commonly amongst other crime labs. The Washington State crime lab understands that there is a need for forensic analysis to be completed in a timely matter. In order to insure that all analyses are completed in a timely fashion, they have four full time laboratories located in Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and Marysville, with three part time facilities. These facilities are each assigned specific services that will be completed not only the state but local governments (WSP, 2004).

Biochemistry concentrates on analyzing bodily fluids such as blood, semen, saliva, and stains left at a crime scene (WSP, 2004). By analyzing such fluids, it is possible to identify a suspect or eliminate an individual from being a suspect. The DNA extracted from these types of fluids can be stored in a database for comparison for future criminal identifications. Chemistry analyses play a vital role as well. Chemistry analyses look for drugs as well as evidence from certain crimes such as rapes and homicides. The chemical analysis is also used to detect accelerants and explosive chemicals associated with bombings and arsons (WSP, 2004).

Firearms and tool marks are a great way of identifying a weapon that has been used in the commission of a violent crime. The specialists who work with these types of analysis are able to restore serial numbers on guns and other materials (WSP, 2004). The specialists are also able to tell what type of firearm was used by looking at bullet and looking at the markings left on the casings. They are also able to provide an accurate path of where the firearm was fired from by looking at blood splatters and running a ballistics test (WSP, 2004).

The crime labs also use microanalysis to identify trace evidence. Trace evidence can be identified through the use of specialized microscopic techniques and micro analytical instruments (WSP, 2004). Examples of trace evidence include: fibers, hairs, soils, glass, and other various substances. The microanalysis department also determines general criminalistics (WSP, 2004). They can identify patterns such as tire tracks and shoe prints. They also can determine how a crime was committed and what order the events occurred (WSP, 2004).

Latent fingerprint identification is probably one of the most widely used forms of forensics analysis. Fingerprints are analyzed by looking at the arches and swirls left on a fingerprint. Normally, a fingerprint technician will identify ten significant markings that make the print unique prior to entering the print into AFIS (WSP, 2004). Once a fingerprint is analyzed, AFIS will be able to find potential matches for a suspect.

There is also another form of evidence that is analyzed in crime labs. Document analyses are used to identify unique handwriting as well as the type of ink and paper that is used in a document (WSP, 2004). These documents will be checked for any forgeries as well as alterations. Certain types of documents are extremely important such as checks, credit card receipts, and extortion letters, for example (WSP, 2004).

The crime lab also offers many other services to local law enforcement agencies. They offer crime scene assistance, clandestine laboratory assistance, and training. When officials form the crime lab are needed at a crime scene they help collect and preserve evidence and are available twenty-four hours a day (WSP, 2004). When officers happen upon a clandestine laboratory -methamphetamine labs for example-they can help identify which chemicals are present by the recognition of hazardous fumes. Also, the crime lab officials can help in disassembling these types of labs (WSP, 2004). The officials provide training in an array of areas such as crime scene investigations and controlled substances to name a couple (WSP, 2004).

As one can see, crime labs are a much needed necessity to law enforcement agencies. They help identify suspects and aid in bringing justice to the courtroom. Without their specialized training, it would be extremely hard to convict a suspect of any crime.

Reference

WSP. (2004). Washington State Patrol -Crime Laboratory Division. Retrieved 25

January 2006 from http://www.wsp.wa.gov/crime/crimlabs.htm .