Download Crime Labs

CRIME LABS
Crime Lab—Basic Services
 Location where a group of
criminalists and law
enforcement agencies freely
exchange information with the
purpose of solving crime
 Laboratory tests are conducted
on evidence that is collected
from crime scenes
 Can be composed of several
units (biology, fingerprint,
firearms)
Chapter 1
Unit #1 Notes Packet
Units That Can Exist In A
Crime Lab
 DNA
 Serology (body
fluids)
 Ballistics
(projectiles)
 Questioned
documents
 Toxicology
 Computer
Chapter 1
 Anthropology
 Pathology
 Geology
 Entomology
 Fingerprints
 Hair and Fiber
 Chemistry
 Biology
 Physics
Who Runs the Crime Labs
 Crime labs can be either public or private
Public crime labs are usually run by national,
state, or local law enforcement agencies
 Usually contain labs for several different
disciplines/services
Private crime labs are usually run by a person or a
corporation
 Usually focus on one type of crime
Chapter 1
Unit #1 Notes Packet
Variations In The Crime Lab
 Why aren’t all crime labs the same?
1. Variations in local laws
2. Different capabilities and functions of
the organization to which the lab is
attached
3. Budgetary and staffing limitations
4. Crime patterns in lab’s area
Chapter 1
Unit #1 Notes Packet
Major Crime Laboratories
 FBI


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http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/lab
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Created in 1932
Largest crime lab in the world
 DEA

Drug Enforcement Agency
 ATF

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
 U.S. Postal Service
 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Chapter 1
Unit #1 Notes Packet