Questioned Documents Unit
Parker Center
Room 413
213-485-2976
Obtains handwriting samples from suspected writers and compares them with questioned writing to determine if the same person wrote both documents. Examines typewriting and other evidence involving mechanical printing or copying processes to identify their source. Conducts analysis of stamps and impressions, paper, ink, and other documentary evidence to establish the authenticity of the contested document, approximate the date of production, or to distinguish multiple writing instruments. Deciphers typewriter ribbons; enhances faint impressions; restores obliterated information; determines page substitutions; reconstructs torn documents; visualizes and preserves latent indentations.
Identification and comparison of bodily fluids, such as blood, saliva, and semen through genetic markers such as DNA.
Trace Analysis Unit
213-847-0055
Comparison of shoe/tire prints, hairs, fibers, paint, tool marks, and other trace evidence.
Special Testing
213-847-0052
Analyses of gun shot residue, explosives, arson residue, general organic (drugs and poisons) and inorganic (metals and minerals).
Firearms Analysis Unit
Northeast Area
213-485-6503
Comparison of expended bullets and spent casings associated with a crime to bullets and casings fired from a suspected firearm. Services also include determining muzzle to target distance, determining type and caliber of projectiles, differentiating entrance and exit holes, and serial number restoration.
Field Unit
213-847-0046
Responds to crime scenes, follow-up investigations, and vehicle search requests during normal business hours. Services include documenting, collecting, and preserving physical evidence at crime scenes and blood pattern interpretation for reconstruction.
Forensic Photography
213-847-0050
Photography serves as a tool to show particular items of evidence and specific details. Usually, a photographer can record and preserve essential information using straightforward photographic techniques. However, the photographer may find that special lighting, close-up techniques or photography with infrared or ultra violet radiation can reveal further information.
Photographs cannot recreate the original subject; however, they do preserve a visual record of a moment in time. Photographic techniques may be used to record or to extend vision and comprehension. Regardless of the techniques or photographic medium, the photograph only represents the existence of an object or an innate quality of the object.
The forensic photographer must deal with capturing the seen and unseen. Photographs can extend the perception of the investigator to reveal hidden facts. The Forensic Photographer utilizes experience and training to photographically enhance fingerprints, gun residue, bloodstains, handwriting, trace items, documents, etc.
The forensic photographer often depends on experience and creativity to solve photographic problems. Creativity is involved in the process of visualization of the often obscure.
Photographic Services provided by the Forensic Photography Unit:
A specialized team available to respond to fatal hit-and-run collisions. Physical evidence is collected to place the driver in the car, to place the victim in contact with the car, or to place the suspect’s car at the crime scene.
inside the lapd 
