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Criminalistics Laboratory Receives National Accreditation
On December 6, 1998, the Criminalistics Laboratory of Scientific Investigation Division (SID) received formal accreditation from the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB). Accreditation was accomplished because of the dedication and commitment of the staff of the Criminalistics Laboratory, supported by personnel throughout the Division and Department.
The Crime Laboratory Accreditation Program of ASCLD/LAB is a voluntary program in which any crime laboratory may participate to demonstrate that its management, operations, personnel, procedures, equipment, physical plant, security, and personnel safety procedures meet established standards. The accreditation process is part of a laboratory's quality assurance program that also includes proficiency testing, continuing education, and other programs to help the laboratory give better overall service to the criminal justice system
During the accreditation process, ASCLD/LAB inspectors closely scrutinized the Criminalistics Laboratory’s evidence-handling procedures, analytical techniques, quality assurance program, quality control procedures, analyst qualifications, testimony skills, and physical plant. Accreditation provides the laboratory’s employees with a sense of pride in meeting these difficult standards, as well as providing a foundation for establishing credibility and expertise in court and throughout the criminal justice community.
More information about the accreditation process can be obtained from the ASCLD/LAB website.