NCJ Number
218829
Journal
Forensic Science Communications Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: April 1999 Pages: 1-16
Date Published
April 1999
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper examines some of the obstacles to the planning and building of a new laboratory facility capable of performing state-of-the-art forensic analyses with high quality in a timely manner, and it provides guidance for needs assessment and planning for a new facility.
Abstract
Most obstacles to the successful and timely development of forensic laboratory facilities originate from those who control the funding process for capital improvement projects. Their lack of understanding of the complexity and uniqueness of forensic laboratories may cause them to favor a new facility similar to the existing facility, but larger. They also tend to compromise quality in the interest of saving money. In discussing why the forensic laboratory is unique, the authors cite five general features of the forensic laboratory that makes it unlike any other type of laboratory. The forensic laboratory must uniquely accommodate analyses that involve biological sciences, wet chemistry, microscopy, instrumentation, and physical properties analysis. Design implications are drawn for special laboratory sections, chain-of-custody requirements, and diagnostic examinations. A key to the design and building of an effective forensic laboratory is a comprehensive needs assessment prepared by a professional with experience in forensic laboratory planning and design. A needs assessment will determine whether a new forensic laboratory is needed, what spaces should be included in the new laboratory, how large it should be, and how much it will costs. The needs assessment should include input from laboratory staff. Separate sections of the paper discuss why offices for forensic analysts are essential in a new facility, as well as amenities for laboratory personnel.