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).