Jan ’26 Newsletter
About the Lab
The Forensic Laboratories provides services in six disciplines – Digital Evidence, Firearms, Forensic Chemistry, Fire Debris, Forensic Biology/DNA, and Latent Prints
Welcome: Sarah Hayes
Please join us in welcoming Sarah Hayes, our new Computer Evidence Specialist. Sarah brings a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Digital Investigations, along with over four years of experience as a Digital Forensic Researcher. We’re excited to have her join the team and look forward to the expertise she brings to our work.
Forensic Science Disciplines
Forensic science encompasses the scientific methods and specialized expertise used to investigate crimes and analyze evidence for potential use in court. It includes a wide range of disciplines, from fingerprint and DNA analysis to the examination of synthetic opioids and digital evidence.
At our laboratory, we provide services in the following disciplines: Digital Evidence, Firearms, Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Biology/DNA, and Latent Prints. If an agency requests services outside of these areas, we can assist in identifying other laboratories that offer the needed expertise. Below are two examples of disciplines not offered by our laboratory but commonly available at other facilities.
Trace Evidence
Trace evidence includes small materials such as gunshot residue, explosives, fibers, hair, paint, or glass that may be left at or carried from a crime scene. Forensic scientists analyze these minute fragments to help link suspects or objects to a crime through physical matches and by comparing physical and chemical characteristics using microscopic and instrumental analysis. Reliable methods and reference materials are developed to ensure accurate detection, measurement, and interpretation.
Impression Evidence
Forensic footwear and tire analysis, are types of impression evidence involving the detection, documentation, collection, examination, and comparison of footwear and tire impressions. This discipline examines tread patterns, design features, and wear characteristics. Examiners analyze impressions to determine possible source, manufacturer, make, or model, and compare questioned impressions to known items or images.