Inside the Crime Lab: A Complete Tour of the Denver Police Crime Laboratory

Summary

The Denver Police Crime Lab offers a behind-the-scenes look at forensic science, showcasing units like Firearms and Tool Mark, Forensic Imaging, Latent Prints, Trace Evidence, Forensic Biology and DNA, and Crime Scene. Each unit utilizes advanced techniques and technology to analyze evidence, from fingerprinting and DNA profiling to ballistics and chemical analysis, playing a crucial role in solving crimes and ensuring justice.

Takeaways

• 🔎 The Denver Police Crime Lab is equipped with advanced tools and technologies to aid in forensic investigations.
• 👁️‍🗨️ Fingerprint identification is a crucial method for personal identification and is considered a strong link in the chain of evidence.
• 🔬 The lab uses various scientific instruments such as emission spectrographs and mass spectrographs to analyze evidence.
• 🚫 Clean spaces within the lab are maintained to prevent contamination, requiring personnel to wear masks, gloves, and lab coats.
• 🔍 Physical evidence is meticulously documented through photography and laboratory examination to ensure its integrity.
• 🔒 The Firearms and Tool Mark Unit conducts examinations to determine if specific tools or firearms were used in crimes.
• 📸 The Forensic Imaging Unit specializes in video analysis and photographic documentation of evidence for legal matters.
• 👁️‍🗨️ Latent prints are developed using techniques like cyanoacrylate fuming and compared to known prints for identification.
• 🧬 The Forensic Biology and DNA Unit processes biological evidence and develops DNA profiles for comparison with known samples.
• 🚔 The Crime Scene Unit responds to and processes crime scenes, employing various techniques to collect and preserve evidence.
• 🧪 The Forensic Chemistry Unit handles narcotics cases, blood alcohol analysis, and arson investigations, using instruments like gas chromatographs.

Q & A

What is the primary role of the Denver Police Crime Lab?

The primary role of the Denver Police Crime Lab is to conduct forensic investigations that support criminal cases, process evidence, and contribute to the identification and apprehension of criminals.

How does the fingerprint unit at the crime lab develop latent prints?

The fingerprint unit uses a cyanoacrylate fuming chamber, also known as a superglue chamber, to develop latent prints. The superglue vapor adheres to the print residue, and a liquid dye stain is applied to make the prints visible under a laser.

What is the purpose of the firearms and tool mark unit in the crime lab?

The firearms and tool mark unit examines firearms for proper functionality, performs test firings, conducts gunpowder pattern testing to determine distances, and compares fired bullets and cartridge cases to specific firearms. It also restores obscured serial numbers and uses the national integrated ballistic information network (NIBIN) for comparisons.

What does the forensic imaging unit do at the crime lab?

The forensic imaging unit retrieves video from crime scenes, captures still images of suspects and vehicles, assists with video playback and review, and securely archives photographs of evidence. They also convert older analog media to digital formats for easier analysis.

How does the trace evidence unit contribute to crime investigations?

The trace evidence unit collects and analyzes microscopic debris, such as hair, fibers, glass, and paint particles, to establish elements of a crime. They use tools like comparison microscopes and chemical analysis instruments to identify and compare evidence.

What is the significance of the forensic biology and DNA unit in the crime lab?

The forensic biology and DNA unit examines evidence for biological matter, identifies biological fluids, and processes samples for DNA analysis. They develop DNA profiles from items of evidence and compare them to known DNA profiles to help solve cases.

What are some of the specialized techniques used by the crime scene unit?

The crime scene unit uses specialized techniques such as shooting reconstruction, bullet trajectory analysis, blood stain pattern analysis, DNA and trace evidence collection, and latent fingerprint processing.

What is the role of the forensic chemistry unit in the crime lab?

The forensic chemistry unit handles narcotics cases, blood alcohol analysis for DUI investigations, and ignitable liquid analysis for arson cases. They use instruments like gas chromatographs and mass spectrometers for substance identification and quantification.

Why is the ISO 17025 accreditation important for the Denver Police Crime Lab?

ISO 17025 accreditation is important because it is an international standard that ensures the lab's testing and calibration services are reliable and accurate. Achieving this accreditation demonstrates the lab's commitment to quality and compliance with rigorous standards.

How does the quality assurance unit support the crime lab's operations?

The quality assurance unit maintains documentation, ensures compliance with ISO standards, processes laboratory requests, manages case reports, orders supplies, processes subpoenas, and provides case discovery for trials, thereby supporting the overall quality and efficiency of the crime lab.