Introduction

Mission

The State Police Crime Laboratory System is committed to accurately applying scientifically accepted protocols to the best evidence in a timely manner for the Criminal Justice Community of the State of New York.

Goals:

• To operate the laboratory in a manner consistent with the best scientific principles and practices.

• To ensure all analyses are technically correct including all actual laboratory work, written reports, verbal commitments of analysis and court testimony.

Crime Laboratory System

The NYSP's Crime Laboratory System (CLS) provides statewide support to all state criminal justice agencies with state-of-the-art forensic analytical and investigative capabilities and expert testimony related to the investigation and resolution of criminal matters. The System has four laboratories located across the state:

• Forensic Investigation Center (FIC), Albany, (1996), CLS Headquarters: Provides a full range of forensic science services, including the state's DNA Databank.

• Mid-Hudson Satellite Crime Laboratory (MHSCL), Stewart Airport, Newburgh (1978): Provides controlled substance examinations and toxicology analyses.

• Southern Tier Satellite Crime Laboratory (STSCL), Port Crane (1979): Specializes in controlled substance examinations.

• Western Satellite Crime Laboratory (WSCL), Olean (1987): Specializes in controlled substances analysis.

With one call to any one of the laboratories in the system, law enforcement agencies, district attorneys and courts can access:

• A full range of crime laboratory services
• Investigative assistance
• Forensic consultants
• Computerized data bases and
• Technical investigation specialists who will assist them with criminal investigations and evidence evaluation.

The CLS provides analysis and related support activities in forensic disciplines recognized by ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB).

ANAB Accredited

The CLS is externally accredited by ANAB to the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors - Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) program as mandated by New York code Article 49-B of the Executive Law. ANAB inspects crime laboratories internationally and accreditation holds for four years.

To be so awarded, laboratories must demonstrate that their management, operations, personnel procedures, equipment, physical plant and health and safety procedures have met, and will continue to meet, the established standards set forth by ANAB.

All four labs have successfully completed accreditation inspections by ANAB since 1993. In 2008, the CLS achieved its first ASCLD/LAB International Accreditation and has maintained that status by undergoing an annual surveillance audits.

ANAB accreditation confirms the CLS's reputation as one of the top publicly funded laboratories in the nation.