Crime Laboratory System (CLS)

The NYSP Crime Laboratory System (CLS) provides statewide support to all state criminal justice agencies with analytical and investigative capabilities and expert testimony related to the investigation and resolution of criminal matters.

The CLS 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): Specializes in controlled substance examinations.​

• 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 databases and
• Technical investigation specialists who will assist them with criminal investigations and evidence evaluation.

The CLS provides analyses and related support activities in forensic disciplines recognized by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) National Accreditation Board (ANAB).

The CLS was established in 1935 along with the creation of the plainclothes bureau of investigation within the Division of the State Police.

Mission

The New York State Police Crime Laboratory System (CLS) 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

The CLS strives to operate in a manner consistent with the best scientific principles and practices, as well as to ensure that all analyses, including laboratory work, written reports and court testimony are technically correct.

As mandated by New York Article 49-B of the Executive Law, the CLS is externally accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board to the International Organization of Standardization / International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) 17025 and the Accreditation Requirements (AR) 3125 standards for forensic testing laboratories. ANAB assesses crime laboratories internationally and accreditation is valid for a period of four years.

To be so awarded, laboratories must demonstrate that their management, operations, personnel, procedures, equipment, working environment and health and safety procedures are in compliance with the established standards set forth by ANAB.​

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

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

Statutes and Regulations

NYS Executive Law Article 49-B

9-NYCRR Chapter 8 Forensic Science

NYS Executive Law Article 11 Section 216-A

FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories

FBI Quality Assurance Standards for DNA Databasing Laboratories

The New York State Police Crime Laboratory System's Internship Program was established in 1998 to provide students and graduates with opportunities to learn more about the forensic science field.

Unpaid Internship: An internship designed for students interested in forensic science who may be considering a career in that field. This program allows students to gather specific knowledge, above that gained in the shadow program. Assignments can vary depending on the student's interests and academic coursework.​

Although preference will be given to students who have completed their junior year in college and have a natural science major, students having other majors will be considered for non-scientific tasks.

Internships are designed to meet the needs of several education levels:

• Sophomores or juniors in college who have an interest in pursuing forensic science as a career choice.
• Seniors in college or college graduates who have a serious interest in joining the field of forensic science.

Candidates should:

• Have excellent work ethic and organizational skills.
• Be adept at learning scientific procedures and protocols.
• Be self-motivated, self-directed and self-disciplined.

Interns will assist with non-evidentiary tasks associated with:

• Collecting, documenting and testing of assigned materials.
• Establishing and searching databases.
• Testing and validating new methods.

Participants are assigned to various Crime Laboratory System Sections.

If you are interested in a student internship in the Crime Laboratory System, please see how to apply.