Title
Crime Lab Overview
Description
This item provides the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee with a report on the Phoenix Police Department’s Laboratory Services Bureau.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
Established in 1960, the Phoenix Police Department’s laboratory began with two chemists working in a converted kitchen of an Elks Lodge at 320 W. Washington Street. In 1969, the Laboratory Services Bureau (LSB) was officially established as part of the Technical Services Division under its first Laboratory Director, Mr. William J. Collier. By 1975, the LSB relocated to the basement of Police Headquarters at 620 W. Washington Street, where it remained for more than three decades. During this time, the Bureau expanded its capabilities beyond chemistry to include latent prints, firearms, and serology. A major milestone came in 2000 when the LSB became a DNA-certified laboratory, followed by national accreditation in 2001 through the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors - Laboratory Accreditation Board. In 2007, the Bureau moved into a new, state-of-the-art facility at 621 W. Washington Street, marking a new era of growth and modernization.
Today, the LSB is a full-service crime laboratory accredited under the ANSI National Accreditation Board’s ISO/IEC 17025 Forensic Testing Laboratory program (AR 3125). Its mission is to provide the highest quality forensic science services to our community with integrity, innovation, and impartiality. The Bureau offers services in the following scientific disciplines and corresponding work units: Toxicology, Controlled Substances, Evidence Screening, Firearms, Trace/Fire Debris, Latent Print Comparative, Forensic DNA, Crime Scene Response, Case Management, and Administrative Support.
- Toxicology: Responsible for analyzing biological samples (blood and urine) from DUI and drug-facilitated sexual assault cases for alcohol and drugs.
- Controlled Substances: Examines seized drug samples for controlled and non-controlled substances.
- Evidence Screening: Analyzes crime scene evidence for latent prints suitable for latent print examination and biological materials suitable for DNA analysis.
- Latent Print Comparative: Compares latent prints developed from crime scene evidence to known prints of individuals.
- Forensic DNA: Develops DNA profiles from biological evidence for legal and investigative purposes.
- Firearms: Examines firearms and related evidence, including bullet and cartridge comparisons, shooting scene reconstruction, serial number restoration, and firearms function testing.
- Trace/Fire Debris: Analyzes trace evidence such as gunshot residue, fibers, footwear/tire impressions, fire debris, duct tape, and low explosives.
- Crime Scene Response: Processes complex crime scenes, documents evidence, and performs forensic testing on items that cannot be transported to the laboratory.
- Case Management: Serves as the liaison between investigators, attorneys, and the laboratory to facilitate the analysis of the best evidence using the best scientific processes available today and reducing the introduction of undue influence and bias.
Since its inception, the LSB has grown significantly in both personnel and capability. Today, it employs 170 authorized positions, including forensic scientists, crime scene specialists, laboratory technicians, and administrative staff. Over the past decade, the Bureau has issued on average 22,000 laboratory reports, corresponding to more than 67,000 items of crime scene evidence each year.
The LSB is recognized nationally for its leadership in forensic science. Its commitment to continuous improvement is evident through active participation in developing technical standards and best practices. Members represent the City of Phoenix on influential bodies such as ISO Technical Committee 272 on Forensic Science, NIST’s Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC), the Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence (SWGDE), the NIJ Forensic Laboratory Needs Working Group, and the FBI’s Technical Working Group on 3D Toolmark Technologies. In 2021, the LSB was honored by NIST for adopting the largest number of OSAC registry standards of any U.S. laboratory at that time.
Innovation is another hallmark of the Bureau. Its evidence screening process was highlighted in the NIJ’s Report to Congress as a promising practice for aligning crime scene evidence with the best science. The Bureau’s case management strategies for firearms evidence were similarly recognized. In 2021, the LSB received the FORESIGHT Maximus Award from the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors for operational efficiency.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by forensic professionals, the LSB has implemented a robust Employee Wellness Program to address vicarious trauma, stress, and burnout. This includes wellness training for new employees, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) resources, and regular wellness-focused events. In 2024, the Bureau welcomed Beaker, a therapy dog donated by the Fetch Foundation through the Phoenix Police Foundation. Beaker has become an invaluable source of comfort and morale for the team.
From its humble beginnings in a converted kitchen to its current status as a nationally recognized leader in forensic science, the Laboratory Services Bureau exemplifies the City of Phoenix’s commitment to public safety, innovation, and excellence. Through its dedicated professionals, cutting-edge technology, and unwavering focus on integrity, the LSB continues to provide critical support to law enforcement and the justice system, ensuring that science serves the truth for our community.
Location
621 W. Washington Street
Council District: 7
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Police Department.