Forensic lab reaccreditation confirms its unbiased expertise

From the crime scene to the courthouse, the New Mexico Department of Public Safety’s Forensic Laboratory Bureau reassures the justice system and public that standards of excellence are attained and maintained.

The forensic lab, which supports all New Mexico law enforcement, criminal justice, and court systems, analyzes forensic evidence collected at crime scenes and presents their scientific findings in court, has again achieved international accreditation.

The lab was reaccredited in the disciplines of forensic biology (DNA and serology), firearms and toolmarks, controlled substance analysis, methamphetamine quantitation, and latent prints under the International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission standards. This means the accrediting body examines staff competence, training, and continuing education; method validation; appropriateness of test methods; traceability of measurements and calibrations to national standards; suitability, and maintenance of test equipment; testing environment; documentation, sampling, and handling of test items; and quality assurance of data, including reporting results and proficiency tests.

From television and movies to real world New Mexico, forensic analysis of crime scene evidence is the expectation. Law enforcement, defense and prosecution teams, the public, and ultimately the courts, all seek to safeguard the rights of the accused and minimize risk of wrongful convictions.

This is a voluntary, and rigorous evaluation that ensures the policies, practices, and procedures are followed daily. It also confirms forensic scientists perform meticulous work, provide unbiased analysis and laboratory reports, and testify as expert witnesses in their scientific discipline.

The DPS Forensic Laboratory is not immune to its critics — legal teams, paid consultants, paid experts and individuals who want to chip away at its credibility. This accreditation reaffirms the laboratory meets or exceeds international standards, annulling such criticism.