- 01 Introduction
- 02 Biology of DNA
- 03 Practical Issues Specific to DNA Evidence
- 04 Introduction to the Forensic DNA Laboratory
- 05 Assuring Quality in DNA Testing
- 06 Understanding a Forensic DNA Lab Report
- 07 Statistics and Population Genetics
- 08 Mitochondrial DNA & Y-STR Analysis
- 09 Forensic DNA Databases
- 10 Collection of DNA Evidence from Suspects and Arrestees
- 11 Pretrial DNA Evidence Issues
- 12 Victim Issues
- 13 Trial Presentation
- 14 Postconviction DNA Cases
- 15 Emerging Trends
Principles of Forensic DNA
for Officers of the Court
for Officers of the Court
Module 4 :: Intro To the Lab
Topic 3 :: Forensic DNA Laboratory Organization
Laboratory Structure
The crime lab systems in operation across the country vary in structure. Public crime labs may be federal-, state-, county-, or city-sponsored. Many public labs are associated with a law enforcement entity; some are associated with a district attorney's office, while others are independent government entities. Some forensic laboratories are privately held companies.
Not all laboratories are capable of providing comprehensive and complete forensic services. Some do not have the capability to conduct DNA testing and may need to contract out their DNA cases to other agencies or private corporations.
