SFPD Crime Lab Receives ASCLD-LAB Accreditation

On August 17, 2015 the American Society of Crime Lab Directors – Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD-LAB) announced that the San Francisco Police Department’s Crime Lab was awarded with ISO 17025 International Accreditation, representing the most stringent standards currently available to the forensic community. The SFPD Crime Lab processes DNA, Firearms, Footwear and Gunshot Residue evidence.

“This announcement from ASCLD serves as recognition for the hard work performed by the criminalists at the Crime Lab. It also shows our citizens that the SFPD Crime Lab meets the most current accreditation standards adopted by the oldest and most recognized forensic accrediting body in the world,” said Police Chief Greg Suhr. “The public should feel confident that the services provided by the SFPD Crime Lab meet international standards.”
 

Last year the SFPD Crime Lab received over 2200 criminal cases to process in the area of DNA, firearms, footwear and gunshot residue analysis. The lab completely eliminated both the untested rape kits as well the backlogged rape kits by utilizing outsourcing resources. The lab has dramatically reduced the turnaround times for complex DNA analysis from over 9 months on average to under 9 weeks in the past 18 months. The Crime Lab is set to add equipment, expand services and is in the process of hiring 7 criminalists and 1 supervisor.