Division of Forensic Sciences
The principal mission of the Division of Forensic Sciences, commonly referred to as the “Forensic Lab”, is to provide quality and timely scientific analyses of physical evidence to criminal justice entities operating in Westchester County. The laboratory also provides expert scientific testimony to the various courts in our jurisdictional area. The division's various units examine a wide array of evidentiary materials such as items tested for the presence of DNA, controlled substances, fibers, hairs, fire debris, gunshot residue, and audio, video, and image analyses.
To promote these objectives, various quality assurance measures have been instituted over the years to ensure the legal system of the accuracy of the work product of the laboratory. The quality of this work is affirmed through the accreditations of the laboratory by both private and governmental accrediting bodies.
The laboratory is accredited in the field of Forensic Testing in the disciplines listed below by the New York State Commission of Forensic Science and the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). The laboratory has fulfilled the current requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, ANAB Forensic Testing & Calibration AR 3125, and the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.
- Biology (includes DNA Testing)
- Digital and Video/Imaging Technology and Analysis
- Fire Debris
- Firearms
- Impressions
- Materials (Trace)
- Seized Drugs
The division has been a very active partner with law enforcement, legal, and other agencies of Westchester County, providing countless courses and presentations promoting the use and understanding of scientific evidence in criminal investigations.
All of the above keeps the laboratory on the cutting edge of the forensic sciences. The division strives to provide the county with the most advanced analysis of physical evidence in a cost-effective way, thus contributing to the increased safety of Westchester County residents.
The division participates in community outreach by offering tours and lectures to local schools. County high school students are being offered the opportunity to shadow forensic staff for a day (individually, not in groups); college juniors studying Forensic Science (or similar) may qualify for an internship during their winter or summer breaks.