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Forensic Laboratory Objectives
- Service. To provide quality
service to its customers.
- Training and Education. To
provide training to RCSD personnel and the quality management system;
and to provide continuing education to our customers.
- Accreditation. To maintain
laboratory quality, excellence and reliability by conforming to
international standards.
- Review. To practically review and
monitor the quality management system for potential nonconformity to
standards.
- Survey and Communication. To
conduct surveys and maintain communication with customers and personnel.
DNA
This unit offers DNA testing to include
criminal paternity testing with the 13 core CODIS FBI STR loci. Forensic
DNA or "DNA Fingerprinting" takes advantage of the fact that with the
exception of identical twins, each person's DNA is unique. This exam
includes or excludes individuals as being contributors (or the source of
stains) on a variety of items of evidence.
CODIS, or the Combined DNA Indexing System,
is a database of DNA profiles of convicted offenders and forensic cases.
DNA results can be entered into the state and national DNA database to
produce possible investigative leads. DNA profiles developed in the RCSD
unit are entered into CODIS as appropriate.
Drug Analysis
Forensic drug identification involves the
chemical and instrumental analysis of suspected controlled substances
evidence obtained during an arrest or seizure. Compounds may be
prescription or over-the counter medications, illicit substances, or
adulterants and diluents. Qualitative analysis is performed in order to
identify the substance(s) present. Forensic drug chemists are also asked
to identify drug paraphernalia and unknown substances from the death scene
in order to provide support to the coroner and medical examiner in the
assessment of cause and manner of death.
The forensic section also provides
clandestine laboratory response. which involves the assessment,
dismantling, and analysis of evidence obtained from laboratories engaged
in the production of illicit drugs (i.e. methamphetamine).
Firearms / Tool Marks
The
Firearms and Tool Marks section provides:
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comparison of unfired ammunition;
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comparison of fired bullets, bullet fragments, cartridge cases, and
shotgun shells;
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restoration of obliterated or altered serial numbers;
- tool
mark examination and comparisons;
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fracture match analysis;
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firearm function testing; and
- the
identification of firearms and firearms components.
Examiners
also process and test fire firearms for entry into the National Integrated
Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) database via the SLED Integrated
Ballistics Identification System (IBIS) terminal.
Examiners
provide onsite support at crime scenes to assist in the collection of
relevant evidence. They may also perform trajectory analysis and shooting
scene reconstructions.
Fire Debris
Fire debris analysis involves the
examination of evidence for the presence of ignitable liquids (most
commonly gasoline, diesel fuel, or kerosene). Cases may have no ignitable
liquids present, but this does not mean the fire was not arson. Fire
debris chemists assist arson investigators, but arson investigators are
responsible for determining whether a fire is the result of arson or
accident. Fire debris chemists also provide onsite support at fire scenes
to assist in the collection, preservation, and documentation of evidence.
Chronology of Forensic Science
Division
- 1969: Crime scene response unit
established.
- 1994: AFIS installed.
- 1997: Sheriff Leon Lott takes office.
- 2002: Drug Identification unit opens.
- 2002: Fire Debris Analysis unit opens.
- 2003: Firearms/tool Marks unit opens.
- 2004: DNA unit opens.
- 2006: ASCLD/Lab - International
Accreditation - DNA
- 2009: ASCLD/Lab - International
Accreditation - Entire laboratory
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Quick Links:
RCSD Evidence and Property Handbook
2011 - 2012 Forensic Services Pricelist
Richland
County Sheriff's Foundation
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Richland County's Wanted
Unsolved Homicides
Missing Juveniles
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Internet
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Sex Offender Registry
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