EPD Forensics Evidence Unit Undergoes Successful Assessment for Renewal of American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Accreditation
In July 2013, EPD Forensics Evidence Unit became the state’s first local lab awarded American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors accreditation, and on Friday, November 17, 2017, that accreditation was renewed by ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB, the new home of ASCLD/LAB) through an assessment process. ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board ANAB purchased ASCLD/LAB in 2014 and added recently increased standards for their forensic clients (internationally).
According to Investigations Lieutenant David Natt, “The management and staff at our Forensics Evidence Unit worked diligently to achieve these stringent requirements. This accreditation is a testament of their professionalism, dedication and attention to detail. Their efforts are a point of pride to their unit, the department and the community they serve.”
FEU provides high quality and timely forensic processing for EPD cases as well as federal agencies. EPD has been performing forensics since at least 1959. Currently FEU handles latent fingerprint (including evidence screening), surveillance video and advanced crime scene reconstruction; including serial number restoration, trajectory, firearm test fires for functionality, presumptive blood testing, advanced photography and bloodstain pattern reconstruction. The unit handles approximately 150 new cases per month.
In 2013, the number of Forensic laboratories in Oregon that have achieved ASCLD-LAB accreditation included one state laboratory and two federal laboratories. FEU was the first local agency laboratory in Oregon to achieve this certification. FEU is the third lab in the world to have achieved the new higher standards through ANAB.
ANAB is a recognized organization that accredits forensic laboratories within the United States and throughout the world. ANAB accreditation reflects adherence to internationally-recognized management and scientific procedures for forensic laboratories. Obtaining accreditation is an important step toward ensuring that the laboratory meets the highest professional standards. Accredited laboratories are better able to face challenges presented in court and bring additional credibility in judicial proceedings. Accreditation provides for an independent, impartial, objective system by which the laboratory can get a total operational review. It also provides a means by which the agency can be measured and monitored over time in the overall quality assurance of laboratory services provided to the Criminal Justice System