Inside information about West Virginia’s Forensic Laboratory
WEST VIRGINIA STATE POLICE FORENSIC LABORATORY
The West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory is an accredited, full service laboratory that performs specialized examinations on evidence that is collected during criminal investigations. Services are provided free of charge to all law enforcement entities operating within the 55 counties of West Virginia.
LABORATORY PHILOSOPHY STATEMENTS
Management
Laboratory management recognizes that the Laboratory is one element of a multifaceted "criminal justice system," and that scientific results generated by the Laboratory may be used by any element of that system.
Mission
It is the mission of the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory to provide accurate and impartial scientific support services to all criminal justice agencies operating in the State of West Virginia.
Goal
The goal of the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory is to generate accurate, impartial, and timely scientific examinations and opinions for the criminal justice system of the State in the interest of public safety.
EXAMINATIONS AND FUNCTIONS
The Laboratory is composed of seven specialized sections that provide the following services:
Analysis and identification of controlled substances (Drug Identification Section).
Analysis, identification and quantification of ethyl alcohol, suspected alcoholic beverages, and blood alcohol content level. Analysis of urine and blood specimens for the presence of drugs (Toxicology Section).
Identification and comparison of paint, glass, and building materials. Analysis and identification of ignitable liquids in charred debris and other forms of evidence. Analysis and identification of gunshot residues (Trace Evidence Section).
Analysis of biological materials (Biochemistry Section).
Analysis, comparison, evaluation and verification of friction ridge skin impressions (Latent Prints Section).
Identification and comparison of tool marks, firearms comparisons, and distance determinations. Analysis of obliterated marks, fractured, cut, torn items, and impressions (Firearm/Toolmark Section).
Analysis and comparison of questioned documents. Analysis and comparison of footwear and tire tread impressions (Questioned Documents Section).
LABORATORY ACCREDITATION
Accreditation was first obtained by the Laboratory on September 26, 1994, through the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB). As a part of accreditation the Laboratory’s activities are monitored yearly by ASCLD/LAB. In order to maintain accreditation the Laboratory must comply with specific criteria relating to the Laboratory’s Management and Operations, Personnel and Physical Plant. The criteria and standards address laboratory administrative practices, procedures, training, evidence handling, quality control, analysis protocols, testimony, proficiency testing, personnel qualifications, space allocation, security, and a variety of other related topics. The Laboratory is audited yearly and inspected at five year intervals by ACSLD/LAB.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNTIES
Individuals seeking employment with the Laboratory should send a completed application, including educational transcripts, to:
Forensic Laboratory Director
725 Jefferson Road
South Charleston, WV 25309
Applications may be obtained from the Personnel Division of the West Virginia State Police see the “Employment” page of this web site for more information.
LABORATORY SECTIONS
Biochemistry
Drug
Firearms
Latent
Prints
Questioned Documents
Toxicology
Trace Evidence
Laboratory Field Manual (PDF)