Forensic & Technical Services Section

The four regional forensic laboratories and the DNA Laboratory within the Office of Forensic Sciences are internationally accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 Standards by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) Forensic Testing Accreditation Program

To be accredited, a laboratory must follow and stay compliant to the over 500 ISO/IEC 17025 International Standards, in addition to ANAB Supplemental Requirements. The DNA Laboratory must adhere and maintain compliance to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories and DNA Databasing Laboratories. The OFS Laboratory System follows a comprehensive Quality Assurance Program that includes document control, proficiency testing, validation of methods/instruments, audits, continuing education, training, quality control, and utilization of up-to-date procedures. This program ensures that the citizens of the State of New Jersey are provided timely forensic services of irrefutable quality.

The major functions of the laboratories within the OFS include, but are not limited to, the scientific analysis of physical evidence, evaluation of the analytical results, preparation of reports, providing expert testimony in court, assistance at crime scenes, providing training to law enforcement personnel regarding identification, documentation, collection, and preservation of physical evidence, and serving as a source of information relevant to criminal investigations.