Accreditation > ASCLD/LAB

The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) offers accreditation to forensic laboratories that exhibit strict compliance to a large number of rigorous quality standards.  The accreditation program is voluntary and open to any crime laboratory.  The program's criteria address all areas of the laboratory's operations including management, personnel training and qualifications, technical operations, evidence handling, proficiency testing, lab security, and health and safety.  Compliance to these standards is assessed through a comprehensive and thorough inspection performed by an external team of ASCLD/LAB trained inspectors. There are 145 standards that are rated as either Essential, Important or Desirable.  In order to be granted accreditation, a laboratory must meet 100% of the 78 Essential criteria, 75% of the 47 Important criteria and 50% of the 20 Desirable criteria.  Accreditation is granted for a period of five years during which time the ASCLD/LAB Proficiency Review Committee reviews Proficiency Test results for each accredited discipline and requires an annual audit report conducted to the ASCLD/LAB standards.

After years of hard work and preparation, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department received accreditation from ASCLD/LAB July 1, 2003 in the areas of Controlled Substances, Toxicology, Biology/DNA, Trace Evidence (Fibers, Fire Debris and Paint), Firearms/Toolmarks, Questioned Documents and Latent Prints.  The honor of receiving this accreditation reflects on the exceptional quality, experience and professionalism of the laboratory personnel.  As the Director of Laboratory Services, Linda Errichetto is now a voting member of the Delegate Assembly of ASCLD/LAB which elects the Board of Directors who manage the accreditation program.  As of December 2003, there are 260 accredited laboratories worldwide.

The LVMPD Forensic Lab provides professional forensic services to the LVMPD and other Nevada law enforcement agencies including the unbiased scientific examination and analysis of evidentiary material and property, supervision and management of specific technical programs, assistance in scientific investigations, expert testimony concerning the analyses performed, the interpretation of technical data and laboratory findings, and other related forensic services and activities.  The laboratory is staffed by 38 full time technical and support positions and provides analytical services in Biology/DNA, Chemistry and Comparative Analysis.

Visit www.ascld-lab.org for more information.