Forensic Services

The Biology Unit receives over 400 requests per year for analysis of a variety of crimes. The analysts screen evidence for the presence of bodily fluids and conduct DNA analysis on probative samples. Watch the video to learn more.

Biologists compare DNA profiles developed from local crime scene evidence to convicted offenders, arrestees and other crime scene evidence profiles all across the country. 

The Chemistry Unit is licensed by the state of Maryland and registered with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, in addition to abiding by the additional requirements of these entities regarding procurement, transfer, possession, storage, use and disposal of controlled dangerous substances (CDS). Watch the video to learn more.

Chemists analyze evidence submitted by investigators for the presence of CDS by using a variety of techniques, including:

• Microscopy 

• Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) 

• Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) 

Technicians with the Crime Scene Unit respond to crime scenes to collect and document physical evidence. This can include:

• Photographing the scene, collecting trace evidence, and preserving items such as fingerprints, biological material or firearms

• Using specialized equipment to document scenes

• Ensuring that evidence is handled according to strict protocols, preserving its integrity for analysis and use in court

• Process items of evidence for latent prints using chemical and powder techniques. Latent prints developed and recovered as evidence are submitted to the Latent Print Unit for examination. 

Watch the video to learn more.

Computer Forensic Examiners with the Digital and Multimedia Evidence Unit analyze electronics including computers, mobile devices and other digital media for digital evidence.

Forensic Photographers maintain photographs taken by Forensic Services Technicians and detectives, and assist the Department in personnel and other media-related photographic services.

Watch the video to learn more.

The Firearms Unit is an established Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS) Site recognized by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This recognition authorizes the Unit to access the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) database. Access to this database enables Baltimore County to compare evidence submitted for image capture from local crime scenes to other crimes or firearms in the NIBIN database. The Firearms Unit consists of:

• A Supervisor
• Four Forensic Scientists/Firearms Examiners
• A part-time Firearms Examiner 

Duties 

• Perform examinations and comparisons of microscopic markings on fired bullets and cartridge casings

• Render firearms safe

• Conduct scientific field investigations of shooting scenes

• Perform serial number restorations

Watch the video to learn more.

The Friction Ridge Unit consists of the Evidence Processing Unit and Latent Print Unit.

Evidence Processing Unit

The Evidence Processing Unit consists of two analysts that: 

• Process requests for laboratory examinations from the field, including:
  • Latent print processing of evidence for latent prints using chemical and powder techniques. Latent prints developed and recovered as evidence are submitted to the Latent Print Unit for examination.  
  • Footwear examinations and database searches 
• Provide training for the Forensic Services Technicians 

Watch the video to learn more.

Latent Print Unit

The Latent Print Unit consists of a Supervisor, four Forensic Scientists/Latent Print Examiners, and two part-time Latent Print Examiners that:

• Analyze latent prints recovered from crime scenes/items of evidence using the method of Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation and Verification (ACE-V)
• Use a computer documentation system which tracks the process from start to finish
• Complete comparisons and verifications for potential identifications

Once an examiner determines that a print is of value, they can use the Maryland Automated Fingerprint Identification System (MAFIS) and Federal Automated Fingerprint Identification System known as the Next Generation Identification (NGI). These databases give Baltimore County access to the entire state of Maryland’s fingerprint records and records for the entire country, respectively. 

Watch the video to learn more.